Austrian experiences with redo antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

From 1996, the entire number of fundoplications performed in Austria increased dramatically, favoring the laparoscopic technique. Despite good results, some patients experience failure of antireflux surgery and therefore require redo surgery if medical therapy fails to control symptoms. The aim of the study was to describe the refundoplication policy in Austria with evaluation of the postoperative results.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all Austrian surgical departments at the beginning of 2003 with questions about redo fundoplications (number, techniques, intraoperative complications, history, migration of patients, preoperative workup, mortality, and postoperative long-term complaints). It also included questions about primary fundoplications (number, technique, postoperative symptoms).

RESULTS

Out of 4,504 primary fundoplications performed in Austria since 1990, 3,952 have been carried out laparoscopically. In a median of 31 months after the primary operation, 225 refundoplications have been performed, laparoscopically in the majority of patients. The Nissen and the partial posterior fundoplication were the preferred techniques. The conversion rate in these was 10.8%, mainly because of adhesions and lacerations of the spleen, the stomach, and the esophagus. The mortality rate after primary fundoplications was 0.04%, whereas the rate after refundoplications was 0.4%, all resulting from an open approach.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic refundoplications are widely accepted as a treatment option after failed primary antireflux surgery in Austria. However, the conversion rate is 6 times higher and the mortality rate is 10 times higher than for primary antireflux surgery. Therefore, redo fundoplications should be performed only in departments with large experience.

The Nissen fundoplication: indication, technical aspects and postoperative outcome

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common foregut disease, with a great impact on quality of life and with intestinal, respiratory and cardiac symptoms and implications of carcinogenesis of the oesophagus. Medical therapy often fails, due to the complex pathophysiology of GERD. Surgery can cure the disease, since it is able to restore the anti-reflux barrier. It improves quality of life and prevents carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Review of the literature and presentation of our own experience and data in a series of more than 4,000 evaluated patients referred for suspected reflux disease, of whom 382 have been operated on.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly used operation technique. It provides good long-term results in the majority of patients. However, due to an increase of outflow resistance of the oesophagus this operation is associated with some postoperative side effects. Therefore, alternative anti-reflux procedures may be indicated in selected patients.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication with the DaVinci system: initial experiences and technical aspects

BACKGROUND

This pilot study evaluated the role of the DaVinci operation robot for laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A robot-assisted laparoscopic Toupet-fundoplication was performed on nine consecutive patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease using the DaVinci robot system. The operative procedure was performed in the same way as for the conventional laparoscopic procedure. Clinical assessment and endoscopic and manometric follow-up investigations were performed 6 months after surgery in six of the patients.

RESULTS

The mean robotic operative time was 173 min (120-235). A mean of 25 min (12-45) was required to establish the pneumoperitoneum, to set the trocars, and to place the robot arms. There were no intraoperative complications. Six months after surgery none of the patients suffered from reflux symptoms and none of the patients had acute esophagitis. Postoperatively one patient complained of mild transient dysphagia. However, persistent dysphagia was not found in any of the patients. One further patient complained of mild bloating. No other side effects occurred. Manometrically there was a significant improvement in the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

CONCLUSIONS

The robot-assisted partial posterior fundoplication is a safe procedure and provides a high-quality three-dimensional camera image that is superior to that with the conventional laparoscopic device. The handling of the instruments is precise, and intracorporeal suturing and knot tying is much easier than without the robotic technique. The procedure allows for an accurate approximation of the hiatal crura and for precise construction of the fundic wrap. However, robotic surgery is expensive and the setup of the system is time consuming at present.

Barrett's esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Medical therapy or antireflux surgery?

Barrett's esophagus is the most serious form of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It may develop due to uncontrolled chronic duodenogastroesophageal reflux and represents a premalignant abnormality. The question of the development of Barrett's esophagus and the progression to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is addressed by comparison of the data available in the literature. A retrospective review of the literature on the outcome of GERD patients after surgical and medical therapy, is made. Surgical therapy is able to eliminate reflux of gastric and duodenal contents and therefore seems to be superior over medical therapy in the prevention of Barrett's esophagus and its progression to invasive cancer. Surgery should be considered in all Barrett's patients especially in young patients, patients with large hiatal hernia, increasing drug doses or noncompliance to medical therapy.

Efficacy of medical therapy and antireflux surgery to prevent Barrett's metaplasia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Barrett's metaplasia may develop despite effective medical therapy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has a multifactorial etiology. Therefore, medical treatment may not prevent complications of reflux disease.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients with reflux disease and mild esophagitis were prospectively studied for the development of Barrett's metaplasia while receiving long-term therapy with proton pump inhibitors and cisapride. Only patients who had effective control of reflux symptoms and esophagitis were included. The surveillance time was 2 years. The outcome of these 83 patients was compared with that of 42 patients in whom antireflux surgery was performed with a median follow-up of 3.5 years.

RESULTS

Twelve (14.5%) patients developed Barrett's while receiving medical therapy; this was not seen after surgery. Patients developing Barrett's had a weaker lower esophageal sphincter and peristalsis before treatment than patients with uncomplicated disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery is superior to medical therapy in the prevention of Barrett's metaplasia. Therefore, patients with reflux disease who have a weak lower esophageal sphincter and poor esophageal peristalsis should undergo antireflux surgery, even if they have only mild esophagitis.

Selection of patients for laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Since the first laparoscopic fundoplication was performed, the frequency of antireflux surgery has increased rapidly with some centers now having an experience of about 1,000 procedures. The question arises whether this increase is due to a change in indications for the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) despite the simultaneous appearance of powerful antisecretory medications. Adequate knowledge of the pathophysiology of GERD is necessary in order to establish selection criteria for patients suitable for laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In this article, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology, and provide a rationale for medical and surgical treatment. We also offer an approach to patient selection for antireflux surgery.

Treatment of morbid obesity with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding affects esophageal motility

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has become the prefered method for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity in Europe. It is not known whether this procedure may induce gastroesophageal reflux and whether it may impair esophageal peristalsis.

METHODS

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Swedish band) was performed in 43 patients (median body mass index [BMI] 42.5 kg/m(2)). Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively all patients were assessed for reflux symptoms. In addition all patients underwent preoperative and postoperative endoscopy, esophageal barium studies and manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring.

RESULTS

The median BMI dropped significantly to 33.1 kg/m(2) (P <0.05). Preoperatively 12 patients complained of reflux symptoms. Mild esophagitis was detected in 10 patients. Postoperatively only 1 patient complained of heartburn and mild esophagitis was diagnosed in another patient. None of the patients had dysphagia. Preoperatively a defective LES and pathologic pH-testing were found in 9 and 15 patients, respectively. These parameters were normal in all of the patients postoperatively. Postoperatively there was significant impairment of LES relaxation and deterioration of esophageal peristalsis with dilatation of the esophagus in some of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding provides a sufficient antireflux barrier and therefore prevents pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. However, it impairs relaxation of the LES, leading to weak esophageal peristalsis.

Alterations of gut neuropeptides in gastroesophageal reflux disease are resolved after antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause alterations of gut neuropeptides such as motilin and neurotensin that are known to control foregut motility. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these alterations may be resolved following antireflux surgery.

METHODS

Basal and postprandial plasma levels of motilin and neurotensin were measured in 20 GERD patients preoperatively and 6 months after antireflux surgery. There were 9 patients with normal esophageal peristalsis and 11 with poor esophageal body motility. Eleven healthy subjects served as control group.

RESULTS

GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility had low basal plasma levels of motilin and high levels of neurotensin. Postprandial motilin levels were significantly increased in these GERD patients. After antireflux surgery, all observed alterations of gut neuropeptides returned to normal values.

CONCLUSION

Alterations of gut neuropeptides may be implicated in the pathophysiology of impaired esophageal peristalsis in GERD. Antireflux surgery restores normal physiology of gut neuropeptides. This may contribute to improvement of foregut motility in GERD, thus counteracting duodenogastric reflux.

[Prokinetic medication after surgical therapy of reflux patients with disorders of esophageal peristalsis: a randomized clinical study]

BACKGROUND

Long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. Partial posterior fundoplication improves esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate whether administration of the prokinetic agent cisapride enhances this effect.

METHODS

Forty consecutive GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis entered the study and were randomized in two groups: group 1 with and group 2 without postoperative treatment with cisapride (6 months, 20 mg twice daily). Four patients had to be excluded during the study. Esophageal motility was analyzed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery by measuring contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of simultaneous and interrupted peristaltic waves and total number of defective propagations.

RESULTS

In both groups esophageal peristalsis was improved significantly following partial posterior fundoplication (p < 0.05; Wilcoxon Test). However, this effect was significantly more pronounced in patients receiving cisapride medication postoperatively (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure, intra-abdominal sphincter length and the DeMeester reflux score were normalized in both groups following antireflux surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial posterior fundoplication combined with postoperative cisapride medication seems to be the therapy of choice in GERD patients with impaired esophageal body motility.

Accurate placement of the esophageal pH electrode for 24-hour pH monitoring using a combined pH/manometry probe

OBJECTIVE

Accurate placement of a pH electrode requires manometric localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Combined manometry/pH devices using water-perfused tubes attached to pH catheters and the use of an electronic "LES locator" have been reported. We investigated whether accurate placement of pH probes can be achieved using such a probe, and whether this may reduce the need for the performance of the usual stepwise pull-back manometry.

METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients (15 men, 15 women; median age, 56 yr; interquartile range, 42-68 yr) referred for manometry and pH testing were included in the study. The localization of the LES was determined with standard esophageal manometry. After that, a second 3-mm pH electrode with an internal perfusion port was passed into the stomach. Using this catheter, a single stepwise pull-through manometry was performed and the LES position was noted. LES location, mean pressure, and length obtained with standard manometry were compared to data from the combined pH/manometry catheter. Additionally the time necessary to perform each of the procedures was noted and the patient's discomfort caused by the catheter was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

The LES location with the pH/manometry probe was proximal to that with standard manometry in 19 patients (63%), the same in nine patients (30%), and distal in two patients (7%). The differences were <2 cm in 29 of 30 (97%) patients. The LES location with the pH/manometry probe required a median of 6.5 min (interquartile range: 3.5-8.5 min) versus a median of 21.5 min (interquartile range: 14.5-26.5 min) for standard manometry (p < 0.0001). In addition, LES evaluation using the combined pH/manometry probe provided accurate data on the resting pressure, as well as overall and intraabdominal length of the LES. All patients tolerated the combination probe better than the standard manometry probe (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of the esophageal electrode for 24-h esophageal pH monitoring using a combined pH/manometry probe is accurate. The technique is simple, time-saving, and convenient for the patients. Because it is possible to accurately evaluate the LES using this technique, it may even replace conventional manometry before pH probe placement.

[Long-term results of laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication in patients with esophageal reflux and disorders of esophageal peristalsis]

BACKGROUND

Gastrosophageal reflux disease (GERD) of long duration is frequently associated with impaired esophageal body motility. This condition has been considered unsuitable for antireflux surgery.

METHODS

In order to investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, we studied 67 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal body function who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. A standardized questionnaire, upper GI endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 28 months (range, 6-54 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus (level 3, 4, and 5), frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous and interrupted waves and total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were-evaluated.

RESULTS

Following antireflux surgery 65 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy, confirmed by histology. The rate of dysphagia was reduced from 49% preoperatively to 9% postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in esophageal peristalsis after the antireflux procedure. The median DeMeester reflux score was reduced from 33.3 to 1.1 (p < 0.001). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and intra-abdominal length were normal after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility in the long term. Postoperative dysphagia is avoided by improving esophageal body function.

Respiratory symptoms and dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a comparison of medical and surgical therapy

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition and may frequently lead to dysphagia and respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of medical and surgical therapy to control these symptoms.

METHODS

Eighty GERD patients with either dysphagia or respiratory symptoms were studied by means of a detailed symptom questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring and a barium esophagogram. All patients had been receiving medical therapy with proton-pump inhibitors and cisapride for 6 months. After withdrawal of medical therapy and relapse of GERD, 62 patients decided to undergo anti-reflux surgery (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 19 and laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication in 43 patients). Symptoms were assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months following medical therapy and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Dysphagia was improved in all patients following surgery but only in 27% of patients following medical therapy. Improvement of respiratory symptoms was found in 86% of patients following surgery but only in 14% following medical therapy. Improvement of regurgitation was registered only following surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Since medical treatment is likely to fail in GERD patients with complex symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation and respiratory symptoms, the need for surgery arises in these patients and may be the only successful treatment in the long term.

Surgical therapy for primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with previous thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) and previous thyroid operations, complications of parathyroidectomy are more frequent than in patients undergoing initial neck surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of preoperative imaging with regard to its influence on the surgical strategy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with primary HPTH and previous thyroid surgery. Preoperatively 16 patients underwent sonography and/or scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Sonography had an overall accuracy to correctly localize enlarged parathyroid glands of 80%, and scintiscanning had overall accuracy of 78.6%. The accuracy of localization was increased up to 84.6% if both diagnostic procedures were applied. In patients with normal thyroid residues the accuracy of sonography was 85.7%, and it was 100% if scintiscanning was used.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative localization techniques in patients with primary HPTH and previous thyroid surgery have high accuracy. This allows for an imaging-directed operative strategy, thus preventing unnecessary bilateral neck explorations, which carry a high risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication provides excellent intermediate results in GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal peristalsis, and many authorities consider this condition not suitable for Nissen fundoplication.

METHODS

To investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, 78 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal contractility who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication were studied. A standardized questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 31 months (range 6-57 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous, and interrupted waves, and the total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter were evaluated.

RESULTS

After antireflux surgery, 76 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy. The rate of dysphagia decreased from 49% preoperatively to 10% postoperatively (P < .001). Features defining impaired esophageal body motility improved significantly after antireflux surgery. The median DeMeester score on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring decreased from 33.3 to 1.1 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility. Postoperative dysphagia is diminished, probably because of improved esophageal body function.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Open antireflux surgery produces good long-term control of disease, but new interest in the surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease has been stimulated by the introduction of minimally invasive techniques to perform standard antireflux procedures. In the past some scepticism existed among gastroenterologists who quoted the poor surgical results they had seen. These bad results, however, were largely due to inappropriate surgery in poorly worked-up patients or antireflux surgery performed by inexperienced surgeons. Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease, excellent results have been reported with over 5 years of follow-up. The most common and successfully used laparoscopically antireflux procedures are reviewed and results analyzed.

Gastric acid blockade with omeprazole promotes gastric carcinogenesis induced by duodenogastric reflux

Duodenogastric reflux (DGR) in rats causes growth stimulation of the foregut mucosa that is potentiated by gastric acid blockade. It was the aim of this study to investigate if DGR with gastric acid blockade has a higher incidence of carcinomas of the foregut than DGR alone. DGR was induced in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats using a split gastroenterostomy. A cardiomyotomy was performed across the gastroesophageal junction, inducing reflux into the esophagus. Twenty of these rats received omeprazole postoperatively. After one year 18 rats (90%) with DGR + omeprazole treatment and 7 rats (35%) with DGR alone developed adenocarcinoma of the stomach (P < 0.05). None of the rats developed esophageal cancer, but esophageal mucosal hyperplasia was more pronounced in rats receiving omeprazole. Control rats, treated with omeprazole, did not develop carcinomas of the foregut. In conclusion, gastric acid blockade enhanced DGR-induced carcinogenesis of the stomach and promotes growth stimulation of the esophageal mucosa.

The effect of medical therapy and antireflux surgery on dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophageal stricture

BACKGROUND

Poor esophageal body motility and trapping of the hernial sac by the hiatal crura are the major pathomechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-induced dysphagia. There is only little knowledge of the effect of medical therapy or antireflux surgery in reflux-induced dysphagia.

METHODS

Fifty-nine consecutive GERD patients with dysphagia were studied by means of a symptom questionnaire, endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus. Patients had proton pump inhibitor therapy and cisapride for 6 months. After GERD relapsed following withdrawal of medical therapy, 41 patients decided to have antireflux surgery performed. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was chosen in 12 patients with normal esophageal body motility and the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in 29 patients with impaired peristalsis. Dysphagia was assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months of medical therapy, and at 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Only surgery improved regurgitation. Dysphagia improved in all patients following surgery but only in 16 patients (27.1%) following medical therapy. Esophageal peristalsis was strengthened following antireflux surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical therapy fails to control gastroesophageal reflux as it does not inhibit regurgitation. Thus, it has little effect on reflux-induced dysphagia. Surgery controls reflux and improves esophageal peristalsis. This may contribute to its superiority over medical therapy in the treatment of GERD-induced dysphagia.

Reflux-induced apoptosis of the esophageal mucosa is inhibited in Barrett's epithelium

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis maintains cell homeostasis. Altered apoptosis is involved in carcinogenesis. It was our aim to investigate whether reflux esophagitis may alter apoptosis in the esophageal mucosa and whether antireflux surgery may restore normal apoptosis.

METHODS

Apoptosis was studied preoperatively and postoperatively in esophageal biopsies of 39 patients with various grades of reflux esophagitis and in Barrett's mucosa using the TUNEL method. Biopsies were also taken from lesions of the squamous epithelium adjacent to the Barrett's mucosa.

RESULTS

Apoptosis increased with the severity of esophagitis. Apoptosis was low in Barrett's epithelium. Squamous epithelium adjacent to Barrett's mucosa showed increased apoptosis. After surgery apoptosis decreased in squamous epithelium, and it remained low in Barrett's epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis in reflux esophagitis may be protective against increased proliferation. Low apoptosis following antireflux surgery indicates that surgery is effective to prevent reflux-induced cell proliferation. Inhibition of apoptosis in Barrett's may promote carcinogenesis. This may not change following surgery.

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of partial posterior fundoplication on oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

DESIGN

Follow-up study with 6 months of survey.

SETTING

University hospital, Austria.

SUBJECTS

24 consecutive patients with GORD and poor oesophageal contractility.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. Oesophageal contractility was assessed manometrically.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in measurements of mean contraction amplitudes in the distal oesophagus, the number of contractions with amplitudes of less than 30 mmHg, the number of interrupted and simultaneous contractions, and the total number of defective contractions.

RESULTS

16 of the patients (67%) complained of dysphagia preoperatively, and none postoperatively. The mean (SEM) amplitudes in the distal oesophagus improved significantly (level 442.4 mmHg (3.5) compared with 31.8 mmHg (3.3), p = 0.03, and level 5-45.7 mmHg (3.8) compared with 32.6 mmHg (3.7), p = 0.02), the number of contractions with amplitudes below 30 mmHg decreased (18.0% (5.7) compared with 38.3% (6.2), p = 0.02), as did the number of interrupted or defected contractions (11.5% (3.6) compared with 26.3% (5.5), p = 0.03, and 29.5% (6.5) compared with 66.6% (5.1), p < 0.0001 respectively). There was no significant effect on the number of simultaneous waves (p = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal body motility. This results in improvement of preoperative dysphagia.

Cisapride enhances the effect of partial posterior fundoplication on esophageal peristalsis in GERD patients with poor esophageal contractility

Partial posterior fundoplication improves esophageal peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with poor esophageal body function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether postoperative administration of cisapride enhances the effect of surgery on esophageal peristalsis. Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication was performed on 34 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility. These patients were randomized in groups without and with postoperative treatment with cisapride 20 mg twice daily for six months. Esophageal manometry was performed preoperatively and six months following surgery. Esophageal body function improved significantly following partial posterior fundoplication without or with postoperative treatment with cisapride. However, this effect was more pronounced in the group of patients receiving cisapride. Partial posterior fundoplication combined with postoperative treatment with cisapride should be the therapy of choice in GERD patients with poor esophageal body motility.

Ingested foreign bodies within the appendix: A 100-year review of the literature

BACKGROUND/AIM

Appendicitis and its complications remain a common problem affecting patients of all age groups. Foreign bodies are a rare cause of appendicitis. We tried to define potentially dangerous foreign bodies that may cause appendicitis and summarize general guidelines for their clinical management.

METHODS

A 100-year literature review including 256 cases of ingested foreign bodies within the appendix with emphasis on: (1) objects that are more prone to cause appendicitis or appendiceal perforation; (2) foreign bodies that are radiopaque and may be detected during follow-up with plain abdominal films, and (3) guidelines for clinical management.

RESULTS

Complications usually occur with sharp, thin, stiff, pointed and long objects. The majority of these objects are radiopaque. An immediate attempt should be made to remove a risky object by gastroscopy. If this fails, clinical follow-up with serial abdominal radiographs should be obtained. If the anatomical position of the object appears not to change and, most commonly, remains in the right lower abdominal quadrant, an attempt at colonoscopic removal is indicated. If this is unsuccessful, laparoscopic exploration with fluoroscopic guidance should be carried out to localize and remove the objects either by ileotomy, colotomy, or by appendectomy.

CONCLUSION

Foreign bodies causing appendicitis are rare. However, if stiff or pointed objects get into the appendiceal lumen they have a high risk for appendicitis or perforation. These foreign bodies are almost always radiopaque.

Laparoscopic appendectomy does not change the incidence of postoperative infectious complications

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether the laparoscopic approach does decrease the incidence of postoperative infectious complications after appendectomy.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-nine patients were randomized, 87 with laparoscopic (LA) and 82 with open appendectomy (OA). Patients in the OA group had a McBurney incision; LA was performed in the lithotomy position.

RESULTS

Acute appendicitis was confirmed in 75% of patients. The appendix was perforated in 5 patients of the LA versus 2 patients of the OA group. No conversion to the open procedure was necessary. The median operating time was 35 minutes in the LA group and 31 minutes in the open group (P = 0.58). The median postoperative hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic than after open surgery (3 days versus 4 days, P = 0.026), whereas the time required for return to work was not significantly different (14 versus 15 days). There were 5 (6%) patients with superficial wound infection following LA and 6 (7%) after OA (P = 0.67). Intra-abdominal fluid collections were found in 2 (2%) patients following LA and 3 (4%) patients following OA (P = 0.60). In the LA group, 3 patients presented with intra-abdominal hemorrhage and another 3 developed a paralytic ileus that was treated conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and as effective as the open procedure; however, it does not decrease the rate of postoperative infectious complications.

Respiratory symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease following medical therapy and following antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether antireflux surgery is more effective than medical therapy to control respiratory symptoms (RS) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

In 21 GERD patients with RS, reflux was assessed by endoscopy, manometry, and pH monitoring. Patients had proton pump inhibitor therapy and cisapride for 6 months. After GERD relapsed following withdrawal of medical therapy, 7 patients with normal esophageal peristalsis had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and 14 with impaired peristalsis a Toupet fundoplication. Respiratory symptoms were scored prior to treatment, at 6 months following medical therapy, and at 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Only surgery improved regurgitation. Respiratory symptoms improved in 18 patients (85.7%) following surgery and in only 3 patients (14.3%) following medical therapy (P <0.05). Esophageal peristalsis improved following the Toupet fundoplication.

CONCLUSION

Medical therapy fails to control reflux since it does not inhibit regurgitation. Surgery controls reflux and improves esophageal peristalsis, which contributes to its superiority over medical therapy in the treatment of RS associated with GERD.

Tailored antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: effectiveness and risk of postoperative dysphagia

The Nissen fundoplication is not the proper antireflux procedure for patients with poor esophageal peristalsis as it does not strengthen impaired esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this study was to investigate if tailoring of antireflux surgery according to esophageal contractility is an effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a low incidence of postoperative dysphagia. The Toupet fundoplication was laparoscopically performed on 32 patients with poor esophageal peristalsis and the Nissen fundoplication on 17 patients with normal peristalsis. After a median follow-up of 15 months, only 1 of the 49 patients (2.04%) complained of heartburn. Acute esophagitis was found in none of them on endoscopy. Of 40 patients tested postoperatively, 2 (5%) underwent pathologic esophageal pH monitoring. Postoperative dysphagia was found in two patients (4.1%) compared with 25 (51%) preoperatively (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction of dysphagia following the Toupet fundoplication. Both procedures increased the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) significantly, which was more pronounced following the Nissen fundoplication. Relaxation of the LES was significantly better following the Toupet than after the Nissen fundoplication. There was significant improvement of esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. Tailored antireflux surgery is an effective strategy for treatment of GERD. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia is low owing to improvement of impaired esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. It may be due to the fact that the Toupet fundoplication causes less esophageal outflow resistance than the Nissen fundoplication.

Interrelationship between cellular calcium homeostasis and free radical generation in myocardial reperfusion injury

This review describes the interrelationship between two important biological factors, intracellular calcium overloading and oxygen-derived free radicals, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. Free radicals are generated during the reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membrane phospholipids are the likely targets of the free radical attack. On the other hand, activation of phospholipases can provoke the breakdown of membrane phospholipids which results in the activation of arachidonate cascade leading to the generation of prostaglandins, and oxygen free radicals can be produced during the interconversion of the prostaglandins. In conclusion, it has been emphasized that the two seemingly different causative factors of reperfusion injury, intracellular calcium overloading and free radical generation are, in fact, highly interrelated.

Is there a dysplasia-carcinoma sequence in rat gastric remnant?

Epithelial dysplasia in the gastric remnant is generally considered to have a positive predictive value for malignancy. Whether dysplasia progresses to carcinoma or whether both just have a common origin, is still a matter of controversy. The aim of the present study in rats was to investigate the natural history of epithelial lesions in the gastric remnant. A gastric resection was carried out in 50 male Wistar rats. Postoperatively the animals received N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine orally. Gastroscopy was carried out monthly and biopsies were taken for histologic evaluation. The rats were killed after 12 months or if gastric cancer was found on gastroscopy. Twenty-four rats died postoperatively and were excluded from the study. A total of 228 gastroscopies was performed in the remaining 26 animals; 24 animals developed dysplastic lesions during the follow-up period. The rate of development of gastric cancer within one month increased with the stage of dysplasia at the previous examination (3% for mild, 48% for moderate, 100% for severe dysplasia). There was a strong correlation between the time period following gastric resection and grade of dysplasia and between the grade of dysplasia and development of cancer. Our study demonstrates that gastric stump cancer in rats develops from dysplastic lesions. A dysplasia-carcinoma sequence can therefore be assumed.

Medical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease does not prevent the development of Barrett's metaplasia and poor esophageal body motility

OBJECTIVE

Duodenal contents refluxing into the esophagus may be involved in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study was performed to investigate whether medical treatment of GERD aimed at suppression of gastric acid production can prevent the development of complications, such as Barrett's metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

138 GERD patients were analyzed regarding the development of Barrett's metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility, despite intermittent or continuous treatment with H2 blockers or omeprazole.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The rate of patients with Barrett's metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility with or without effective medical treatment.

RESULTS

Barrett's metaplasia was found in 33.8% of patients receiving medical treatment, although it was not present when treatment was induced. This rate was 21.9% among patients who were not receiving therapy (not significant). In all, 41.9% of patients with medication had impaired esophageal body motility compared with 59.3% of patients not receiving treatment (P < 0.05), but these patients had a significantly shorter history of GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical treatment with H2 blockers or omeprazole does not prevent the development of Barrett's metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility.

Reflux esophagitis in humans is a free radical event

In this study, we investigated the implication of oxygen-derived free radicals in reflux esophagitis of humans. For this purpose we assessed oxidative stress in distal esophageal biopsies of controls, patients with various grades of esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus with and without severe associated esophagitis and patients following Nissen fundoplication. The total amount of oxygen-derived free radicals was measured by chemiluminescence. Membrane damage caused by free radicals was assessed by analysis of lipid peroxidation. In addition, we measured esophageal mucosal tissue levels of the free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase.

RESULTS

Chemiluminescence and lipid peroxidation increased with the grade of esophagitis and were highest in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Findings following Nissen fundoplication were similar to controls. Superoxide dismutase decreased as the grade of esophagitis increased being lowest in Barrett's patients with severe associated esophagitis. High superoxide dismutase levels were found in Barrett's mucosa with mild associated esophagitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Reflux esophagitis is mediated by free radicals. Barrett's is a severe form of oxidative damage. Antireflux surgery prevents oxidative damage of the esophageal mucosa. Superoxide dismutase is consumed by esophageal damage. In some patients with Barrett's, high superoxide dismutase levels of the esophageal mucosa may prevent severe esophagitis.

Three-dimensional imaging of the lower esophageal sphincter in healthy subjects and gastroesophageal reflux

The resting pressure and intraabdominal length are the most important factors which determine competence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The intraabdominal sphincter vector volume (ISVV) is a single value which takes into account both of these measurements. Normal values of ISVV and of the total sphincter vector volume (TSVV) were established in 20 normal subjects. The sensitivity and the specificity of ISVV and TSVV were then evaluated in 81 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and in 19 normal subjects and were compared with the usual stepwise pullback manometry (SPM) measuring the resting pressure of the LES at the respiratory inversion point. The motorized pullthrough technique was used to perform the vector volume procedure. Normal values of ISVV were 1870-10740 mm Hg2 x mm, and of TSVV 2200-13110 mm Hg2 x mm. The sensitivity of ISVV was 93.8% (p < 0.05), of TSVV 80.2%, and of SPM 81.5%. The specificity of ISVV and TSVV was 89.5% and of SPM 78.9% (not significant). Analysis of the intraabdominal sphincter vector volume is more sensitive than the total sphincter vector volume or standard stationary manometry in establishing a defective LES in patients with GERD. Intraabdominal sphincter vector volume analysis will allow surgeons better to identify patients with a defective LES who may be suitable for antireflux surgery.

Duodenogastric reflux causes growth stimulation of foregut mucosa potentiated by gastric acid blockade

We investigated whether duodenogastric reflux (DGR) together with gastroesophageal reflux causes growth stimulation of the foregut mucosa and if additional gastric acid suppression enhances the effect of DGR. DGR was induced in rats using a split gastroenterostomy. A cardiomyotomy was performed across the gastroeophageal junction in order to enhance reflux into the esophagus. DGR rats were divided into six subgroups: DGR, DGR + truncal vagotomy, DGR + omeprazole, DGR + gastrin receptor blockade, DGR + omeprazole + gastrin receptor blockade, and DGR + gastrin. Two sham groups, one with and one without omeprazole treatment, served as controls. DGR significantly increased the weight and DNA content of the esophageal and gastric mucosa, which was further enhanced by vagotomy or omeprazole. Histology revealed foveolar hyperplasia in the stomach and esophageal mucosal hyperplasia in these groups. In addition, severe esophagitis was found in the DGR group receiving omeprazole. Omeprazole without DGR had no growth-stimulating effect on the foregut mucosa. DGR-induced growth stimulation was accompanied by hypergastrinemia. Increased growth in the stomach but not the esophagus was inhibited by gastrin receptor blockade. Gastrin administration did not result in enhancement of DGR-induced growth stimulation of the foregut mucosa. It is concluded that DGR, often present in severe reflux esophagitis, causes mucosal growth of the foregut of rats. This trophic response may explain why severe reflux esophagitis is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. DGR-induced growth stimulation of the foregut is potentiated by gastric acid suppression, suggesting that chronic antisecretory medication in gastroesophageal reflux may not always be advisable. Omeprazole + DGR caused severe esophageal damage, which may explain why antisecretory medication may fail to heal severe reflux esophagitis.

Methimazole-induced cholestatic liver injury, mimicking sclerosing cholangitis

Cholestatic jaundice caused by imidazole derivates is a rare complication of antithyroid therapy. Only 20 such cases have been reported in the literature since the introduction of methimazole in 1949 and of carbimazole in 1953. We present a further case of methimazole-induced cholestatic liver injury, mimicking sclerosing cholangitis, where the etiology has been proven by a clear chronological relationship and the lack of other causative factors.

Reflux esophagitis in humans is mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress in reflux esophagitis was investigated before and after antireflux surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Oxidative stress was studied in the distal and proximal esophagus of control patients (without esophagitis, but with other gastrointestinal disorders), of patients with various grades of esophagitis (including Barrett's esophagus), and in patients who had a Nissen fundoplication. Oxidative stress was assessed by chemiluminescence, lipid peroxidation (LP), and by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD).

RESULTS

Chemiluminescence and LP increased with the degree of esophagitis and was highest in patients with Barrett's esophagus; SOD decreased with damage, except in cases of Barrett's esophagus associated with mild esophagitis. Chemiluminescence and LP in reflux patients were higher in the distal than in the proximal esophagus, and SOD was lower, whereas no such difference was found in controls. Findings after Nissen fundoplication were similar to those of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Reflux esophagitis is mediated by free radicals depleting SOD. Barrett's esophagus is a severe form of oxidative damage; in some patients, high SOD levels may prevent severe esophagitis. Antireflux surgery prevents oxidative damage.

Esophagitis in Sprague-Dawley rats is mediated by free radicals

Free radical-mediated esophagitis was studied during duodenogastroesophageal reflux (mixed reflux) or acid reflux in rats. The influence of reflux on esophageal glutathione levels was also examined. Mixed reflux caused more gross mucosal injury than acid reflux. Gross mucosal injury occurred in the mid-esophagus. Total glutathione (GSH) in the esophageal mucosa of control rats was highest in the distal esophagus. The time course of esophageal GSH in rats treated by mixed reflux showed a significant decrease 4 hr after initiation of reflux, followed by a significant increase from the 12th hour on. Mucosal GSH was increased in both reflux groups after 24 hr but significantly more so in the mixed than in the acid reflux group. The free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) prevented esophagitis and was associated with decreased GSH levels. GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) prevented esophagitis and stimulated SOD production in the esophageal mucosa. It is concluded that gastroesophageal reflux is associated with oxidative stress in the esophageal mucosa. The lower GSH levels in the mid-esophagus may predispose to damage in this area. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux causes more damage than pure acid reflux. Oxidative stress leads to GSH depletion of the esophageal mucosa in the first few hours following damage but then stimulates GSH production. GSH depletion by BSO does not worsen esophagitis since it increases the esophageal SOD concentration.

Free radical scavengers prevent reflux esophagitis in rats

Free radical damage in reflux esophagitis of rats induced by 24-hr duodenojejunal ligation was studied. Oxygen free radicals were selectively blocked. Groups were: sham operation, reflux, reflux + superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, dimethylthiourea, allopurinol, and inactivated SOD or inactivated catalase alone or in the combination SOD + catalase or SOD + catalase + dimethylthiourea + allopurinol. Macroscopic esophagitis was inhibited only by SOD, alone or in combination with other agents. Esophageal mucosal lipid peroxidation was 10-fold increased in the reflux group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). This response was damped by SOD > catalase (P < 0.05) but not by the inactivated enzymes, dimethylthiourea or allopurinol. SOD + catalase showed no significant improvement on SOD alone. Total inhibition of lipid peroxidation was achieved by combining all scavengers. Total glutathione (GSH) in the esophageal mucosa was stimulated by reflux. This response was inhibited by scavengers equivalent to their efficacy in preventing lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that reflux esophagitis is associated with free radical release with O2- being the main source. Free radicals appear to stimulate GSH production in this prolonged oxidative stress.

Free radical production in nicotine treated pancreatic tissue

The ability of nicotine to induce oxidative stress in the pancreatic tissue of rats was investigated. Homogenized pancreatic tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats was incubated with nicotine in a dose of 200 ng/mg protein/ml for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min or was incubated for 30 min with nicotine in a dose of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mg protein/ml. Pancreatic tissue was also incubated with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine with or without the scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, SOD+catalase, inactivated SOD, inactivated catalase, or albumin. Incubation with 0.9% NaCl served as control. There was a positive correlation between the duration of nicotine incubation and chemiluminescence (r = 0.6) or lipid peroxidation (r = 0.71) and also between the nicotine dose and chemiluminescence (r = 0.54) or lipid peroxidation (r = 0.66). Thirty minutes incubation of pancreatic tissue with nicotine in a dose of 200 ng/mg protein/ml increased chemiluminescence 5 fold and lipid peroxidation 2.5 fold. This response was dampened by SOD or catalase and abolished by SOD+catalase. Inactivated enzymes or albumin had no scavenging effect. These results demonstrate that nicotine causes oxidative stress to the pancreatic tissue of rats.

In vitro free radical production in rat esophageal mucosa induced by nicotine

Oxidative stress induced by nicotine was investigated in the esophageal mucosa of rats. The homogenized mucosa was incubated for 30 min with 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine or with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Esophageal mucosa was also incubated for 30 min with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine with or without the scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, SOD+catalase, inactivated SOD, inactivated catalase, or albumin. Incubation with 0.9% NaCl served as control. There was a strong correlation between chemiluminescence and the nicotine dose (r = 0.75) or the nicotine incubation time (r = 0.77). Thirty-minute incubation of the esophageal mucosa with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine increased chemiluminescence 5.5-fold and lipid peroxidation 3.3-fold. This response was dampened by SOD or catalase and abolished by SOD+catalase. Inactivated enzymes or albumin had no scavenging effect. These results demonstrate that nicotine causes oxidative stress to the esophageal mucosa.

Gastric remnant cancer has a better prognosis than primary gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the prognosis of gastric remnant cancer following radical resection (group 1) compared with that of primary gastric cancer of the upper third of the stomach following radical resection (group 2).

DESIGN

Cohort study with a 5-year follow-up.

SETTING

A university hospital in Austria.

PATIENTS

Group 1 consisted of 43 patients, and group 2, of 61. Postoperative deaths and deaths during the follow-up period that were not related to gastric cancer were excluded. Fifteen patients in group 1 (34.9%) presented with stage I cancer; 10 (23.3%), stage II; 13 (30.2%), stage III; and five (11.6%), stage IV. Twenty patients in group 2 (32.8%) presented with stage I cancer; 12 (19.7%), stage II; 15 (24.6%), stage III; and 14 (22.9%), stage IV (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer staging classification, 1987).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall and stage-related 5-year survival rates.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 53.5% in group 1 and 32.8% in group 2 (P < .05). The stage-related 5-year survival rate in group 1 was 100% for stage I and 80% for stage II. In group 2, the stage-related 5-year survival rate was 65% for stage I and 25% for stage II (both, P < .01). No significant difference was noted for stages III and IV.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of cancer of the gastric remnant presenting as stage I or II is good and is significantly better than that of the equivalent stages of primary cancer of the upper third of the stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with enteric hormone abnormalities

Basal and postprandial levels of the foregut hormones gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide, and the distal gut hormones neurotensin and peptide YY were measured in 20 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD was defined by abnormal esophageal exposure to pH less than 4. Ten GERD patients had decreased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure (mean: 4.5 mm Hg, range: 0.8 to 6.8 mm Hg), and 10 patients had normal LES pressures (mean: 14.1 mm Hg, range: 9.7 to 22.4 mm Hg). Eight age-matched healthy subjects were also studied. Basal levels of peptide YY were moderately decreased in GERD patients compared with controls irrespective of LES pressure. In patients with abnormal LES pressure, basal levels of motilin and the postprandial response of CCK were significantly decreased compared with controls; and basal levels of neurotensin and the postprandial response of gastrin were significantly increased compared with controls. Pancreatic polypeptide levels were similar in all groups. These gut hormone changes, which are more marked in patients with poor LES pressure, may reflect primary or secondary abnormalities in GERD.