Ligation-assisted endoscopic submucosal resection following unroofing technique for small esophageal subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria.

BACKGROUND: The majority of esophageal subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria (SEL-MPs) are benign in nature, although a subset may exhibit malignant characteristics. Conventional endoscopic resection techniques are time-consuming and lack efficacy for small SEL-MPs. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ligation-assisted endoscopic submucosal resection (ESMR-L) following unroofing technique for small esophageal SEL-MPs. METHODS: From January 2021 to September 2023, 17 patients diagnosed with esophageal SEL-MPs underwent ESMR-L following unroofing technique at the endoscopy center of Shenzhen People's Hospital. Details of clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.12 ± 12.65 years. The mean size of the tumors was 7.47 ± 2.83 mm and all cases achieved en bloc resection successfully. The average operation time was 12.2 minutes without any complications. Histopathology identified 2 Lesions (11.8%) as gastrointestinal stromal tumors at very low risk, 12 Lesions (70.6%) as leiomyoma and 3 Lesions (17.6%) as smooth muscle proliferation. No recurrence was found during the mean follow-up duration of 14.18 ± 9.62 months. CONCLUSION: ESMR-L following roofing technique is an effective and safe technique for management of esophageal SEL-MPs smaller than 20 mm, but it cannot ensure en bloc resection and may require further treatment.

More than chest pain: A case of oesophageal foreign body ingestion.

BACKGROUND:  Physicians often focus on possible cardiac causes in patients presenting with chest pain. However, this case highlights a patient who presented with chest pain caused by ingestion of a foreign body after an uneventful meal eaten an hour prior to presentation. The fishbone was discovered after imaging. The article aims to raise awareness regarding the potential origins of chest pain, highlighting that it may stem from non-cardiac conditions. METHODS:  The methodology employed in this study involved conducting a case study that meticulously examined the repercussions and management strategies associated with foreign body ingestion. RESULTS:  The case report delineates the scenario of a 27-year-old male patient who inadvertently ingested a fishbone during a routine meal. It details the swift decline in clinical status, the meticulous diagnostic procedures employed, the subsequent management strategies implemented and the ultimate discharge of the patient in a stable condition. CONCLUSION:  This case highlights the importance of comprehensive history taking and considering a wide range of causes of chest pain when evaluating a patient. The foreign body ingested with the resulting cardiac complications could have been fatal if not promptly diagnosed.Contribution: This study contributed to advancing awareness surrounding foreign body ingestion, shedding light on potential complications and offering valuable insights into effective management strategies.

Diagnostic Utility of High-resolution Esophageal Manometry and Its Correlation with Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Primary esophageal motility disorders present with a spectrum of symptoms where manometry plays an important role. We designed this study to evaluate the utility of esophageal manometry among various symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center observational study conducted over 5 years in a tertiary referral center. A total of 564 patients who underwent high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) using a 16-channel water perfusion system were included in the study. Their clinical profile and manometric findings, as per the Chicago classification version 4.0, were recorded, and the diagnostic utility of HREM with respect to symptoms was studied. RESULTS: Motility disorders were identified in 48.8% of patients, the most common being Achalasia cardia (32.4%). Dysphagia (55.5%) was the most common indication of manometry, followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (34.9%), chest pain (6.2%), and symptoms such as belching, globus, and hiccoughs (3.4%). Among those who were re-classified from Chicago classification v3.0 to v4.0, 21.2% had a newer diagnosis. Among the patients with dysphagia, HREM revealed the highest yield of detecting an abnormal esophageal motility test (70.6%); meanwhile, this yield was much lower in those with GERD (21.8%), chest pain (22.8%), and other symptoms (15.7%). The most common finding among those with dysphagia was Achalasia cardia (55.9%), while the study was normal among those with GERD (78.1%), chest pain (77.1%), and other symptoms (84.2%). The sensitivity and specificity of dysphagia for major motility disorders were 65% and 91%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 90%. CONCLUSION: HREM has high accuracy and a good diagnostic yield among patients with dysphagia, with the most common finding being Achalasia cardia.

Résumé Contexte:Les troubles primaires de la motilité œsophagienne se manifestent par un spectre de symptômes dans lesquels la manométrie joue un rôle important. Nous conçu cette étude pour évaluer l'utilité de la manométrie œsophagienne parmi divers symptômes.Matériels et méthodes:Il s'agit d'un centre unique étude observationnelle menée sur 5 ans dans un centre de référence tertiaire. Au total, 564 patients ayant subi une chirurgie œsophagienne à haute resolution la manométrie (HREM) utilisant un système de perfusion d'eau à 16 canaux ont été incluses dans l'étude. Leur profil clinique et leurs résultats manométriques, selon la classification de Chicago version 4.0, ont été enregistrés et l'utilité diagnostique du HREM en ce qui concerne les symptômes a été étudiée.Résultats:Des troubles de la motilité ont été identifiés chez 48,8 % des patients, la plus fréquente étant l'Achalasia cardia (32,4 %). La dysphagie (55,5 %) était la l'indication la plus courante de la manométrie, suivie du reflux gastro-œsophagien (RGO) (34,9 %), des douleurs thoraciques (6,2 %) et des symptômes tels que comme les éructations, les globus et le hoquet (3,4 %). Parmi ceux qui ont été reclassés de la classification de Chicago v3.0 à v4.0, 21,2 % avaient un diagnostic. Parmi les patients atteints de dysphagie, l'HREM a révélé le rendement le plus élevé de détection d'un test de motilité œsophagienne anormale (70,6 %); dans le même temps, ce rendement était beaucoup plus faible chez les personnes souffrant de RGO (21,8 %), de douleurs thoraciques (22,8 %) et d'autres symptômes (15,7 %). Le plus courant le résultat parmi les personnes souffrant de dysphagie était l'achalasie cardiaque (55,9 %), tandis que l'étude était normale chez les personnes souffrant de RGO (78,1 %), douleur thoracique (77,1 %) et autres symptômes (84,2 %). La sensibilité et la spécificité de la dysphagie pour les troubles majeurs de la motilité étaient de 65 % et 91 %, respectivement, avec une valeur prédictive positive de 90 %.Conclusion:HREM présente une grande précision et un bon rendement diagnostique chez les patients atteints de dysphagie, la pathologie la plus fréquente étant l'achalasie cardiaque.

A View in the Dark: Two Cases of Acute Esophageal Necrosis in the Setting of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as Gurvits syndrome, is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by necrosis of the esophageal mucosa. Acute esophageal necrosis is often associated with critical conditions, such as myocardial infarction, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, or post-surgical complications. Patients typically present with nausea, hematemesis, acute dysphagia, and melena. Given its high mortality rate, prompt detection with upper endoscopy and early initiation of treatment are crucial. Most cases of Gurvits syndrome are managed conservatively using intravenous fluids, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics. Herein, we present a case series of AEN in the setting of DKA. Both patients received supportive care and were discharged in a stable condition.

Incorporating body mass index into esophageal manometry metrics and mean nocturnal baseline impedance for the evaluation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of high resolution manometry (HRM) and pH-impedance monitoring metrics in distinguishing between gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and non-GERD. A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study was conducted on 643 patients with GERD symptoms. PSM matched 134 GERD patients with 134 non-GERD controls. Body mass index (BMI), intra-esophageal pressure (IEP) and intra-gastric pressure (IGP) were significantly higher in the GERD group compared to the non-GERD group. BMI was correlated with IEP and IGP positively. IGP was positively correlated with esophagogastric (EGJ) pressure (EGJ-P) in participants with EGJ type 1 and 2, but not in participants with EGJ type 3. BMI was correlated with distal MNBI negatively. Logistic regression showed BMI as an independent risk factor for GERD. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that BMI adjusted EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI) and BMI adjusted MNBI were superior to the corresponding original ones in predicting GERD susceptibility. According to the findings, BMI and IGP are the main factors contributing to the development of GERD. BMI affects IEP through the adaptive response of EGJ-P to IGP. Incorporating BMI into the calculations of EGJ-CI and MNBI can improve their ability in predicting GERD susceptibility.

Attenuation of esophageal anastomotic stricture through remote ischemic conditioning in a rat model.

Anastomotic stricture is a typical complication of esophageal atresia surgery. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has demonstrated multiorgan benefits, however, its efficacy in the esophagus remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether applying RIC after esophageal resection and anastomosis in rats could attenuate esophageal stricture and improve inflammation. Sixty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into the following groups: controls with no surgery, resection and anastomosis only, resection and anastomosis with RIC once, and resection and anastomosis with RIC twice. RIC included three cycles of hind-limb ischemia followed by reperfusion. Inflammatory markers associated with the interleukin 6/Janus kinase/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/JAK/STAT3) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha/nuclear factor-κB (TNF-α/NF-kB) signaling pathways were evaluated with RNA and protein works. The RIC groups showed significantly lower stricture rates, lower inflammatory markers levels than the resection and anastomosis-only group. The RIC groups had significantly lower IL-6 and TNFa levels than the resection and anastomosis-only group, confirming the inhibitory role of remote ischemic conditioning in the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 and TNF-α/NF-kB signaling pathways. RIC after esophageal resection and anastomosis can reduce the inflammatory response, improving strictures at the esophageal anastomosis site, to be a novel noninvasive intervention for reducing esophageal anastomotic strictures.

[Colonic interposition with vascular anastomosis for upper digestive tract reconstruction after surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer with esophageal cancer].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of colonic interposition with vascular anastomosis in reconstructing the entire esophagus and hypopharynx after resection of hypopharyngeal cancer with esophageal cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 4 male patients with simultaneous multiple primary cancers of the hypopharynx and esophagus, aged 47 to 58, treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the Hunan Cancer Hospital from February to August 2019. All cases underwent total hypopharyngectomy and total esophagectomy, of whom, three cases presented with total laryngectomy and one case with larynx preservation. Colonic interposition was performed using the left colic artery as a pedicle, with an average colonic length of 48.5 cm. The colon was elevated through the esophageal bed to the neck, and the branch of the colonic mesenteric artery was anastomosed to one of the neck arteries, including the inferior thyroid artery in one case, the transverse cervical artery in two cases, and the superior thyroid artery in one case, and all venous anastomoses were performed with the internal jugular veins. Results: The postoperative neck and abdominal wounds healed well without anastomotic leakage, and all patients were able to resume a regular oral diet within 21-30 days postoperatively. During the follow-up of 48-52 months, two cases died due to tumor recurrence, while the remaining two cases were disease-free survivals. Conclusion: Colonic interposition with vascular anastomosis is a safe and reliable reconstruction method suitable for repairing long-segment upper digestive tract defects after resection of hypopharyngeal cancer with esophageal cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux following peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: Bumps in the road to success.

Achalasia can significantly impair the quality of life. The clinical presentation typically includes dysphagia to both solids and liquids, chest pain, and regurgitation. Diagnosis can be delayed in patients with atypical presentations, and they might receive a wrong diagnosis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), owing to overlapping symptoms of both disorders. Although the cause of achalasia is poorly understood, its impact on the motility of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction is well established. Several treatment modalities have been utilized, with the most common being surgical Heller myotomy with concomitant fundoplication and pneumatic balloon dilatation. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has gained popularity as an effective treatment for achalasia, despite a relatively high incidence of GERD occurring after treatment compared to other modalities. The magnitude of post-POEM GERD depends on its definition and is influenced by patient and procedure-related factors. The long-term sequelae of post-POEM GERD are yet to be determined, but it appears to have a benign course and is usually manageable with clinically available modalities. Identifying risk factors for post-POEM GERD and modifying the POEM procedure in selected patients may improve the overall success of this technique.

Device-assisted enteroscopy: Are we ready to dismiss the spiral?

Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) is the latest advance in device-assisted enteroscopy. Adverse events related to MSE were discussed in a recent large systematic review and meta-analysis and were directly compared with those of balloon enteroscopy in a case-matched study and a randomized controlled trial. Following the real-life application of MSE, an unexpected safety issue emerged regarding esophageal injury and the technique has been withdrawn from the global market, despite encouraging results in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic yield. We conducted an Italian multicenter real-life prospective study, which was prematurely terminated after the withdrawal of MSE from the market. The primary goals were the evaluation of MSE performance (both diagnostic and therapeutic) and its safety in routine endoscopic practice, particularly in the early phase of introduction in the endoscopic unit. A subanalysis, which involved patients who underwent MSE after unsuccessful balloon enteroscopy, demonstrated, for the first time, the promising performance of MSE as a rescue procedure. Given its remarkable performance in clinical practice and its potential role as a backup technique following a previously failed enteroscopy, it may be more appropriate to refine and enhance MSE in the future rather than completely abandoning it.

Intensive care of a patient undergoing combined multi-organ cluster ("larynx-trachea-thyroid-hypopharynx-esophagus") transplantation: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to summarize the intensive care experience of a patient undergoing combined multi-organ cluster ("larynx-trachea-thyroid-hypopharynx-esophagus") transplantation. METHODS: The intensive care management plan for this case was developed by a multidisciplinary team, with focus on 6 aspects: (1) stabilizing the circulation and reducing anastomotic tension by position management to improve the survival chances of transplanted organs, (2) adopting goal-directed analgesia and sedation protocols, as well as preventing anastomotic fistula, (3) implementing a bedside ultrasound-guided nutrition plan, (4) employing "body-mind" synchronous rehabilitation to facilitate functional recovery, (5) taking antirejection treatment and protective isolation measures, (6) monitoring and nursing thyroid function. RESULTS: During the intensive care, the patient's vital signs were stable. The patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator and transferred to the general ward for further treatment at 9 days postoperatively, and discharged upon recovery at 58 days postoperatively. The patient was in good condition during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study provides reference for the care of patients who undergo similar transplantation in the future.

[Porphyromonas gingivalis promotes the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via an inflammatory microenvironment].

Objective: To investigate the role of an inflammatory microenvironment induced by Porphyromonasgingivalis (P. gingivalis) in the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in mice. Methods: A total of 180 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. control group, P. gingivalis group, 4NQO group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + antibiotic cocktail (ABC, including metronidazole, neomycin, ampicillin, and vancomycin) group, with 30 mice in each group, using the random number table. All mice were normalized by treatment with ABC in drinking water for 2 weeks. In the following 2 weeks, the mice in the control group and the P. gingivalis group were given drinking water, while the other 4 groups were treated with 30 µg/ml 4NQO in the drinking water. In weeks 11-12, the mice in the P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + celecoxib group, and the 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were subjected to ligation of the second molar in oral cavity followed by oral P. gingivalis infection thrice weekly for 24 weeks in weeks 11-34. In weeks 13-34, the mice in 4NQO + P. gingivalis+celecoxib group and 4NQO + P. gingivalis + ABC group were administered with celecoxib and ABC for 22 weeks, respectively. At the end of 34 weeks, gross and microscopic alterations were examined followed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression profiles of inflammatory- and tumor-molecules in esophagi of mice. Results: At 34 weeks, 4NQO treatment alone did not affect the foci of papillary hyperproliferation, diseased area, and the thickness of the esophageal wall, but significantly enhanced the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05) and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 2.00, P＜0.01). In addition, the expression levels of IL-6 [8.35(3.45,8.99)], IL-1ß [6.90(2.01,9.72)], TNF-α [12.04(3.31,14.08)], c-myc [2.21(1.80,3.04)], pSTAT3, Ki-67, and pH2AX were higher than those in the control group. The pathological changes of the esophageal mucosa were significantly more overt in the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group in terms of the foci of papillary hyperproliferation (median 2.00), diseased area (median 2.51 mm2), the thickness of the esophageal wall (median 172.52 µm), the foci of hyperproliferation (median 1.00, P＜0.05), and mild/moderate dysplasia (median 1.00, P＜0.01). In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the expression levels of IL-6 [12.27(5.35,22.08)], IL-1ß [13.89(10.04,15.96)], TNF-α [19.56(6.07,20.36)], IFN-γ [11.37(8.23,20.07)], c-myc [2.62(1.51,4.25)], cyclin D1 [4.52(2.68,7.83)], nuclear pSTAT3, COX-2, Ki-67, and pH2AX were significantly increased compared with the mice in the control group. In mice of the 4NQO + P. gingivalis group, the diseased area, invasive malignant foci as well as pSTAT3 and pH2AX expression were significantly blunted by celecoxib. Treatment with ABC markedly reduced the papillary hyperproliferative foci, invasive malignant foci, and pSTAT3 expression but not pH2AX. Conclusions: P. gingivalis promotes the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in mice by inducing an inflammatory microenvironment primed with 4NQO induced DNA damage. Clearance of P. gingivalis with ABC or anti-inflammatory intervention holds promise for prevention of esophageal squamous cell malignant pathogenesis via blockage of IL-6/STAT3 signaling and amelioration of inflammation.

POEM in the esophagus - How to deal with the post-POEM reflux.

Reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is arguably one of the greatest concerns related to the procedure. The exact incidence is difficult to establish as reflux symptoms, esophagitis, and abnormal acid exposure correlate poorly, warranting thorough diagnostic investigation. The incidence is, however, higher than after Heller myotomy or pneumatic dilatation across all these three parameters. Although PPI are effective in the resolution of symptoms and healing of esophagitis, refractory patients exist. Esophageal hypersensitivity and acidic fermentation/esophageal stasis are most likely causes and could be diagnosed by manual analysis of pH metry tracings. Long-term complications like peptic stricture and Barrett's esophagus are rare and reported sporadically. Modifications of POEM procedure aiming to decrease post-POEM reflux led to no conclusive preferred technique. Modern investigations like endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe might help to personalize myotomy to the desired distensibility of the lower esophageal sphincter and decrease reflux.

Esophageal Bronchus-the Hidden Link. A Case Report.

An esophageal bronchus is a subtype of congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformations in which a lobar bronchus arises directly from the esophagus, creating a communication between the esophagus and lung tissue. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent worsening pulmonary sequelae but is challenging due to the rarity of the anomaly and nonspecific respiratory symptoms. We present a child whose esophageal bronchus was identified incidentally during preanesthetic assessment for craniosynostosis repair and discuss the role an anesthesiologist can play in identifying and managing this diagnosis.

A Small "Tent" in the Esophagus.

Cite this article as: Zong Z, Xu J, Zhang H, Xu H, Tang X, Shi L. A small "tent" in the esophagus. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024;35(7): 587-588.

Optimizing outcomes in paraesophageal hernia repair: a novel critical view.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate of paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is high with reported rates of recurrence varying between 25 and 42%. We present a novel approach to PEHR that involves the visualization of a critical view to decrease recurrence rate. Our study aims to investigate the outcomes of PEHR following the implementation of a critical view. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study that examines operative outcomes in patients who underwent PEHR with a critical view in comparison to patients who underwent standard repair. The critical view is defined as full dissection of the posterior mediastinum with complete mobilization of the esophagus to the level of the inferior pulmonary vein, visualization of the left crus of the diaphragm as well as the left gastric artery while the distal esophagus is retracted to expose the spleen in the background. Bivariate chi-squared analysis and multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 297 patients underwent PEHR between 2015 and 2023, including 207 with critical view and 90 with standard repair which represents the historic control. Type III hernias were most common (48%) followed by type I (36%), type IV (13%), and type II (2.0%). Robotic-assisted repair was most common (65%), followed by laparoscopic (22%) and open repair (14%). Fundoplications performed included Dor (59%), Nissen (14%), Belsey (5%), and Toupet (2%). Patients who underwent PEHR with critical view had lower hernia recurrence rates compared to standard (9.7% vs 20%, P < .01) and lower reoperation rates (0.5% vs 10%, P < .001). There were no differences in postoperative complications on unadjusted bivariate analysis; however, adjusted outcomes revealed a lower odds of postoperative complications in patients with critical view (AOR .13, 95% CI .05-.31, P < .001). CONCLUSION: We present dissection of a novel critical view during repair of all types of paraesophageal hernia that results in reproducible, consistent, and durable postoperative outcomes, including a significant reduction in recurrence and reoperation.