Microbiota profiling in esophageal diseases: Novel insights into molecular staining and clinical outcomes

Gut microbiota is recognized nowadays as one of the key players in the development of several gastro-intestinal diseases. The first studies focused mainly on healthy subjects with staining of main bacterial species via culture-based techniques. Subsequently, lots of studies tried to focus on principal esophageal disease enlarged the knowledge on esophageal microbial environment and its role in pathogenesis. Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the most widespread esophageal condition, seems related to a certain degree of mucosal inflammation, via interleukin (IL) 8 potentially enhanced by bacterial components, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) above all. Gram- bacteria, producing LPS), such as Campylobacter genus, have been found associated with GERD. Barrett esophagus (BE) seems characterized by a Gram- and microaerophils-shaped microbiota. Esophageal cancer (EC) development leads to an overturn in the esophageal environment with the shift from an oral-like microbiome to a prevalently low-abundant and low-diverse Gram--shaped microbiome. Although underinvestigated, also changes in the esophageal microbiome are associated with rare chronic inflammatory or neuropathic disease pathogenesis. The paucity of knowledge about the microbiota-driven mechanisms in esophageal disease pathogenesis is mainly due to the scarce sensitivity of sequencing technology and culture methods applied so far to study commensals in the esophagus. However, the recent advances in molecular techniques, especially with the advent of non-culture-based genomic sequencing tools and the implementation of multi-omics approaches, have revolutionized the microbiome field, with promises of implementing the current knowledge, discovering more mechanisms underneath, and giving insights into the development of novel therapies aimed to re-establish the microbial equilibrium for ameliorating esophageal diseases..

Brief guidelines for beginners on how to perform and analyze esophageal high-resolution manometry

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is a diagnostic tool for surgeons, gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals to evaluate esophageal physiology. The Chicago Classification (CC) system is based on a consensus of worldwide experts to minimize ambiguity in HRM data acquisition and diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. The most updated version, CCv4.0, was published in 2021; however, it does not provide step-by-step guidelines (i.e., for beginners) on how to assess the most important HRM metrics. This paper aims to summarize the basic guidelines for conducting a high-quality HRM study including data acquisition and interpretation, based on CCv4.0, using Manoview ESO analysis software, version 3.3 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN).

Pneumatic dilation for achalasia in the "POEM era": Still a valuable ally

Endoscopic treatments such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and pneumatic dilation (PD) are commonly used to treat achalasia. Although POEM has gained popularity due to its high efficacy, the technique is more complex and may be associated with a higher risk of long-term complications compared to PD. This narrative review will focus on efficacy and safety of PD and POEM, and their suitability for different patient populations. While evidence suggests that POEM may be preferred for type III achalasia, PD remains a valuable alternative for patients with a straight, non-dilated esophagus, who prioritize the preservation of anatomical integrity and a lower risk of post-procedural gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While PD carries a non negligibile risk of perforation, it has an excellent safety profile in terms of GERD and is minimally likely to cause permanent esophageal deformation. PD can be repeated with minimal risks to maintain symptom relief, whereas reversing permanent anatomical modifications related to POEM is difficult. The choice of treatment for achalasia should be patient-tailored, considering benefits and drawbacks of each intervention. The importance of personalized approach in the "POEM era" is highlighted, emphasizing the reasons why PD should still be considered a valuable option in the therapeutic armamentarium for achalasia. Areas requiring further research will be also outlined.

Medical management of painful achalasia: a patient-driven systematic review

Achalasia is a rare esophageal disorder characterized by abnormal esophageal motility and swallowing difficulties. Pain and/or spasms often persist or recur despite effective relief of the obstruction. A survey by UK charity 'Achalasia Action' highlighted treatments for achalasia pain/spasms as a key research priority. In this patient-requested systematic review, we assessed the existing literature on pharmacological therapies for painful achalasia. A systematic review of the literature using Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies evaluating pharmacological therapies for achalasia. Methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. In total, 70% (40/57) of survey respondents reported experiencing pain/spasms. A range of management strategies were reported. Thirteen studies were included in the review. Seven were randomized controlled trials. Most studies were >30 years old, had limited follow-up, and focussed on esophageal manometry as the key endpoint. Generally, studies found improvements in lower esophageal pressures with medications. Only one study evaluated pain/spasm specifically, precluding meta-analysis. Overall risk of bias was high. The achalasia patient survey identified that pain/spasms are common and difficult to treat. This patient-requested review identified a gap in the literature regarding pharmacological treatments for these symptoms. We provide an algorithm for investigating achalasia-related pain/spasms. Calcium channel blockers or nitrates may be helpful when esophageal obstruction and reflux have been excluded. We advocate for registry-based clinical trials to expand the evidence base for these patients.

Abnormal performance of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): a case misdiagnosed as achalasia of cardia

BACKGROUND

Pseudoachalasia is a rare disease that behaves similarly to achalasia (AC), making it sometimes difficult to differentiate.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of 49-year-old male with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction misdiagnosed as achalasia. No obvious abnormalities were found in his initial examinations including upper digestive endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal imaging and chest computed tomography (CT). During the subsequent introduced-peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), it was found that the mucosal layer and the muscular layer had severe adhesion, which did not receive much attention, delayed the clear diagnosis and effect treatment, and ultimately led to a poor prognosis for the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This case suggests that when patients with AC found mucosal and muscular adhesions during POEM surgery, the possibility should be considered that the lesion may be caused by a malignant lesion.

Chronicle of a 35-year journey

Over the last few decades, significant improvement has been made in both the evaluation and treatment of esophageal achalasia. The Chicago classification, today in version 4.0, is now the standard for diagnosis of achalasia, providing a classification into 3 subtypes with important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Therapy, which was at first mostly limited to pneumatic dilatation, today includes minimally invasive surgery and peroral endoscopic myotomy, allowing for a more tailored approach to patients and better treatment of recurrent symptoms. This review chronicles my personal experience with achalasia over the last 35 years, describing the progress made in the treatment of patients with achalasia.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic Heller's myotomy versus pneumatic dilatation for achalasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Achalasia has several treatment modalities. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) with those of pneumatic dilatation (PD) in adult patients suffering from achalasia.

METHODS

We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Embase for related clinical trials about patients suffering from achalasia. The quality appraisal and assessment of risk of bias were conducted with GRADE and Cochrane's risk of bias tool, respectively. Homogeneous and heterogeneous data was analyzed under fixed and random-effects models, respectively.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis of 10 studies showed that PD was associated with a higher rate of remission at three months, one year, three years and five years (RR = 1.25 [1.09, 1.42] (p = 0.001); RR = 1.13 [1.05, 1.20] (p = 0.0004); RR = 1.48 [1.19, 1.82] (p = 0.0003); RR = 1.49 [1.18, 1.89] (p = 0.001)), respectively. LHM was associated with lower number of cases suffering from adverse events, dysphagia and relapses (RR = 0.50 [0.25, 0.98] (p = 0.04); RR = 0.33 [0.16, 0.71] (p = 0.004); RR = 0.38 [0.15, 0.97] (p = 0.04)), respectively. There is no significant difference between both groups regarding the lower esophageal pressure, perforations, remission rate at two years, Eckardt score after one year and reflux.

CONCLUSION

PD had higher remission rates than LHM at three months, one year and three years, but not at two years or five years. More research is needed to determine whether PD has a significant advantage over LHM in terms of long-term remission rates.

Technical Success in Performing Esophageal High-Resolution Manometry in Patients with an Epiphrenic Diverticulum

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders, yet it can be poorly tolerated and technically challenging. Epiphrenic diverticula (ED) are located in the distal esophagus and are associated with underlying motility disorders. ED patients (2008-2022) were retrospectively compared to achalasia patients (2008-2022) and all other patients (2021-2022) who underwent HRM at a single center. Complete success was defined as at least 7 interpretable swallows including measurements throughout the esophagus into the stomach. HRM studies involving children, previously treated achalasia, and sedation or endoscopic-assistance were excluded. 20 ED patients (mean age 66; 60% female) were compared to 76 achalasia patients and 199 controls. HRM was completely successful in 70.0% of ED patients, 85.5% of achalasia (p = 0.106 vs ED), and 91.0% of controls (p = 0.004 vs ED). Most failures in the ED and achalasia groups were due to inability to traverse the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), while patient intolerance was the main reason in controls. Half of the ED group had motility disorders (25% achalasia, 15% hypercontractile esophagus, 10% absent contractility). Large diverticulum size was inversely associated with technical success compared to small diverticulum size (40% vs 100%, p = 0.013), while the presence of a motility disorder did not significantly affect success (60% vs 88.9%, p = 0.303). In conclusion, ED is a predictor of unsuccessful HRM. This appears to be mainly related to an inability to traverse the EGJ due to the size of the diverticulum. Consideration should be given to alternative means of evaluating motility, such as endoscopy-assisted HRM, given the high likelihood of failure with traditional HRM.

Robotic Heller's cardiomyotomy for achalasia: early outcomes for a high-volume UK centre

INTRODUCTION

Heller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) is the gold standard treatment for achalasia. Laparoscopic HCM has been shown to be effective with low rates of symptom recurrence, though oesophageal mucosal perforation rates remain high. The aim of this prospective case series is to assess the short-term complication rates and perioperative outcomes for the first cohort of patients undergoing robotic-assisted HCM for achalasia in a single high-volume UK centre.

METHODS

Data were collected from a prospective cohort of patients who underwent robotic HCM at a single high-volume UK centre. Outcomes were assessed using the Eckhard score, which was calculated after their routine postoperative clinic appointments.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent robotic HCM during the study period; this is the second largest reported case series in the European literature. There were no intraoperative oesophageal perforations. Six patients were discharged as day cases, six patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and one patient's hospital stay was two nights. There was a single perioperative complication of urinary retention. All patients reported improvement of symptoms following their operation, and all had a postoperative Eckhard score of less than 3, indicating their achalasia was in remission.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort has demonstrated that robotic HCM has an exceptional safety profile and results in high levels of symptom resolution, even early in the learning curve. The robotic approach may be superior to laparoscopy as it allows more precise identification and dissection of the oesophageal muscle fibres, which likely reduces the risk of inadvertent mucosal damage or incomplete myotomy.

Perioperative outcomes of the surgical management of achalasia in two tertiary Cameroonian hospitals: a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a rare esophageal disease with potentially lethal complications. Knowledge of the outcomes of the different surgical treatment modalities for achalasia by Heller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) helps to choose the safest and most effective option. However, data on the management of achalsia using a Heller myotomy is limited in Africa. Thus, our aim was to determine the perioperative morbidity, mortality and short-term functional outcomes of HCM in Cameroon.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a cohort study throughout a 10-year chart review of patients who underwent HCM for achalasia and were followed up postoperatively for at least three months at two tertiary health centers in Cameroon. We analyzed demographic data, preoperative clinical and imaging data, treatment details, and outcomes at three to twelve months after HCM using the Eckardt score.

RESULTS

We enrolled 29 patients with achalasia having a mean age of 24 ± 16 years and predominantly females (M/F of 1/3.8). The mean symptom duration was 51 ± 20 months. In 80% of cases, the diagnosis was made through a conventional x-ray contrast imaging or "barium swallow test" (93%) and/or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (86%). The gold standard diagnostic method via esophageal manometry was unavailable. Preoperatievly, all patients had symptoms suggestive of an active achalasia. HCM was performed via laparotomy in 75% as opposed to 25% laparoscopic HCM procedures. Dor's anterior partial fundoplication was the main anti-reflux procedure performed (59%). Mucosal perforations were the only intraoperative complications in eight patients (2 during laparoscopy vs. 6 during laparotomy; p > 0.5) and were managed successfully by simple sutures. Postoperative complications were non-severe and occurred in 10% of patients all operated via laparotomy. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 7 ± 3 days for laparotomy vs. 5 ± 2 days for laparoscopy; p > 0.5. The perioperative mortality rate was nil. Overall, the short-term postoperative functional outcome was rated excellent; average Eckardt score of 1.5 ± 0.5 (vs. preoperative Eckardt Score of 9 ± 1; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Achalasia is diagnosed late in this resource-limited setting. HCM yields satisfactory outcomes, especially via laparoscopic management. An improvement in diagnostic esophageal manometry and mini-invasive surgical infrastructure and the required surgical training/skills are needed for optimal achalasia care.

Long-term efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia under different criteria

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a widely accepted treatment for achalasia, with limited studies for over 2 years. Additionally, traditional measurements of achalasia after POEM have deficiencies. The study aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of POEM under different criteria.

METHODS

Patients with achalasia who received POEM between November 2012 and March 2021 were recruited. Patients and characteristics were shown, and risk factors related to two novel definitions of recurrence, symptomatic reflux, and reflux esophagitis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-one patients were included. At a median follow-up of 52 months, twenty-three failures happened (7.17%) under the modified criterion, and forty-seven failures occurred (14.64%) under the normal standard. Hospitalization (P = 0.027) and esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with long-term efficacy under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Fifty-two patients (16.20%) reported reflux symptoms and endoscopy performed in 88 patients revealed reflux esophagitis in 22 cases (25.00%). There were no predictors in the analysis of symptomatic reflux and gender (P = 0.010), LESP (P = 0.013), IRP (P = 0.015), and the esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.032) were statistically related to reflux esophagitis.

CONCLUSION

POEM is an extremely safe and effective treatment for achalasia with long-term follow-up. Shorter hospitalization and shorter esophageal myotomy length may decrease the incidence of recurrence under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Long-term outcomes of POEM are unpredictable. No risk factors were related to symptomatic reflux, and male patients with low preoperative LESP and IRP needed relatively shorter esophageal myotomy to prevent reflux esophagitis.

Risk Factors Associated with Unsuccessful High-Resolution Manometry

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is used to evaluate the esophageal motor function. Unfortunately, there are times when testing cannot be performed accurately. Our study aimed to quantify the occurrence of failed HRM and identify the associated risk factors. HRM tests were retrospectively collected between September 2021 and August 2022. HRM reports that could not be interpreted based on standard HRM protocol as per Chicago guidelines were classified as failed tests. Information reviewed included testing indications, patient demographics, previous medical/symptom history, and follow-up testing for failed HRM. We then compared patients with successful vs. unsuccessful HRM based on our pre-specified factors. 152 HRM tests were performed, of which 28 tests (18%) were unsuccessful. Factors associated with failed manometry included a history of nausea/vomiting, dyspepsia, and achalasia. Patients who were unable to tolerate the probe during testing were more likely to have a history of dyspepsia (OR 20.3, p = < 0.001) and/or nausea/vomiting (OR 13.8, p = < 0.001). A history of achalasia was found to have an odds ratio of 13.2 when examining failure because of curling of the manometry catheter (p = 0.012). All seven patients who had repeat HRM with endoscopic placement were successful in obtaining diagnostic information. There are two groups that have risk factors for unsuccessful HRM testing. A history of nausea/vomiting and dyspepsia symptoms were associated with being unable to tolerate the manometry probe. The second group comprises patients with a history of achalasia in whom probe curling is more common. Future research targeting these risk factors may minimize diagnostic and treatment delays.

Role of modified Glasgow Prognostic Score in patients with achalasia who underwent laparoscopic Heller-myotomy with Dor-fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammatory response is significant prognostic indicator in patients with various diseases. The relationship between prognostic scoring systems based on the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and achalasia in patients treated with laparoscopic Heller‑myotomy with Dor‑fundoplication (LHD) remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to examine the role of mGPS in patients with achalasia.

METHODS

457 patients with achalasia who underwent LHD as the primary surgery between September 2005 and December 2020 were included. We divided patients into the mGPS 0 and mGPS 1 or 2 groups and compared the patients' background, pathophysiology, symptoms, surgical outcomes, and postoperative course.

RESULTS

mGPS was 0 in 379 patients and 1 or 2 in 78 patients. Preoperative vomiting and pneumonia were more common in patients with mGPS of 1 or 2. There were no differences in surgical outcomes. Postoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that severe esophagitis was more frequently observed in patients with mGPS of 1 or 2 (P < 0.01). The clinical success was 91% and 99% in the mGPS 0 and mGPS 1 or 2 groups, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although severe reflux esophagitis was more common in patients with achalasia with a high mGPS, good clinical success was obtained regardless of the preoperative mGPS.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Toupet fundoplication: revisiting GERD in treated achalasia

INTRODUCTION

With the advent of the laparoscopic era in the 1990s, laparoscopic Heller myotomy replaced pneumatic dilation as the first-line treatment for achalasia. An advantage of this approach was the addition of a fundoplication to reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). More recently, Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy has competed for first-line therapy, but the postoperative GERD may be a weakness. This study leverages our experience to characterize GERD following LHM with Toupet fundoplication (LHM+T ) so that other treatments can be appropriately compared.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review of adult patients with achalasia who underwent LHM+T from January 2012 to April 2022 was performed. We obtained routine 6-month postoperative pH studies and patient symptom questionnaires. Differences in questionnaires and reflux symptoms in relation to pH study were explored via Kruskal-Wallis test or chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Of 170 patients who underwent LHM+T , 51 (30%) had postoperative pH testing and clinical symptoms evaluation. Eleven (22%) had an abnormal pH study; however, upon manual review, 5 of these (45.5%) demonstrated low-frequency, long-duration reflux events, suggesting poor esophageal clearance of gastric refluxate and 6/11 (54.5%) had typical reflux episodes. Of the cohort, 7 (15.6%) patients reported GERD symptoms. The median [IQR] severity was 1/10 [0, 3] and median [IQR] frequency was 0.5/4 [0, 1]. Patients with abnormal pH reported more GERD symptoms than patients with a normal pH study (3/6, 50% vs 5/39, 12.8%, p = 0.033). Those with a poor esophageal clearance pattern (n = 5) reported no concurrent GERD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of GERD burden after LHM+T is relatively low; however, the nuances relevant to accurate diagnosis in treated achalasia patients must be considered. Symptom correlation to abnormal pH study is unreliable making objective postoperative testing important. Furthermore, manual review of abnormal pH studies is necessary to distinguish GERD from poor esophageal clearance.

Robotic Heller's myotomy using the new Hugo™ RAS system: first worldwide report

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus characterized by motor dysfunction in the esophagus and relaxation failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Currently, surgical myotomy procedures are considered the standard of care. Robotic Heller's myotomy (RHM) with fundoplication has been gaining popularity due to documented advantages in the precision of myotomy as well as avoiding the potential reflux following per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). To the best of our knowledge, RHM has thus far has been performed exclusively by the da Vinci surgical system. The new Hugo RAS™ system offers a unique modular design and an open console which offers better maneuverability and docking options. In this study, we present the first worldwide series of patients undergoing RHM using the new Hugo RAS™ platform. Our objective is to propose optimal operating configuration and setup to fully harness the advantages of the unique modular design of this system.

METHODS

Ten consecutive achalasia patients underwent Robotic Heller's myotomy (RHM) with the Hugo RAS™ system. We prospectively collected patient data, including demographics, comorbidities, ASA class, Eckardt scores, pre-operative manometric data, and EndoFlip parameters. Additionally, we recorded the docking and total operative times.

RESULTS

Between December 2022 and August 2023, 10 patients underwent RHM with the Hugo™ RAS system. Patients had a median age of 42.5 years, 60% were female, and mean BMI was 23.2. Fifty percent had achalasia type 2 and 50% type 1. The median pre-operative integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 24.9. Median docking time was 10 min and overall operative time was 129.5 min. All patients, except one with acute coronary syndrome, had an uneventful peri-operative course and were discharged on post-operative day 2.

CONCLUSION

The Hugo™ RAS system is well designed for robotic Heller myotomy. The operative and clinical results are similar to the currently used robotic system; however, the modular design of the system has some differences. These translate to better docking angles and maneuverability as well as console surgeon's ergonomics. Further experience is needed to explore the advantages of the system's modular design and function.

Clinical and manometric results of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia: experience in a latin american reference center

INTRODUCTION

Currently there is little information in Latin America on the clinical outcome and manometric evolution of patients with Achalasia undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Evaluate the manometric and clinical changes in adult patients with achalasia after peroral endoscopic myotomy at a referral center in Bogotá, Colombia.

METHODS

Observational, analytical, longitudinal study. Adult patients with achalasia according to the Chicago 4.0 criteria were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and manometric variables were described. To compare the pre- and post-surgical variables, the Student's or Wilcoxon's t test was used for the quantitative variables according to their normality, and McNemar's chi-square for the qualitative variables.

RESULTS

29 patients were included, 55.17% (n=16) women, with a mean age at the time of surgery of 48.2 years (±11.33). The mean post-procedure evaluation time was 1.88±0.81 years. After the procedure, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with weight loss (37.93% vs 21.43% p 0.0063), chest pain (48.28% vs 21.43, p 0.0225) and the median Eckardt score (8 (IQR 8 -9) vs 2(IQR 1-2), p <0.0001). In addition, in fourteen patients with post-surgical manometry, significant differences were found between IRP values (23.05±14.83mmHg vs 7.69±6.06mmHg, p 0.026) and in the mean lower esophageal sphincter tone (9.63±7.2mmHg vs 28.8±18.60mmHg, p 0.0238).

CONCLUSION

Peroral endoscopic myotomy has a positive impact on the improvement of symptoms and of some manometric variables (IRP and LES tone) in patients with achalasia.

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy in elderly achalasia patients: a single center experience with PSM analysis

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. With the ageing of the general population, treatment in elderly patients has become increasingly common; however, the gold standard treatment in this population remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy (LHM) in geriatric patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, consecutive achalasia patients undergoing LHM at the University Hospital 'Federico II' of Naples from November 2018 to November 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age at intervention: elderly (≥70 years) and younger (<70 years). The two study groups were compared by minimizing the different distribution of covariates through a propensity score matching analysis (PSM).

RESULTS

In both populations, there was a significant improvement in terms of manometric parameters and symptoms after surgery. After applying one-on-one PSM, we obtained a total population of 48 achalasia patients divided into two groups (24 patients each). No significant differences were found in terms of demographic characteristics as well as preoperative and intraoperative variables between two groups. At 12 months from surgery, integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was significantly lower in patients ≥ 70 years (p = 0.032), while younger patients scored significantly less at the post-operative Eckardt score (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy is a safe and effective treatment even in elderly patients with rapid post-operative recovery, improvement of symptoms and manometric parameters.

Characteristics of Esophageal Motility and Associated Symptom Profiles in Patients with Esophageal Diverticulum: A Study Based on High-Resolution Impedance Manometry

BACKGROUND

Esophageal diverticulum (ED) is an uncommon structural disorder with heterogenous manifestations and elusive pathophysiology. Our aim was to investigate esophageal motility and associated symptom profiles in patients with ED based on high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with ED referred to our motility laboratory between 2015 to 2022 were identified in our electronic database. All patients were evaluated based on an upper endoscopy, HRIM, and standardized symptom questionnaires. Patients with ED were further stratified into upper, middle, and lower (epiphrenic) cases. Esophageal motility was evaluated with HRIM and the updated Chicago Classification v4.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with ED (9 upper, 4 middle, and 11 epiphrenic) were analyzed. Patients with ED were generally older (mean: 65 ± 13.3 years) and predominantly women (58.3%). Most ED cases were unilaterally located (95.8%) and left-side predominant (62.5%). Mean symptom duration was 20 months (range: 1-120) and the most common symptoms were dysphagia (70.8%) and regurgitation (37.5%). Erosive esophagitis was noted in 16 patients (69.6%), while barium stasis was noted in 5 patients (20.8%). Fourteen patients (58.3%) were diagnosed with esophageal motility disorders using HRIM, with achalasia being the most common diagnosis (n = 5, 20.8%). Patients with epiphrenic diverticulum had significantly higher symptom scores and achalasia prevalence.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ED tended to be older and was associated with a high prevalence of EMD. A multi-disciplinary evaluation, including complete anatomical and motility surveys, may help clarify the underlying pathophysiology and tailor further treatment strategies.

[A Case of Type II Achalasia Occurring in a Nonagenarian Diagnosed with Acute Food Impaction]

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by loss of esophageal peristalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients with achalasia often complain of persistent symptoms for several years before diagnosis. On the other hand, achalasia diagnosed as a sudden esophageal food impaction is uncommon, and no report has been issued on the diagnosis and successful treatment of achalasia in a 95-year-old patient. We report a case of achalasia diagnosed by high-resolution esophageal manometry and timed barium esophagography after food material removal by endoscopy in a 95-year-old woman who visited the hospital due to sudden esophageal food impaction and was successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilatation.

Integrated Relaxation Pressure and Its Diagnostic Ability May Vary According to the Conditions Used for HREM Recording

Integrated Residual Pressure (IRP) measured under conditions alternative to supine single swallows may provide clinically useful information regarding EGJ relaxation. This study aimed to compare IRP values obtained under different situations and explore their potential clinical utility. We analyzed and compared the values of IRP obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with suspected achalasia during supine single swallows (Ssup-IRP), sitting single swallows (Ssit-IRP), supine multiple rapid swallows (Msup-IRP), and sitting multiple rapid swallows (Msit-IRP). We analyzed the HREM recordings of 40 healthy volunteers and 53 patients with suspected achalasia. The four metrics were significantly different from each other in healthy volunteers (Ssup-IRP > Msup-IRP > Ssit-IRP > Msit-IRP) and their corresponding 95th percentiles were substantially distinct (Ssup-IRP: 25.3 mmHg, Ssit-IRP: 20.9 mmHg, Msup-IRP: 15.9 mmHg, and Msit-IRP: 11.9 mm Hg, respectively). Complete agreement among the four metrics in predicting abnormal IRP was found in 39 of the 47 patients with suspected achalasia who completed the protocol. Optimal cutoffs derived from ROC curve analysis demonstrated ≥ 0.95 specificities for detection of impaired EGJ relaxation among patients with suspected achalasia. Among the eight patients with suspected achalasia with normal Ssup-IRP, five demonstrated abnormal Msit-IRP and four abnormal Ssit-IRP. Significant differences of IRP exist depending on the measurement situation, indicating that correct interpretation of IRP values requires specific cutoffs for each situation.The sensitivities of Ssit-IRP and Msit-IRP in detecting defective EGJ relaxation appear to be slightly higher than that of Ssup-IRP.

A complex case of dysphagia with dual aetiology

A woman in her early 60s was referred with dysphagia and chest pain to a tertiary referral centre specialising in oesophageal disorders. Cardiac symptom origin and sinister oesophageal pathology had been excluded at her local hospital in NHS Scotland. Under multidisciplinary team oversight, reinvestigation of mucosal pathology and oesophageal motility ultimately uncovered both Type III achalasia and eosinophilic oesophagitis. This case demonstrates the benefit of including provocative testing during high-resolution manometry to reproduce relevant dysphagia and the importance of stopping proton-pump inhibitors long enough to uncover excessive eosinophils which could otherwise be masked. Ultimately, tailored management for both conditions separately was required to achieve symptoms resolution.

Achalasia is Strongly Associated With Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Other Allergic Disorders

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Achalasia has been assumed to be an autoimmune disease targeting esophageal myenteric neurons. Recently, we proposed an alternative hypothesis that achalasia sometimes might be allergy-driven, caused by a form of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in which activated eosinophils and/or mast cells infiltrating esophageal muscle release products that disrupt motility and damage myenteric neurons. To seek epidemiologic support for this hypothesis, we identified patients with achalasia in the Utah Population Database, and explored their frequency of having EoE and other allergic disorders.

METHODS

We used International Classification of Diseases codes to identify patients with achalasia and allergic disorders including EoE, asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hives/urticaria, and anaphylaxis. We calculated relative risk (RR) for each allergic disorder by comparing the number observed in patients with achalasia with the expected number in individuals matched for birthyear and sex, and we performed subanalyses for patients age ≤40 versus age >40 years.

RESULTS

Among 844 patients with achalasia identified (55% female; median age at diagnosis, 58 years), 402 (47.6%) had ≥1 allergic disorder. Fifty-five patients with achalasia (6.5%) had EoE (1.67 EoE cases expected), for a RR of 32.9 (95% confidence interval, 24.8-42.8; P < .001). In 208 patients with achalasia age ≤40 years, the RR for EoE was 69.6 (95% confidence interval, 46.6-100.0; P < .001). RR also was increased significantly for all other allergic disorders evaluated (all greater than 3-fold higher than population rates).

CONCLUSIONS

Achalasia is strongly associated with EoE and other allergic disorders. These data support the hypothesis that achalasia sometimes might have an allergic etiology.

A rare case of mega-esophagus due to achalasia causing tracheal compression

Achalasia is one of the most common esophageal motility disorders. Typical symptoms include dysphagia, food regurgitation, respiratory symptoms, chest pain, and weight loss. Respiratory obstruction due to tracheal compression by the massively dilated esophagus is a very rare but fatal complication. A 36-year-old male presented with progressive respiratory distress with a history of untreated dysphagia and regurgitation. Further diagnosis revealed dilatation of the esophagus with undigested food. A Heller myotomy with fundoplication was performed and respiratory symptoms were relieved. Tracheal compression and acute airway obstruction caused by esophageal dilatation in achalasia is a rare presentation. Early recognition of this rare manifestation is critical and emergency treatment is necessary for life saving. Radiological examination can help physicians find the dilated esophagus. Respiratory symptoms resulting from tracheal compression by a dilated esophagus rarely occurred. Even though physicians should be alert and early decompression has to be performed immediately.

Single-Versus Multiple-Dose Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: A Randomized Controlled Study (SMAPP Trial)

Infections are uncommon after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure. However, prophylactic antibiotics are routinely administered for variable duration during peri-operative period. In this study, we aimed to determine the difference in the rate of infections between single (SD-A) and multiple doses (MD-A) antibiotic prophylaxis groups. The study was a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial conducted at a single tertiary care centre from Dec 2018 to Feb 2020. Eligible patients undergoing POEM were randomized into SD-A and MD-A groups. SD-A group received one dose of antibiotic (IIIrd gen cephalosporin) within 30-min of POEM. In the MD-A group, the same antibiotic was administered for a total of three days. Primary aim of the study was to determine the incidence of infections in the two groups. Secondary outcomes included incidence of fever (> 100 °F), inflammatory markers [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein(CRP)], serum procalcitonin and adverse events related to antibiotics. (NCT03784365). 114 patients were randomized to SD-A (57) and MD-A (57) antibiotic groups. Mean post-POEM CRP (0.8 ± 0.9 vs 1.5 ± 1.6), ESR (15.8 ± 7.8 20.6 ± 11.7) and procalcitonin (0.05 ± 0.04 0.29 ± 0.58) were significantly higher after POEM (p = 0.001). Post-POEM inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP and procalcitonin) were similar in both the groups. Fever on day-0 (10.5% vs 14%) and day-1 (1.7% vs 3.5%) was detected in similar proportion of patients. Post-POEM infections were recorded in 3.5% (1.7% vs 5.3%, p = 0.618). Single dose of antibiotic is non-inferior to multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Elevation of inflammatory markers and fever after POEM represents inflammation and does not predict infection after POEM.

An overview of the efficacy, safety, and predictors of achalasia treatments

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by abnormal esophageal peristalsis and the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, resulting in poor esophageal emptying. This can be relieved by endoscopic and surgical treatments; each comes with certain advantages and disadvantages.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to guide the clinician in clinical decision making on the different treatment options for achalasia regarding the efficacy, safety, and important predictors.

EXPERT OPINION

Botulinum toxin injection is only recommended for a selective group of achalasia patients because of the short term effect. Pneumatic dilation improves achalasia symptoms, but this effect diminishes over time and requiring repeated dilations to maintain clinical effect. Heller myotomy combined with fundoplication and peroral endoscopic myotomy are highly effective on the long term but are more invasive than dilations. Gastro-esophageal reflux complaints are more often encountered after peroral endoscopic myotomy. Patient factors such as age, comorbidities, and type of achalasia must be taken into account when choosing a treatment. The preference of the patient is also of great importance and therefore shared decision making has to play a fundamental role in deciding about treatment.

Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To report the first successful full-term delivery following Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) performed during pregnancy.

METHODS/BACKGROUND

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by dysphagia, regurgitation, reflux, recurrent vomiting, and weight loss. Achalasia in pregnancy can affect nutritional status of the mother, and subsequently, the child, increasing morbidity and creating potential pregnancy complications. POEM is a novel endoscopic procedure which involves cutting the lower esophageal sphincter to allow food to pass, and is considered a safe and effective management option for achalasia in non-pregnant individuals.

RESULTS

We discuss the case of a patient with achalasia and a prior Heller myotomy who presented with recrudescence of severe symptoms prompting evaluation and treatment with POEM.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of successful full-term delivery following POEM performed during pregnancy, demonstrating its feasibility and safety in this patient population when approached with a multidisciplinary team.

Recent advances in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders represent some of the most challenging clinical conditions with largely undefined pathogenetic pathways and therefore limited therapeutic options. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent advances in treatment options for these disorders and their clinical impact.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed and Medline databases were searched for relevant articles related to the treatment of achalasia, esophageal atresia, gastroparesis, PIPO and constipation published between 2017 and 2022. In this article, we review and summarize recent advances in management of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children with a particular focus on emerging therapies as well as novel diagnostic modalities that help guide their application or develop new, more targeted treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

Gastrointestinal motility disorders represent one of the most challenging conundrums in pediatric age and despite significant advances in investigative tools, the palette of treatment options remain limited. Overall, while pharmacological options have failed to bring a curative solution, recent advances in minimal invasive therapeutic and diagnostic techniques have emerged as potential keys to symptom and quality of life improvement, such as ENDOFLIP, POEM, cine-MRI, fecal microbiota transplantation.

Intraoperative distensibility measurement in POEM for achalasia: impact on patient outcome and associations with other outcome variables at 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) can provide measurements of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) distensibility. Studies report that use of intraoperative FLIP examination during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia is associated with treatment success, but evidence is limited and inconsistent. The main aim of the present study was to assess associations between intraoperative FLIP values and 1-year outcomes. Additionally, associations between 1-year FLIP measurements and other 1-year outcome variables were studied.

METHODS

We performed a single-center prospective study of consecutive achalasia patients treated with POEM with a standardized 1-year follow-up. The inclusion period was from June 2017 to January 2020. We compared 1-year outcomes (FLIP measurement values, Eckardt score (ES), reflux esophagitis, timed barium esophagogram (TBE), and lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (LES-rp)) in patients with and without intraoperative FLIP examination. We also assessed associations between intraoperative FLIP values, 1-year FLIP values, and other 1-year outcomes. Results are given as median (IQR), and non-parametrical statistical analyses were applied.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (27 females) with median age 45 years (35-54) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar in patients with (n = 32) and without (n = 30) intraoperative FLIP examination. In patients with intraoperative FLIP, ES was 2 (1-3) and LES distensibility index (DI) 3.7 (2.6-5.4) after 1 year, compared with ES 2 (1-3) and DI 4.0 (3.1-6.8)) in patients without intraoperative FLIP (ns). Intraoperative DI was not correlated with 1-year ES or DI. One-year DI correlated significantly with 1-year ES (rs - 0.42), TBE (rs - 0.34), and LES-rp (rs - 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of intraoperative FLIP measurements in POEM for achalasia is not associated with improved 1-year outcome, and the clinical value of intraoperative FLIP in POEM for achalasia is questioned. Follow-up FLIP measurements are moderately associated with symptomatic outcome, and may serve as an additional diagnostic modality in post-treatment evaluation.

Case of Concomitant Endoscopic Treatment of Achalasia with Superficial Esophageal Cancer

Achalasia, a rare motility disorder of the esophagus, is generally accepted as a premalignant disorder. This paper presents the case of a 72-year-old male with achalasia and synchronous superficial esophageal cancer who experienced dysphagia symptoms for five years. As achalasia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer, both can be treated simultaneously if detected at the time of diagnosis. Achalasia and synchronous esophageal cancer are rarely detected and treated endoscopically. This paper reports a case of concurrent successful treatment.

Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy for Achalasia in Children

INTRODUCTION

Robotic-assisted Heller-Dor procedure has been proposed as an alternative minimally invasive approach to traditional laparoscopy for the treatment of achalasia in children. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness, safety and associated costs between both procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective single center study was conducted among consecutive children operated for achalasia (Heller-Dor operation) between 2005 and 2021, who were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach: laparoscopic (LAP-group) or robotic (ROB-group). Demographics, clinical features, surgery time, length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, long-term outcomes and economic data were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients were included (12 in LAP-group; 12 in ROB-group), with no demographic or clinical differences between them. ROB-group patients presented lower intraoperative blood loss (23 ± 15 vs. 95 ± 15 ml; p < 0.001), shorter surgery time (178 ± 25 vs. 239 ± 55 min; p = 0.009) and shorter LOS, with a median of 2 days (Q1-Q3: 2-3) when compared to LAP-group (4 days [Q1-Q3:3-5]; p = 0.008). Three post-operative complications were reported, all in LAP-group (2 esophageal perforations and 1 esophageal tightness). After a median follow-up of 11 years, ROB-group patients presented fewer recurrences (0 vs 5; p = 0.039), less reintervention rate (0 % vs 41.7 %; p < 0.039) and lower associated economic costs (28,660$ vs. 60,360$; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the first comparative study of robotic and laparoscopic treatment of achalasia in children. Initial outcomes of robotic-assisted Heller-Dor procedure suggests some intraoperative (less blood loss and surgical time) and postoperative advantages (fewer complications and reinterventions). However, long-term studies with larger numbers of patients are needed.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Quantifying the subjective: length-to-height ratio characterizes achalasia esophageal tortuosity

BACKGROUND

Esophageal morphology in achalasia is thought to affect outcomes, with "end-stage" sigmoidal morphology faring poorly; however, evaluation of morphology's role in outcomes has been limited by lack of objective characterization. Hence, the goals of this study were twofold: characterize the variability of timed barium esophagram (TBE) interpretation and evaluate an objective classification of TBE tortuosity: length-to-height ratio (LHR). We hypothesized that the esophagus must elongate to become sigmoidal such that sigmoidal morphology would demonstrate a larger LHR.

METHODS

Ninety pre-operative TBEs were selected from an institutional database. Esophageal morphology was categorized as straight, intermediate, or sigmoidal. Esophageal length was measured by a mid-lumen line from the aortic knob to the esophagogastric junction on TBE; height was measured vertically from the aortic knob to the level of the esophagogastric junction. The length divided by the height generated the LHR. Descriptive statistics and frequency of expert agreement were calculated. Median LHR was compared between consensus morphologies. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) determined the optimal LHR for sigmoidal vs non-sigmoidal characterization.

RESULTS

From a total of 90 pre-operative TBEs, expert consensus morphology was reached in 56 (62.2%) cases. Pairs of experts agreed on morphology in 62-74% of TBEs, with all three experts agreeing on 46.7-48.9% of cases. Median LHR between expert consensus morphologies was 1.03, 1.09, and 1.24 for straight, intermediate, and sigmoidal morphologies, respectively (p < 0.001). ROC demonstrated that an LHR cutoff of 1.13 was 100% sensitive and 95% specific (AUC 0.99) for ruling out sigmoidal morphology.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm our anecdotal experience that subjective morphology interpretation is variable, even between experts at a high-volume center. LHR provides an objective method for classification, allowing us to overcome the limitations of inter-observer variability, thus paving the way for future study of the role of morphology in achalasia outcomes.

Multiple Sclerosis Is Associated With Achalasia and Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

Background/Aims

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the demyelination of primarily the central nervous system. Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) and achalasia are both disorders of esophageal peristalsis which cause clinical symptoms of dysphagia. Mechanisms involving dysfunction of the pre- and post-ganglionic nerve fibers of the myenteric plexus have been proposed. We sought to determine whether MS confers an increased risk of developing achalasia or DES.

Methods

Cohort analysis was done using the Explorys database. Univariate logistic regression was performed to determine the odds MS confers to each motility disorder studied. Comparison of proportions of dysautonomia comorbidities was performed among the cohorts. Patients with a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, chronic Chagas' disease, opioid use, or CREST syndrome were excluded from the study.

Results

Odds of MS patients developing achalasia or DES were (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.73-2.52; P < 0.001) and (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 2.89-3.42; P < 0.001), respectively. In the MS/achalasia cohort, 27.27%, 18.18%, 9.09%, and 45.45% patients had urinary incontinence, gastroparesis, impotence, and insomnia, respectively. In the MS/DES cohort, 35.19%, 11.11%, 3.70%, and 55.56% had these symptoms. In MS patients without motility disorders, 12.64%, 0.79%, 2.21%, and 21.85% had these symptoms.

Conclusions

Patients with MS have higher odds of developing achalasia or DES compared to patients without MS. MS patients with achalasia or DES have higher rates of dysautonomia comorbidities. This suggests that these patients have a more severe disease phenotype in regards to the extent of neuronal degradation and demyelination causing the autonomic dysfunction.

Surgical approaches for achalasia and obesity: a systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Synchronous and metachronous presentations of achalasia and obesity are increasingly common. There is limited data to guide the combined or staged surgical approaches to these conditions.

METHODS

A systematic review (MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) and patient-level meta-analysis of published cases were performed to examine the most effective surgical approach for patients with synchronous or metachronous presentations of achalasia and obesity.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies with 93 patients were reviewed. Eighteen patients underwent concurrent achalasia and bariatric surgery, with the most common (n = 12, 72.2%) being laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This combination achieved 68.9% excess weight loss and 100% remission of achalasia (mean follow-up: 3 years). Seven (6 RYGB, 1 biliopancreatic diversion) patients had bariatric surgery following achalasia surgery. Of these, all 6 RYGBs had satisfactory bariatric outcomes, with complete remission of their achalasia (mean follow-up: 1.8 years). Sixty-eight patients underwent myotomy following bariatric surgery; the majority (n = 55, 80.9%) were following RYGB. In this scenario, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) achieved higher treatment success than LHM (n = 33 of 35, 94.3% vs. n = 14 of 20, 70.0%, p = 0.021). Moreover, conversion to RYGB following a restrictive bariatric procedure during achalasia surgery was also associated with higher achalasia treatment success.

CONCLUSION

In patients with concurrent achalasia and obesity, LHM and RYGB achieved good outcomes for both pathologies. For those with weight gain post-achalasia surgery, RYGB provided satisfactory weight loss, without adversely affecting achalasia symptoms. For those with achalasia after bariatric surgery, POEM and conversion to RYGB produced greater treatment success.

Direct cost variance analysis of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs heller myotomy for management of achalasia: A tertiary referral center experience

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times. Studies comparing the direct cost-effectiveness of POEM vs LHM are limited.

AIM

To compare costs of POEM vs LHM.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review aimed to compare the outcomes and cost of clinical care between patients who underwent POEM and LHM procedures for achalasia. The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center from January 2019 to December 2020. Clinical outcomes, including post-operative Eckardt scores and adverse events, were assessed and compared between the two groups. Direct cost variance analysis was utilized to evaluate the cost of clinical care incurred by patients undergoing POEM in the year preceding the procedure, during the index admission, and one year post-procedure, in comparison to patients undergoing LHM.

RESULTS

Of 30 patients were included (15 POEM and 15 LHM) in the study. Patients in the POEM group had a mean Eckardt score of 0.5 ± 0.5 post-procedure, which was no different from patients in the LHM group (0.7 ± 0.6, P = 0.17) indicating comparative efficacy. However, the total costs of the admission for the procedure in the LHM group were on average $1827 more expensive than in the POEM group (P < 0.01). Total healthcare costs one year prior to index procedure were $7777 higher in the LHM group, but not statistically different (P = 0.34). The patients in the LHM group one year after the index procedure had accrued $19730.24 larger total cost, although this was not statistically different from POEM group (P = 0.68).

CONCLUSION

Despite similar clinical outcomes, the cost of the index procedure admission for POEM was significantly lower than for LHM. The difference was primarily related to shorter time increments utilized in the operating room during the index procedure, and shorter length of hospital stay following POEM.

Symptom duration is not associated with per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) failure

INTRODUCTION

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a relatively novel technique to address achalasia; however, little is known about the efficacy of POEM for patients with long-standing achalasia. We hypothesize that patients with long-standing achalasia prior to intervention will be more recalcitrant to POEM than patients with symptoms for a short duration.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with achalasia who received a POEM at a single institution from 2012 to 2022. Patients were grouped into cohorts based on the time of symptom duration: < 1 year, 1-3 years, 4-10 years, > 10 years. POEM failure was defined as need for repeat intervention, symptom recurrence, and a high postoperative Eckart score. Demographic and clinical data were compared between cohorts. Measures of failure multivariable logistic regression analyzed the association between symptom duration and response to POEM.

RESULTS

During the study period, 132 patients met inclusion criteria. Patient age at surgery, sex, BMI, Charleston-Deyo Comorbidity Index, and patients with diabetes with and without end organ complications, connective tissue diseases, and patients with ulcer diseases did not differ among cohorts. Patients who have had symptoms for greater than 10 years had significantly more endoscopic interventions prior to their POEM (30% vs, 60% p = 0.002). Patients in all cohorts experienced the same number of symptoms post-POEM. Manometric measurements did not vary across cohorts after POEM. Symptom recurrence, need for repeat endoscopic intervention, repeat surgical intervention, or repeat POEM also did not vary across cohorts. Having symptoms of achalasia > 10 years did not increase the odds POEM failure on multivariable logistical regression.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that longer symptom duration is not associated with increased rates of POEM failure. This is promising as clinicians should not exclude patients for POEM eligibility based on duration of symptoms alone.

The relationship between manometric subtype and symptom details in achalasia

BACKGROUND

Although dysphagia and chest pain are the two most common symptoms in patients with achalasia, the mechanism of evoking symptoms is still unknown. The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between symptoms and the subtypes of achalasia defined by the Chicago classification.

METHODS

A total of 71consecutive patients with newly diagnosed achalasia were enrolled between March 2009 and December 2017. Esophageal motility was assessed by high-resolution manometry (HRM) with the Chicago classification v 3.0. and esophagograms. Their symptoms were evaluated with structured self-reported questionnaires focused on dysphagia and chest pain. Symptom profiles and radiographic findings according to the manometric subtypes were investigated.

RESULTS

Among the total 71 patients, 69 patients (97%) had dysphagia and 39 patients (54%) had chest pain. Regarding dysphagia, type II patients reported dysphagia in the throat the most, while types I and III patients mostly felt it in the epigastrium. Type II patients often felt dysphagia at the time of swallowing (41%), but this was reported in only 8.7% of Type I and 33% of Type III patients (p = 0.02). Concerning chest pain, Type I patients rarely had pain during meals (14%), but more often while sleeping (43%) and in early morning (43%), while type III patients often had pain during meals (67%). Type III patients reported that solid food caused pain more often than other types (I/II/III 0/10/33%, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed symptoms of achalasia, such as its site and timing, varied by subtypes. The status of the esophageal body might induce those differences in symptoms.

Don't forget Allgrove syndrome in adult patients as a bulbar-ALS mimicker

INTRODUCTION

Allgrove syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a multisystem involvement manifesting mainly in childhood with esophageal achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and alacrima. Associated neurological manifestations are frequent in patients with late-onset forms and include peripheral, central, and autonomic dysfunction. The definitive diagnosis remains genetic, but neurological symptoms/signs could be a relevant clue for the diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

This syndrome is rare, but it is not impossible for it to occur in adults, so all neurologists must be alert. Moreover, in this regard, neurological symptoms can sometimes be very similar to those of motor neuron disease patients, so that, although rare, Allgrove syndrome may also enter into the differential diagnosis with the bulbar variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nevertheless, attention to extra-neurological symptoms must remain high as these play an equally important role in reaching the diagnosis.

CASE REPORT

Here we present the case of a patient with some peculiarities that are onset at an advanced age, genetic confirmation of the diagnosis, and prominent neurological involvement, which also opens the differential diagnosis to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) in Achalasia: An Updated Meta-analysis

Background: Heller myotomy has been considered the standard surgical treatment for patients with achalasia. Since the initiation of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), it has represented an alternative for treating patients with achalasia. Over the years, numerous prospective and retrospective studies with POEM use for achalasia have been published. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM in patients with achalasia. Methods: Publications investigating the safety and efficacy of POEM in patients with achalasia were searched in Medline, Ovid Journals, Medline non-indexed citations, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews. Pooling was conducted by both fixed and random effects models. Results: The initial search identified 328 reference articles; of these, 34 relevant articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from 20 studies (n=1753) which met the inclusion criteria. In pooled analysis, the clinical success of POEM at 3 months was 94% (95% CI=93-95). The pooled clinical success of POEM at 12 months was 91% (95% CI=90-92). The pooled rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was 21% (95% CI=19-23), esophagitis was reported in 16% (95% CI=15-18), pneumomediastinum in 4% (95% CI=3-6), cervical emphysema in 12% (95% CI=10-13), pneumoperitoneum in 8% (95% CI=7-10), pneumothorax in 5% (95% CI=4 - 6), pleural effusion in 3% (95% CI=2-3), post-operative bleeding in 4.29% (95% CI=1.91 -7.61) and aspiration pneumonia in 3.08% (95% CI=1.13-5.97) of the patients after POEM. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that POEM is a highly effective and safe endoscopic treatment for patients with achalasia and a reasonable alternative to Heller myotomy.

Role of short interval FLIP panometry in predicting long-term outcomes after per-oral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND

The Eckardt score (ES) is used to assess symptom response to Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), but reliable methods to assess physiologic success are needed. Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry has a potential role in post-POEM follow-up to predict long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between clinical success and FLIP parameters following POEM to determine if short interval FLIP could predict long-term outcomes.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of adult patients who underwent POEM with short interval follow-up FLIP between 11/2017 and 3/2020. Clinical success was defined as post-procedure ES ≤ 3. Physiologic success was based on an esophago-gastric junction distensibility index (EGJ-DI) > 2.8 mm2/mmHg on FLIP.

RESULTS

47 patients (55% female, mean age 55 years) were included in the study. Clinical success after POEM was seen in 45 (96%) patients (mean ES 6.5 ± 2.2 pre and 0.83 ± 1.0 post-POEM, p < 0.001). Physiologic success was noted in 43 (91.5%) patients (mean EGJ-DI 6.1 mm2/mmHg ± 2.5). Among 4 patients not meeting criteria for physiologic success, EGJ-DI was 2.5-2.6. There was no correlation between post-POEM EGJ-DI and ES in the short term or long term. Significant reflux esophagitis was seen in 6 (12.8%) patients with no difference in mean EGJ-DI with vs without esophagitis (5.9 vs 6.1, p = 0.44).

CONCLUSION

Post-POEM endoscopy with FLIP is useful to both assess EGJ physiology and to examine for reflux esophagitis. Short interval FLIP has limited utility to predict long-term patient outcomes or risk of acid reflux.

What role does the submucosa play in the pathophysiology and treatment of achalasia? An analysis of impedance planimetry during POEM

BACKGROUND

It is thought the therapeutic benefit of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of esophageal dysmotility disorders is from longitudinal myotomy creation, but it is unknown if the submucosa contributes to the pathophysiology. This study investigates if submucosal tunnel (SMT) dissection alone contributes to POEM's luminal changes as measured by EndoFLIP.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases from June 1, 2011 to September 1, 2022 with intraoperative luminal diameter and distensibility index (DI) data as measured by EndoFLIP. Patients with diagnoses of achalasia or esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction were grouped by those with pre-SMT and post-myotomy measurements (Group 1) and those with a third measurement post-SMT dissection (Group 2). Outcomes and EndoFLIP data were analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistics.

RESULTS

There were 66 patients identified, of whom 57 (86.4%) had achalasia, 32 (48.5%) were female, and median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 7 [IQR: 6-9]. There were 42 (64%) patients in Group 1, and 24 (36%) patients in Group 2, with no differences in baseline characteristics. In Group 2, SMT dissection changed luminal diameter by 2.15 [IQR: 1.75-3.28]cm, which comprised 38% of the median 5.6 [IQR: 4.25-6.3]cm diameter of complete POEM change. Similarly, the median post-SMT change in DI of 1 [IQR: 0.5-1.2]units comprised 30% of the median 3.35 [2.4-3.98]units overall change in DI. Post-SMT diameters and DI were both significantly lower than the full POEM.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal diameter and DI are significantly affected by SMT dissection alone, though not equaling the magnitude of diameter or DI changes from full POEM. This suggests that the submucosa does play a role in achalasia, presenting a future target for refining POEM and developing alternative treatment strategies.

Pre-operative endoscopic balloon dilatation and its impact on outcome of laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy for patients with achalasia: does the frequency and interval matter?

BACKGROUND

Many surgeons believe that pre-operative balloon dilatation makes laparoscopic myotomy more difficult in achalasia patients. Herein, we wanted to see if prior pneumatic balloon dilatation led to worse outcomes after laparoscopic myotomy. We also assessed if the frequency of dilatations and the time interval between the last one and the surgical myotomy could affect these outcomes.

METHODS

The data of 460 patients was reviewed. They were divided into two groups: the balloon dilation (BD) group (102 patients) and the non-balloon dilatation (non-BD) group (358 patients).

RESULTS

Although pre-operative parameters and surgical experience were comparable between the two groups, the incidence of mucosal perforation, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss significantly increased in the BD group. The same group also showed a significant delay in oral intake and an increased hospitalization period. At a median follow-up of 4 years, the incidence of post-operative reflux increased in the BD group, while patient satisfaction decreased. Patients with multiple previous dilatations showed a significant increase in operative time, blood loss, perforation incidence, hospitalization period, delayed oral intake, and reflux esophogitis compared to single-dilatation patients. When compared to long-interval cases, patients with short intervals had a higher incidence of mucosal perforation and a longer hospitalization period.

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative balloon dilatation has a significant negative impact on laparoscopic myotomy short and long term outcomes. It is associated with a significant increase in operative time, blood loss, mucosal injury, hospitalization period, and incidence of reflux symptoms. More poor outcomes are encountered in patients with multiple previous dilatations and who have a short time interval between the last dilatation and the myotomy.

Anesthetic management of a patient with achalasia, a disease with a considerable risk for aspiration under anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a rare condition characterized by dysfunction of esophageal motility and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Anesthetic management of these patients is challenging due to the elevated risk of regurgitation and aspiration.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old man diagnosed with achalasia was scheduled for renal cancer surgery before esophageal myotomy. Since his severe dysphagia suggested the possibility of vomiting and aspiration under anesthesia, a stomach tube was inserted before induction of general anesthesia. After preoxygenation, rapid sequence induction was performed and an antiemetic was administered to prevent postoperative vomiting. Although anesthetic management was uneventful, the inserted stomach tube coiled up in the dilated esophagus and substantial residue was aspirated via the tube even after a prolonged fasting period.

CONCLUSION

Anesthesiologists should be familiar with achalasia even though it is an uncommon disease, since affected patients are at risk of regurgitation and aspiration under anesthesia.

Preoperative patient factors and anatomy do not predict who will develop reflux after per oral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been shown to be an efficacious and safe therapy for the treatment of achalasia. Compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy however, no antireflux procedure is routinely combined with POEM and therefore the development of symptomatic or silent reflux is of concern. This study was designed to determine if various patient factors and anatomy would predict the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease post-operatively.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent a POEM at a single institution by a single surgeon over an eight-year period (2014-2022). It has been our practice to obtain a postoperative ambulatory pH test on all patients 6 months after POEM off all acid reducing medications. Patients without a postoperative ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring test were excluded. Age, sex, obesity (BMI > 30), achalasia type, presence of a hiatal hernia, history of prior endoscopic achalasia treatments or myotomy were analyzed using univariate analysis as predictive factors for the development of postoperative GERD (DeMeester score > 14.7 on ambulatory pH monitoring).

RESULTS

There were 179 total patients included in the study with 42 patients (23.5%) having undergone postoperative ambulatory pH testing. The majority of patients (137 or 76.5%) were lost to follow up and did not undergo ambulatory pH testing. Twenty-three out of those 42 patients (55%) had evidence of GERD on ambulatory pH testing. Multiple preoperative patient characteristics including demographics, manometric results, EGD findings, and history of prior achalasia interventions did not correlate with the development of post-operative GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high rate of reflux after POEM, there does not appear to be any reliable preoperative indicators of which patients have a higher risk of developing post-operative GERD after POEM.

Do preoperative endoscopic interventions predict symptom recurrence or reintervention after peroral endoscopic myotomy?

BACKGROUND

Studies assessing outcomes of patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) after botulinum injection or dilation have had various results with respect to failure, although this has not been differentiated between lack of clinical response and recurrence. We hypothesize that patients with previous endoscopic intervention(s) are more likely to recur than treatment-naïve patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent POEM for achalasia at a single tertiary care center between 2011 and 2022. Patients were excluded if they had previous myotomy (POEM or Heller). The remaining patients were stratified into treatment-naïve patients (TN), those with previous botulinum injection (BTX), those with previous dilatation (BD), and those with both previous endoscopic interventions (BOTH). Primary outcome was recurrence indicated by clinical symptoms or need for repeat endoscopic intervention or surgery after originally having clinical resolution (Eckardt ≤ 3). Multivariate logistic regression using preoperative and intraoperative factors was completed to assess odds of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients were included in the analysis, 90 TN, 34 BD, 28 BTX, and 12 BOTH. There were no other significant differences in demographics or in preoperative Eckardt score (p = 0.53). There was no difference in the proportion of patients that had postoperative manometry (p = 0.74), symptom recurrence (p = 0.59), surgical intervention (p = 0.16). BTX (14.3%) and BOTH (16.7%) patients had a higher rate of repeat endoscopic intervention than BD and TN patients (5.9% and 1.1%). In the logistic regression analysis, there was no association among the BTX, BD, or BOTH groups compared to the TN group. No odds ratios achieved statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no increased likelihood of recurrence with botulinum injection or dilatation prior to POEM, implying that they are similarly good candidates compared to treatment-naïve patients.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is an important clinical symptom that increases in prevalence with age. Both oropharyngeal and esophageal processes can contribute to dysphagia, and these can be differentiated with a careful history. Neuromuscular processes are more prevalent than structural causes in oropharyngeal dysphagia, therefore, investigation should start with a modified barium swallow. In contrast, structural processes dominate in esophageal dysphagia, and endoscopy can offer biopsy and therapy by way of dilation. Manometry is performed for esophageal dysphagia when no structural etiology is found. Specific management of dysphagia is dependent on the etiology and mechanism of dysphagia.

Early esophageal carcinomas in achalasia patient after endoscopic submucosal dissection combined with peroral endoscopic myotomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is associated with high risk of esophageal carcinoma. However, the optimal endoscopic surgery for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia remains unclear.

CASE SUMMARY

A combination of concurrent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and modified peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed on a 62-year-old male, who presented with multiple early esophageal carcinomas concomitant with achalasia. The patient exhibited an improvement in feeding obstruction, and presented no evidence of disease during the 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The combination of ESD and POEM is a feasible treatment modality for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia.

Early esophageal carcinomas in achalasia patient after endoscopic submucosal dissection combined with peroral endoscopic myotomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is associated with high risk of esophageal carcinoma. However, the optimal endoscopic surgery for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia remains unclear.

CASE SUMMARY

A combination of concurrent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and modified peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed on a 62-year-old male, who presented with multiple early esophageal carcinomas concomitant with achalasia. The patient exhibited an improvement in feeding obstruction, and presented no evidence of disease during the 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The combination of ESD and POEM is a feasible treatment modality for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia.

Per-Oral Plication of (Neo)Esophagus: Technical Feasibility and Early Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an example of endoscopic sutured plications being used to remodel a gastrointestinal organ. With per-oral plication of the esophagus (POPE), similar plications are used to remodel the dilated and redundant megaesophagus of end-stage achalasia. Redundancies and dilations can also develop in the neoesophagus of a patient with prior esophagectomy. Megaesophagus and a redundant neoesophagus can both lead to debilitating dysphagia, regurgitation, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Traditionally, this anatomic problem requires complex revisional or excisional surgery, to which POPE offers an incisionless alternative.

METHODS

This is a dynamic manuscript with video demonstration of POPE, as well as review of five cases performed in 1 year. Data were collected in a prospectively maintained database, and the institutional review board approved retrospective review for this publication. The procedure is performed using a dual-channel upper endoscope fixed with an endoscopic suturing device, with the patient supine under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

POPE was technically completed in all cases with no serious complications, and patients either went home the same day or spent one night for observation. Most patients reported immediate and substantial symptomatic improvement. Objective pre- and post-measures include esophagram and nuclear gastric emptying studies.

CONCLUSION

This article discusses early experience at one institution with POPE, with detailed description of the procedure and technical considerations. An accompanying video reviews two cases, one with megaesophagus and one with a gastric conduit. While this novel procedure has limited and rare indications, it offers a low-morbidity solution to a challenging anatomic problem that traditionally requires invasive surgery.