Suture-Tool: A Mechanical Needle Driver for Standardized Wound Closure.

INTRODUCTION: A laparotomy is commonly required to gain abdominal access. A safe standardized access and closure technique is warranted to minimize abdominal wall complications like wound infections, burst abdomen and incisional hernias. Stitches are recommended to be small and placed tightly, obtaining a suture length-to-incision length (SL/WL) ratio of ≥ 4:1. This can be time-consuming and difficult to achieve especially following long trying surgical procedures. The aim was to develop and evaluate a new mechanical suture device for standardized wound closure. METHODS: A mechanical suture device (Suture-tool) was developed in collaboration between a medical technology engineer team with the aim to achieve a standardized suture line of high quality that could be performed speedy and safe. Ten surgeons closed an incision in an animal tissue model after a standardized introduction of the instrument comparing the device to conventional needle driver suturing (NDS) using the 4:1 technique. Outcome measures were SL/WL ratio, number of stitches and suture time. RESULTS: In total, 80 suture lines were evaluated. SL/WL ratio of ≥ 4 was achieved in 95% using the Suture-tool and 30% using NDS (p < 0,001). Number of stitches was similar. Suture time was 30% shorter using the Suture-tool compared to NDS (2 min 54 s vs. 4 min 5 s; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical needle driver seems to be a promising device to perform a speedy standardized high-quality suture line for fascial closure.

Definitions for Loss of Domain: An International Delphi Consensus of Expert Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: No standardized written or volumetric definition exists for 'loss of domain' (LOD). This limits the utility of LOD as a morphological descriptor and as a predictor of peri- and postoperative outcomes. Consequently, our aim was to establish definitions for LOD via consensus of expert abdominal wall surgeons. METHODS: A Delphi study involving 20 internationally recognized abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) surgeons was performed. Four written and two volumetric definitions of LOD were identified via systematic review. Panelists completed a questionnaire that suggested these definitions as standardized definitions of LOD. Consensus on a preferred term was pre-defined as achieved when selected by ≥80% of panelists. Terms scoring <20% were removed. RESULTS: Voting commenced August 2018 and was completed in January 2019. Written definition: During Round 1, two definitions were removed and seven new definitions were suggested, leaving nine definitions for consideration. For Round 2, panelists were asked to select all appealing definitions. Thereafter, common concepts were identified during analysis, from which the facilitators advanced a new written definition. This received 100% agreement in Round 3. Volumetric definition: Initially, panelists were evenly split, but consensus for the Sabbagh method was achieved. Panelists could not reach consensus regarding a threshold LOD value that would preclude surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus for written and volumetric definitions of LOD was achieved from 20 internationally recognized AWR surgeons. Adoption of these definitions will help standardize the use of LOD for both clinical and academic activities.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repairs: Recurrence and Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia repair (IHR) with a mesh is necessary to achieve low recurrence rates and pain relief. In the short term, quality of life (QoL) is restored by IHR. Two centers pioneered the IHR in Sweden with the highly standardized Rives-Stoppa technique using a retromuscular mesh. We assessed long-term follow-up of recurrence rate and QoL. METHODS: Medical records were searched for IHRs performed from 1998 to 2006 and included living patients with midline repairs. Questionnaires about physical status, complaints, and QoL (SF-36) were mailed, offering a clinical examination. Assessment of medical records of later surgery was performed in 2015. RESULTS: Three hundred and one patients with midline incisional repairs were identified, and 217 accepted participation. Of these, 103 attended a clinical examination. Follow-up was 7 years until examination and 11 years to reassessment of medical records. In 26%, recurrent hernias were repaired. Postoperative complications were 26% Clavien-Dindo grade I-II and 1% grade III-IV. Mesh infections occurred in 1.4% without mesh removals, and 4% were reoperated because of complications. Overall recurrence rate was 8.1% and two-third of which were diagnosed at clinical examination. Recurrence after primary and recurrent hernia repair was 7.1 and 10.9%, respectively. Of all patients, 80% were satisfied; dissatisfaction was primarily caused by recurrence and chronic pain. SF-36 scores were 0.2 SD lower than the norm in all subscales, similar to those with 1-2 chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Midline retromuscular mesh IHR has a low long-term recurrence rate even after recurrent repair. Patient satisfaction was high although QoL was reduced.

Routine intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy is a cost-effective approach when analysing the cost of iatrogenic bile duct injuries.

BACKGROUND: The total cost of bile duct injuries (BDIs) in an unselected national cohort of patients undergoing cholecystectomy are unknown. The aim was to evaluate costs associated with treatment of cholecystectomy-related BDIs and to calculate cost effectiveness of routine vs. on-demand intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). METHODS: Data from Swedish patients suffering a BDI during a 5 year period were analysed. Questionnaires to investigate loss-of-production and health status (EQ-5D) were distributed to patients who suffered a BDI during cholecystectomy and who underwent uneventful cholecystectomy (matched control group). Costs per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained by intraoperative diagnosis were estimated for two strategies: routine versus on-demand IOC during cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Intraoperative diagnosis, immediate intraoperative repair, and minor BDI were all associated with reduced direct treatment costs compared to postoperative diagnosis, delayed repair, and major BDI (all p < 0.001). No difference was noted in loss-of-production for minor versus major BDIs or between different treatment strategies. The cost per QALY gained with routine intraoperative cholangiography (ICER-incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) to achieve intraoperative diagnosis was €50,000. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative detection and immediate intraoperative repair is the superior strategy with less than half the cost and superior functional patient outcomes than postoperative diagnosis and delayed repair. The cost per QALY gained (ICER) using routine IOC was considered reasonable.

Impact of Mesh Fixation on Chronic Pain in Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP): A Nationwide Register-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Mesh fixation is used to prevent recurrence at the potential risk for chronic pain in TEP. The aim was to compare the impact of permanent fixation (PF) with no fixation (NF)/nonpermanent fixation (NPF) of mesh on chronic pain after TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia. METHODS: Men, 30 to 75 years old, consecutively registered in the Swedish Hernia Register for a TEP primary repair in 2005 to 2009, were included in a mail survey using SF-36 and the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ). Primary endpoint was IPQ question "Did you have pain during past week that could not be ignored." Risk factors for chronic pain and recurrent operations were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1110 patients were included (325 PF, 785 NF/NPF) with 7.7% reporting pain at median 33 months follow-up. No difference regarding primary endpoint pain (P < 0.462), IPQ and SF-36 subscales were seen. Recurrent operation was carried out in 1.4% during 7.5 years follow-up with no difference between PF- and NF-groups including subgroups of medial hernias. All SF-36 subscale-scores were equal to or better than the Swedish norm. A postoperative complication was a risk factor for chronic pain (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.23-5.25, P < 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The TEP procedure for primary inguinal hernia repair in men is associated with a low frequency of chronic pain and recurrent operations, with no difference between permanent fixation and no/nonpermanent fixation of mesh in a nationwide population-based study. TEP without fixation reduces costs and is safe for all patients.

Quality of Life and Surgical Outcome 1 Year After Open and Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: PROLOVE: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Patients suffering from an incisional hernia after abdominal surgery have an impaired quality of life (QoL). Surgery aims to improve QoL with a minimum risk of further complications. The aim was to analyze QoL, predictors for outcome, including recurrence and reoperation rates during the first postoperative year. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open mesh repair, 133 patients were assessed preoperatively and after 1 year with regard to QoL using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), visual analog scale (pain, movement limitation, and fatigue), and questions addressing abdominal wall complaints. Factors concerning recurrence, reoperations, satisfaction, and improved QoL were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients remained for analysis. All SF-36 scores except mental composite score increased, reaching and maintaining levels of the Swedish norm already after 8 weeks with no difference between groups. Event-free recovery was seen in 85% in the laparoscopic group and in 65% of the open cases (P < 0.010). Five recurrences occurred after laparoscopic surgery and 1 in the open group (P < 0.112). Overall, abdominal wall complaints decreased from 82% to 13% of the patients; and 92% were satisfied with the result after 1 year.In univariable logistic regression analyses laparoscopic surgery and male sex predicted an event-free recovery. Obesity (BMI > 30) predicted better outcome with regard to QoL. No predictors for recurrence or satisfaction were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with incisional hernia benefit substantially from surgery concerning QoL, independent of surgical technique. An event-free recovery occurred frequently after laparoscopic surgery. SF-36 seems well suited for assessing surgical outcome in patients after incisional hernia repair.

One- and ten-year outcome of laparoscopic anterior 120° versus total fundoplication: a double-blind, randomized multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Nissen fundoplication is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but can cause adverse effects like flatulence and dysphagia. The aim was to compare laparoscopic anterior 120° fundoplication (APF) to total fundoplication (Nissen) concerning flatulence and other adverse effects, in a randomized blinded study. METHODS: Seventy-two patients were randomized to APF (n = 36) or Nissen (n = 36). Gastroscopy, 24-h pH monitoring and evaluation for symptoms and quality of life using questionnaires (GSRS, PGWB and 7-graded Likert scales) were performed preoperatively, at 1 and 10 years postoperatively. Patients and the researchers were blinded to operative method. RESULTS: When entering the study, most patients had mild-moderate reflux disease according to the symptom score, the 24-h pH measurements, and frequency and grade of esophagitis. At 1-year (n = 68) flatulence, dysphagia, heartburn and acid regurgitation did not differ between groups. More patients could belch (p = 0.005), and pH monitoring showed a higher time with pH < 4 in the APF group (p = 0.006). At 10 years (n = 61), the APF group reported less dysphagia (p < 0.001), more heartburn (p = 0.019) and more patients could belch (p = 0.012) and vomit (p < 0.001) compared to the Nissen. No difference remained at 10 years in pH monitoring (n = 23) between groups. Symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation were less than preoperatively in both groups (p < 0.001). No revisional operations were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures offer good long-term control of reflux symptom, with modest post-fundoplication symptoms. Anterior 120° fundoplication results in less dysphagia, better ability to belch and vomit than total fundoplication at 10-year follow-up. The results suggest that APF could be an alternative to Nissen fundoplication in the surgical treatment of mild-moderate GERD.

Bile Duct Injuries Associated With 55,134 Cholecystectomies: Treatment and Outcome from a National Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) is a rare complication associated with cholecystectomy, and recommendations for treatment are based on publications from referral centers with a selection of major injuries and failures after primary repair. The aim was to analyze the frequency, treatment, and outcome of BDIs in an unselected population-based cohort. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study including all BDIs registered in GallRiks (Swedish quality register for gallstone surgery and ERCP) during 2007-2011. Data for this study were based on a national follow-up survey where medical records were scrutinized and BDIs classified according to the Hannover classification. RESULTS: A total of 174 BDIs arising from 55,134 cholecystectomies (0.3%) identified at 60 hospitals were included with a median follow-up of 37 months (9-69). 155 BDIs (89%) were detected during cholecystectomy, and immediate repair was attempted in 140 (90%). A total of 27 patients (18%) were referred to a HPB referral center. Hannover Grade C1 (i.e., small lesion <5 mm) dominated (n = 102; 59%). The most common repair was "suture over T-tube" (n = 78; 45%) and reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 30 patients (17%). A total of 31 patients (18 %) were diagnosed with stricture, 19 of which were primarily repaired with "suture over T-tube." The median in-hospital-stay was 14 days (1-149). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BDIs were detected during the cholecystectomy and repaired by the operating surgeon. Although this is against most current recommendations, short-term outcome was surprisingly good.

Quality-of-life after bile duct injury: intraoperative detection is crucial. A national case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Existing reports on quality-of-life (QoL) after bile duct injury (BDI) are conflicting. METHODS: Case-control study were QoL assessment was performed using SF-36 (36-item short Form health survey). Patients with BDI were compared to a matched control group (1:2) subject to cholecystectomy. RESULTS: In total 168 BDIs (0.3%) were eligible for participation and 64% returned SF-36. Median follow-up was 4.3 years. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed/attempted in 93% of BDI patients and 92% were diagnosed intraoperatively. Lesions <5 mm dominated (59%) and QoL was comparable for BDIs and controls (physical composite score PCS; p = 0.052 and mental composite score MCS; p = 0.478). Patients with an immediate intraoperative repair reported a better PCS than patients subjected to a later repair and/or referral (p = 0.002). No difference in SF-36 was detected when the BDI was repaired by the index compared to non-index surgeon (PCS p = 0.446, MCS p = 0.525). CONCLUSION: QoL after bile duct injury is comparable to uneventful cholecystectomy, as long as the injury is diagnosed intraoperatively. Immediate repair, in this cohort of mainly minor injuries, also performed by the index surgeon, resulted in similar QoL as in the control group. We suggest liberal use of cholangiography for early detection of BDI, and intraoperative repair whenever possible.

Systematic review: laparoscopic treatment of long-standing groin pain in athletes.

OBJECTIVES: No single aetiological factor has been proven to cause long-standing groin pain in athletes and no sole operative technique (either open or laparoscopic) has been shown to be the preferred method of repair. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether there are any differences in the return to full sporting activity following laparoscopic repair of groin pain in athletes. DATA SOURCES: The minimal access approaches include laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) or endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) techniques. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, UpToDate and the Cochrane Library databases. Series reporting laparoscopic repair (TAPP/TEP) of groin pain in adult (>18 years) athletes were included. The primary outcome was return to full sporting activity and secondary outcomes included percentage success rates and complications of operations. RESULTS: Only 18 studies fulfilled the search criteria with both laparoscopic and sports hernia repairs. The studies were mainly observational with some reporting comparative data, but no large randomised controlled trials were detected. The median return to sporting activity of 4 weeks (28 days) was the same for the TAPP as well as TEP techniques. No real difference in secondary outcome measures was shown. More reported cases to date in the literature used the TAPP technique compared with TEP repair (n=605 vs n=266). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for elite athlete groin pain is increasingly becoming more common with almost 1000 patients reported since 1997. No particular laparoscopic technique appears to offer any advantage over the other.

Long-term follow-up for adhesive small bowel obstruction after open versus laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency of readmissions due to small bowel obstruction (SBO) after open versus laparoscopic surgery performed for suspected acute appendicitis. BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common disease, with a lifetime risk of approximately 7%. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for most patients. Postoperative adhesions are common after abdominal surgery, including appendectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients, 16 years or older, operated on because of suspected appendicitis at 2 university hospitals between 1992 and 2007 were included. The prime approach was open at one hospital and laparoscopic at the other hospital. Open and laparoscopic procedures were compared retrospectively, reviewing the patients' charts until the middle of 2012. Hospitalization for SBO after index surgery was registered. RESULTS: A total of 2333 patients in the open group and 2372 patients in the laparoscopic group were included. The frequency of hospitalization for SBO was low in both groups, although a difference between the groups was identified (1.0% in the open group and 0.4% in the laparoscopic group) (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization due to SBO, between open and laparoscopic procedures, in patients operated on because of suspected appendicitis demonstrated a significant difference, favoring the laparoscopic approach. The frequency of SBO after the index surgery was, though, low in both groups.

Evaluation of the open abdomen classification system: a validity and reliability analysis.

BACKGROUND: Classification of the open abdomen (OA) status is essential for clinical studies on the subject and may help to improve OA therapy. This is a validity and reliability analysis of the OA classification proposed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in 2013. METHODS: Prospective data on 111 consecutive OA patients treated with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) was used. For validity analysis, OA grades were compared with fascial closure and mortality. For reliability analysis, operative reports were graded by three external raters on two different occasions and the results compared. Instructions for use of the classification were constructed and studied by the external raters beforehand. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 30 % (33/111). The delayed primary fascial closure rate was 89 % (85/95). Most complex grade (p = 0.033), deteriorating grade (p = 0.045), enteric leak (p = 0.001), and enteroatmospheric fistula (p = 0001) were associated with worse clinical outcomes, while initial grade, grade 1A only, contamination, fixation, and frozen abdomen were not. A floor effect was observed, with 20 % of patients receiving the lowest grade throughout OA period. Inter-rater reliability, expressed as intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), was 0.77, 0.76, and 0.88 (95 % confidence interval 0.66-0.84, 0.65-0.84, and 0.81-0.92, respectively) and test-retest reliability 1.0, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: More complex OA grades were associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, favorable clinical results with the VAWCM technique caused many patients to receive the lowest grade, thus causing a floor effect and lower validity. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability was 'good' to 'very good'.

Management of groin hernia repair in Sweden: A register-based comparative analysis of public and private healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Swedish healthcare is in a period of transition with an expanding private sector. This study compares quality of outcome after groin hernia repair performed in a public or private healthcare setting. METHODS: A cohort study based on data from the Swedish National Hernia Register combined with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) 1 year after groin hernia repair. Between September 2012 and December 2018, a questionnaire was sent to all patients registered in the hernia register 1 year after surgery. Endpoints were reoperation for recurrence, chronic pain, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From a total of 87,650 patients with unilateral groin hernia repair, 61,337 PROM answers (70%) were received from 71 public and 28 private healthcare providers. More females, acute and recurrent cases, and patients with high American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores were operated under the national healthcare system. The private sector had more experience surgeons with higher annual volume per surgeon, shorter time on waiting lists, and shorter operation times. No difference was seen in patient satisfaction. Groin hernia repair performed in a private clinic was associated with less postoperative chronic pain (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.8-0.91) but a higher recurrence rate (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26-1.59) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Despite private clinics having a higher proportion of experienced surgeons and fewer complex cases, the recurrence rate was higher, whereas the risk for chronic postoperative pain was higher among patients treated in the public sector.

Short-term outcomes for open and laparoscopic midline incisional hernia repair: a randomized multicenter controlled trial: the ProLOVE (prospective randomized trial on open versus laparoscopic operation of ventral eventrations) trial.

OBJECTIVE: : The aim of the trial was to compare laparoscopic technique with open technique regarding short-term pain, quality of life (QoL), recovery, and complications. BACKGROUND: : Laparoscopic and open techniques for incisional hernia repair are recognized treatment options with pros and cons. METHODS: : Patients from 7 centers with a midline incisional hernia of a maximum width of 10 cm were randomized to either laparoscopic (LR) or open sublay (OR) mesh repair. Primary end point was pain at 3 weeks, measured as the bodily pain subscale of Short Form-36 (SF-36). Secondary end points were complications registered by type and severity (the Clavien-Dindo classification), movement restrictions, fatigue, time to full recovery, and QoL up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: : Patients were recruited between October 2005 and November 2009. Of 157 randomized patients, 133 received intervention: 64 LR and 69 OR. Measurements of pain did not differ, nor did movement restriction and postoperative fatigue. SF-36 subscales favored the LR group: physical function (P < 0.001), role physical (P < 0.012), mental health (P < 0.022), and physical composite score (P < 0.009). Surgical site infections were 17 in the OR group compared with 1 in the LR group (P < 0.001). The severity of complications did not differ between the groups (P < 0.213). CONCLUSIONS: : Postoperative pain or recovery at 3 weeks after repair of midline incisional hernias does not differ between LR and OR, but the LR results in better physical function and less surgical site infections than the OR does. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00472537).

Female Groin Hernia Repairs in the Swedish Hernia Register 1992-2022: A Review With Updates.

Introduction: Groin hernias in women is much less common than in men; it constitutes only 9% of all groin hernia operations. Historically, studies have been performed on men and the results applied to both genders. However, prospectively registered operations within national registers have contributed to new knowledge regarding groin hernias in women. The aim of this paper was to investigate and present a body of literature based upon the Swedish Hernia Register together with recent data from the register's annual report. Patients and Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for studies based on the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 and 2023. Based on the initial reading of abstracts, studies that presented results separately for women were selected and read. Recent data were acquired from the 2022 annual report of the Swedish Hernia Register. Results: A total of 73 studies of interest were identified. Of these, 52 included women, but only 19 presented separate results for women. Four themes emerged and were analysed further: emergency surgery and mortality, femoral hernias, the risk of reoperation for recurrence, and chronic pain following female groin hernia repairs. Discussion: Studies from the Swedish Hernia Register clearly describe that both the presentation of hernias and outcomes after repair differ significantly between the two genders. The differences that have been identified over the years have been incorporated into the national guidelines. Register data indicates that the guidelines have been implemented and are fairly well adhered to. As a result, significant improvements in outcomes regarding recurrences have been made for women with groin hernias in Sweden.

Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management.

BACKGROUND: Groin hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed globally, with more than 20 million procedures per year. The last guidelines on groin hernia management were published in 2018 by the HerniaSurge Group. The aim of this project was to assess new evidence and update the guidelines. The guideline is intended for general and abdominal wall surgeons treating adult patients with groin hernias. METHOD: A working group of 30 international groin hernia experts and all involved stakeholders was formed and examined all new literature on groin hernia management, available until April 2022. Articles were screened for eligibility and assessed according to GRADE methodologies. New evidence was included, and chapters were rewritten. Statements and recommendations were updated or newly formulated as necessary. RESULTS: Ten chapters of the original HerniaSurge inguinal hernia guidelines were updated. In total, 39 new statements and 32 recommendations were formulated (16 strong recommendations). A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on all statements and recommendations among the groin hernia experts and at the European Hernia Society meeting in Manchester on October 21, 2022. CONCLUSION: The HerniaSurge Collaboration has updated the international guidelines for groin hernia management. The updated guidelines provide an overview of the best available evidence on groin hernia management and include evidence-based statements and recommendations for daily practice. Future guideline development will change according to emerging guideline methodology.

Depletion of enteric gonadotropin-releasing hormone is found in a few patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal dysmotility.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients, especially women, suffer from severe gastrointestinal pain and dysmotility for several years without being diagnosed. Depletion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the enteric nervous system (ENS) has been described in some patients. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of GnRH in ENS and antibodies against GnRH in serum, in a dysmotility patient cohort of southern Sweden. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients (n = 35) referred for laparoscopic full-thickness biopsy because of symptoms or signs of severe dysmotility between 1998 and 2009, or patients with a severe dysmotility disorder having had a bowel resection within the time frame, were considered for inclusion. In 22 cases, representative biopsy material containing ganglia was available, and these patients were included. Medical records were scrutinized. The expression of GnRH was determined by immunohistochemistry in bowel biopsies from these patients and in patients with carcinoma or diverticulosis without ENS histopathology. Antibodies against GnRH in serum were determined by ELISA in patients and controls. RESULTS: 14 patients were diagnosed with enteric dysmotility (ED) and 8 with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to varying etiology. Immunostained biopsies showed expression of GnRH in the ENS. A reduced expression of GnRH-containing neurons was found in 5 patients, as well as antibodies against GnRH in serum. 3 of these patients had a history of in vitro fertilization (IVF) using GnRH analogs. CONCLUSIONS: A subgroup of patients with severe dysmotility had a reduced expression of GnRH-containing neurons in the ENS and expressed antibodies against GnRH in serum.