Esophageal Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (E-POEM): Future Directions and Perspectives.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: POEM is a mature procedure endorsed by societal guidelines as a first line therapy for achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders. Nonetheless, several questions remain, including expanding indications for POEM, periprocedural evaluation and management, and the optimal POEM technique to enhance clinical success while mitigating risk for reflux. RECENT FINDINGS: There is uncertainty regarding several technical aspects of the POEM myotomy; though aggregating evidence supports the use of real-time impedance planimetry to guide the myotomy. While post-POEM reflux remains a concerning long term sequela, there is an increasing focus on the potential role of endoscopic anti-reflux interventions. Lastly, with the widespread adoption of POEM, we continue to witness ongoing efforts to standardize post-procedural care and training in this procedure. POEM is no longer a novel but rather established procedure. Yet, this technique has continued to evolve, with the aim of optimizing treatment success while reducing adverse events and risk for post-procedural reflux.

Intra-operative pyloric BOTOX injection versus pyloric surgery for prevention of delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after esophagectomy. BOTOX injections and pyloric surgeries (PS), including pyloroplasty (PP) and pyloromyotomy (PM), are performed intraoperatively as prophylaxis against DGE. This study compares the effects of pyloric BOTOX injection and PS for preventing DGE post-esophagectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed Moffitt's IRB-approved database of 1364 esophagectomies, identifying 475 patients receiving BOTOX or PS during esophageal resection. PS was further divided into PP and PM. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were compared using Chi-Square, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and ANOVA. Propensity-score matching was performed between BOTOX and PP cohorts. RESULTS: 238 patients received BOTOX, 108 received PP, and 129 received PM. Most BOTOX patients underwent fully minimally invasive robotic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (81.1% vs 1.7%) while most PS patients underwent hybrid open/Robotic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (95.7% vs 13.0%). Anastomotic leak (p = 0.57) and pneumonia (p = 0.75) were comparable between groups. However, PS experienced lower DGE rates (15.9% vs 9.3%; p = 0.04) while BOTOX patients had less postoperative weight loss (9.7 vs 11.45 kg; p = 0.02). After separating PP from PM, leak (p = 0.72) and pneumonia (p = 0.07) rates remained similar. However, PP patients had the lowest DGE incidence (1.9% vs 15.7% vs 15.9%; p = < 0.001) and the highest bile reflux rates (2.8% vs 0% vs 0.4%; p = 0.04). Between matched cohorts of 91 patients, PP had lower DGE rates (18.7% vs 1.1%; p = < 0.001) and less weight loss (9.8 vs 11.4 kg; p = < 0.001). Other complications were comparable (all p > 0.05). BOTOX was consistently associated with shorter LOS compared to PS (all p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PP demonstrates lower rates of DGE in unmatched and matched analyses. Compared to BOTOX, PS is linked to reduced DGE rates. While BOTOX is associated with more favorable LOS, this may be attributable to difference in operative approach. PP improves DGE rates after esophagectomy without improving other postoperative complications.

Gastroesophageal reflux following per-oral endoscopic myotomy: Can we improve outcomes?

This editorial is an analysis the review article by Nabi et al recently published in this journal. Achalasia Cardia is a disease whose pathophysiology is still unclear. It is known that there is inflammation of unknown aetiology leading to loss of ganglion cells in the muscularis propria. The end result is lower oesophageal sphincter spasm, loss of receptive relaxation, decreased oesophageal peristalsis, all leading on to varying degrees of dysphagia. The treatment of this condition is palliative in nature, performed by myotomy of the lower oesophagus either surgically or endoscopically. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with the myotomy performed, particularly with the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure. Nabi et al have provided an excellent overview of the latest developments in predicting, preventing, evaluating, and managing GERD subsequent to POEM. Based on this theme, this review article explores the concept of using histology of the oesophageal muscle layer, to grade the disease and thereby help tailoring the length/type of myotomy performed during the POEM procedure. In the future, will a histology based algorithm available preoperatively, help modify the POEM procedure, thereby decreasing the incidence of GERD associated with POEM?

Comparison between umbilical and right upper transverse abdominal incisions for pyloromyotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the operative parameters and complication rates between the umbilical (UMB) and right upper quadrant (RUQ) skin incisions for Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy for the treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched. The studies where any one of the main outcomes of interest, i.e., operative time, wound infection rate, mucosal perforation rate were reported were eligible for inclusion. The statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifteen studies comprising 2964 infants were included. As compared to the UMB group, the RUQ group showed a significantly lower mean operative time (p = 0.0004), wound infection rate (p < 0.0001) and mucosal perforation rate (p = 0.02). Although UMB incision produces an almost undetectable scar, this approach results in significantly more complications. Therefore, the risks and benefits must be weighed and discussed with the caregivers in deciding the surgical approach in patients with IHPS. However, due to a poor methodological quality of nine out of fifteen studies, further studies need to be conducted for an optimal comparison between the two groups.

Effectiveness of two-dimensional shear-wave sonoelastography in the diagnosis and follow-up of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the effectiveness and utility of two-dimensional shear-wave sonoelastography (2D-SW-SE) in the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three infants were included in the study, 13 in the IHPS group and 10 in the control group (CG). Preoperative B-mode ultrasonography measurements (longitudinal length and single-wall thickness of the pylorus) and 2D-SW-SE measurements (pylorus tissue stiffness and shear-wave propagation speed) were compared between the groups. The infants with IHPS then underwent Ramstedt pyloromyotomy and were invited for follow-ups on the tenth day and the first, third, and sixth months postoperatively. Measurements taken at the follow-ups were compared with the preoperative values. RESULTS: No differences were found between the groups regarding age, gender, body weight, or week of birth. The pyloric lengths in the IHPS group were longer than in the CG (p < 0.001), and the single-wall thicknesses were thicker (p < 0.001). The pylorus in the IHPS group was four times stiffer than in the CG (27.4 kPa versus 7.66 kPa), and the shear-wave propagation speed in the tissue was higher (1.34 m/s versus 2.69 m/s; p < 0.001). Both values decreased over time in the IHPS group and were normal by the third postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: 2D-SW-SE can be used as an assistive imaging tool alongside B-mode ultrasound for diagnosing IHPS. It can also be used to identify inadequate surgery by detecting whether the pyloric tissue has softened at follow-up.

The Utility of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) for the treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a clean case with low expected rates of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). Previous studies have shown a low risk of SSI following LP but also large variations in the utilization of prophylactic antibiotics. The goal of this study was to review the use of preoperative antibiotics for LP and to compare this with SSI incidence. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing LP for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at a large quaternary children's hospital from January 2017 to June 2020. Subjects were <4 mo old. Exclusion criteria were those lost to follow-up within 30 d postoperatively and those who required open conversion intraoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, two-tailed independent t-tests, and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Two-hundred twenty-seven patients were included, mean population age was 5.7 wk, and 81.1% were male. Preoperative antibiotics were administered in 39% of patients. Only 1.3% (n = 3) of all patients developed an SSI within 30 d of their operation. Analysis between patients who received preoperative antibiotics and those who did not revealed no difference in age (5.72 wk versus 5.72 wk, t (225) = 0.38, P = 0.70), sex (41% of males versus 32% of females, P = 0.39), length of stay (t(225) = -0.94, P = 0.35), or postoperative SSI (1.1% versus 1.4%, P > 0.999). Large variability was noted in antibiotic utilization by surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing LP, there was no difference in SSI rates whether or not patients received preoperative antibiotics and, there is large variation in utilization. Measures are needed to decrease usage of prophylactic antibiotics before LP.

Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy versus botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis: results of a double-blind randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a promising technique for treating refractory gastroparesis. We present the first double-blind randomized study comparing the clinical efficacy of G-POEM versus pyloric botulinum toxin injection (BTI). METHODS: This randomized study, conducted in two expert centers, enrolled patients with refractory gastroparesis, medically managed for >6 months and confirmed by gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), into two groups, G-POEM versus BTI, with follow-up of 1 year. The primary end point was the 3-month clinical efficacy, defined as a >1-point decrease in the mean Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score. Secondary end points were: 1-year efficacy, GES evolution, adverse events, and quality of life. RESULTS: 40 patients (22 women; mean age 48.1 [SD 17.4]), with mean symptom duration of 5.8 (SD 5.7) years, were randomized. Etiologies included idiopathic (n=18), diabetes (n=11), postoperative (n=6), and mixed (n=4). G-POEM showed a higher 3-month clinical success than BTI (65% vs. 40%, respectively; P=0.10), along with non-significantly higher 1-year clinical success (60% vs. 40%, respectively) on intention-to-treat analysis. The GCSI decreased in both groups at 3 months and 1 year. Only three minor adverse events occurred in the G-POEM group. The GES improvement rate was 72% in the G-POEM group versus 50% in the BTI group (non-significant). CONCLUSION: G-POEM seems to have a higher clinically relevant success rate than BTI, but this was not statistically demonstrated. This study confirms the interest in treatments targeting the pylorus, either mechanically or chemically, for managing refractory gastroparesis.

G-POEM for gastroparesis: past, present and future.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gastroparesis is a chronic debilitating condition with rising incidence and healthcare burden. As abdominal surgeries, diabetes, viral infections and autoimmune diseases become more prevalent, gastroparesis will continue to upsurge. Conservative treatment options for gastroparesis are limited by their side effects and short-term efficacy. Gastric endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) is a novel incisionless endosurgical technique with excellent long-term outcomes. This review is in time, as the demand for G-POEM will continue to escalate. RECENT FINDINGS: This review encompasses the conservative and nonconservative treatment options for gastroparesis. G-POEM is a nonconservative treatment option, and the aim of this review is to discuss the variations in technique of G-POEM, short-term and long-term clinical efficacy of G-POEM and adverse events associated with it. SUMMARY: G-POEM has high technical and clinical success with minimal adverse events. G-POEM outcomes are similar or superior when compared with other treatment options for refractory gastroparesis. G-POEM is being widely adopted and will become the preferred treatment choice in patients with refractory gastroparesis.

The First Application of Intraumbilical Longitudinal Incision to Pyloromyotomy for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: There are several approaches to pyloromyotomy for the treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis including open transumbilical pyloromyotomy and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Beginning in 2012, we adopted intraumbilical longitudinal incision as a new transumbilical approach for pyloromyotomy. We describe details of the operative technique and results of this new approach. METHODS: We reviewed records of patients undergoing transumbilical pyloromyotomy from 2005 to 2018. Perioperative outcomes were compared between intraumbilical longitudinal incision and supraumbilical incision, the latter of which is the conventional incision for transumbilical pyloromyotomy. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent pyloromyotomy with intraumbilical longitudinal incision (intraumbilical group) and 28 patients with supraumbilical incision (supraumbilical group). The median operative time was longer in the intraumbilical group (58.0 vs. 43.5 min, p = 0.002). However, the time to full feeding did not differ significantly between the two groups, and the median postoperative stay was shorter in the intraumbilical group (3 vs. 5.5 days, p = 0.003). There was no difference in the rate of complications (4.2% vs. 7.1%, p = 1.0). Scars after intraumbilical longitudinal incision were localized inside the umbilicus. CONCLUSION: Pyloromyotomy can be performed through intraumbilical longitudinal incision as safely as supraumbilical incision and intraumbilical longitudinal incision may improve cosmetic results. This approach can be an alternative technique for pyloromyotomy.

Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pediatric hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in pediatrics, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (SILP) and conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (CLP) for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Meta-analysis was used to pool and compare variables such as operative time, time to full feeding, length of hospital stay, mucosal perforation, inadequate pyloromyotomy, wound infection, incisional hernia and overall complications. RESULTS: Among the 490 infants with HPS in the seven studies, 205 received SILP and 285 received CLP. There was significant longer time to full feeding for SILP compared with CLP. However, pooling the results for SILP and CLP revealed no significant difference in operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: SILP is a safe, feasible and effective surgical procedure for infants with HPS when compared to CLP. SILP is equivalent to CLP in terms of operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. We conclude that LS should be considered an acceptable option for HPS.

Targeting the pylorus in gastroparesis: From physiology to endoscopic pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: The pylorus plays a key role in the control of gastric content outflow. Impairment of pyloric physiology has been observed in gastroparesis, particularly when associated with diabetes mellitus or opioid intake or after antireflux surgery. New tools have been developed to identify pyloric dysfunction in routine care, including functional luminal impedance planimetry (FLIP). As such, a new therapeutic strategy targeting the pylorus, namely endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM), has received increasing attention and emerged as a promising treatment for gastroparesis. PURPOSE: The present review details the involvement of the pyloric pathophysiology in gastroparesis, as well as clinical results of G-POEM according to the current literature.

Analysis of esthetic assessment scales in two surgical approaches for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. / Evaluación de escalas de valoración estética en dos abordajes quirúrgicos para la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a frequent pathology in neonates, with extramucosal pyloromyotomy being a healing surgery. It may be performed through a transverse subcostal incision (TSI) or a transumbilical incision (TUI). OBJECTIVE: To compare complications, operating times, hospital stay, and esthetic results between both techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients undergoing HPS surgery between January 2010 and January 2020 was carried out. Qualitative variables (sex and complications) were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables (age at surgery, operating time, hospital stay, and scar esthetic assessment scales: MVSS [Modified Vancouver Scar Scale] and P-SAS [Patient Scar Assessment Scale]) were expressed as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: 107 patients were analyzed: TSI (60.7%, n = 65) vs. TUI (39.3%, n = 42). Male patients: 89.2%, n = 58 vs. 83.3%, n = 35; age (days): 31 (24.5-39.5) vs. 34.5 (29.5-47.25); operating time (minutes): 41 (33.75-60) vs. 46 (38.5-60); and hospital stay (days): 2 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3). Clavien-Dindo grade II complications were more frequent in the TUI Group (1.54%, n = 1 vs. 23.81%, n = 10; p <0.001), with most of them being wound infections. The opinion regarding the scar according to the MVSS scale was better in the TUI Group (1.5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0.022). No significant differences were found in the P-SAS scale (10 (6-18) vs. 6 (6-9); p = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS: TUI is preferred from an esthetic point of view, and even though surgical wound infections are more frequent, it is not associated with longer operating times, longer hospital stay, or severe complications.

INTRODUCCION: La estenosis hipertrófica de píloro (EHP) es una patología frecuente en neonatos donde la piloromiotomía extramucosa es una cirugía curativa. Puede realizarse a través de una incisión transversa subcostal (IT) o una incisión transumbilical (ITU). OBJETIVO: Comparar complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico y de hospitalización y resultado estético entre ambas técnicas. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de EHP entre enero 2010-2020. Variables cualitativas (sexo y complicaciones) expresadas mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje; y cuantitativas (edad en cirugía, tiempo operatorio, días de hospitalización y escalas de estética de cicatrices: MVSS (Modified Vancouver Scar Scale) y P-SAS (Patient Scar Assessment Scale)) expresadas mediante mediana y rango intercuartílico. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 107 pacientes: IT (60,7%, n = 65) vs. ITU (39,3%, n = 42): varones (89,2%, n = 58 vs. 83,3%, n = 35), días de vida (31 [24,5-39,5] vs. 34,5 [29,5-47,25]), tiempo quirúrgico (41 [33,75-60] vs. 46 [38,5-60] minutos) y días de hospitalización (2 [2-4] vs. 3 [2-3]). Las complicaciones Clavien-Dindo II fueron más frecuentes en el grupo ITU (1,54%, n = 1 vs. 23,81%, n = 10; p <0,001), siendo la mayoría infecciones de la herida. En el grupo ITU presentaban una mejor opinión sobre la cicatriz en la escala MVSS (1,5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0,022). La escala P-SAS no alcanzó diferencias significativas (10 [6-18] vs. 6 [6-9]; p = 0,060). CONCLUSIONES: La ITU es mejor aceptada a nivel estético y, aunque presenta más infecciones de herida quirúrgica, no precisa más tiempo quirúrgico o de ingreso, ni asocia complicaciones graves.

[S156] Comparing outcomes of per-oral pyloromyotomy and robotic pyloroplasty for the treatment of gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying without a significant obstructive pathology and is estimated to effect more than 5 million adults in the United States. Therapies for this condition are divided into two categories: gastric electrical stimulation or pyloric therapies to facilitate gastric emptying. Pyloric procedures include pyloroplasty, a well-documented procedure, and per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POP), a relatively novel endoscopic procedure that disrupts the pyloric muscles endoscopically. There is a paucity of literature comparing the two procedures. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of these two techniques. METHODS: Under an IRB protocol, data were collected prospectively from September 2018 through April 2021 at our institution for patients undergoing POP (n = 63 patients) or robotic pyloroplasty (RP) (n = 48). Preoperative and postoperative data including sex, race, age, BMI, and Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in sex, age, and BMI for both cohorts, but patients with RP were more likely to have private insurance, pre-op reflux, and PPI (p < .05 for all). Patients who underwent POP had significantly shorter operative time compared to RP (median 27 min vs 90, p < 0.001). The average change between preoperative and postoperative GCSI scores was significantly decreased for both interventions (POP mean = 8.2, RP 16.8, p < 0.001 both). However, comparing both data, RP has significantly better improvement in postoperative GCSI score than POP in both univariate (p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.030). This was reflected in the individual symptoms with nausea (p < 0.001), ability to finish meal (p = 0.037), abdomen visibly larger (p = 0.037) and bloating (p = 0.022) all showing improvement in both groups, but with RP having a more significant decrease in the scoring of these symptoms than POP. There was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (POP 19% vs RP 13%, p = 0.440). CONCLUSION: Even though both interventions are significantly associated with improvement of symptoms in patients with gastroparesis, our data demonstrates that robotic pyloroplasty has a superior response in comparison to per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the management of these symptoms. Per-oral pyloromyotomy has a similar complication rate to robotic pyloroplasty with a shorter operative time.

Safety and feasibility of same day discharge after per oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy in refractory gastroparesis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is a debilitating medical condition with limited treatment options. Gastric per-oral pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) has emerged as a promising treatment option with remarkable short-term clinical success shown in multiple studies. While the post-procedure protocol is not standardized across many centers, the majority of the centers observes these patients in the hospital after the procedure for monitoring. In this single-center prospective study, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of same day discharge after the G-POEM procedure. METHODS: All the patients with refractory gastroparesis undergoing G-POEM from October 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled. A total of 25 patients were enrolled in the procedure. Based on the pre-defined criteria, patients were either discharged on the same day after the procedure or admitted to the hospital for further observation. The patient and procedure-related data were extracted from the chart review. Univariate analysis was performed (chi-squared test) on categorical variables after organizing categorical variables as numeric counts or percentages. The student t test was performed on continuous variables after reporting as mean and standard deviation. For analysis with a smaller sample size, Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were enrolled. The technical success of G-POEM was 100% and clinical success was 80% (20/25) at 1-month follow-up. Of the 25 patients, 9 patients (36%) were discharged on the same day according to the procedure from the recovery unit. Of the remaining 16 patients who were admitted to the hospital post-procedure, 10 (40%) were admitted due to procedure-related causes while other admissions were either pre-planned or due to social reasons. The average Charlson comorbidity index was lower in the same day discharge group ( P   <  0.05). The number of patients requiring double myotomy was higher in the same day discharge group ( P  < 0.05). The overall complication rate of G-POEM in the study cohort was 12% (3/25) with all complications being mild without any severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: G-POEM is a safe and effective method of treatment for refractory GP with higher clinical success in short-term follow-up. The same day discharge after G-POEM is safe and feasible in >50% of patients with close periprocedural monitoring.

Transumbilical single-site two incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pediatric hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PURPOSE: A new novel technique for the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), transumbilical single-site laparoscopic pyloromyotomy with a single instrument (TUSSLP), was introduced. TUSSLP was compared with the transabdominal three-site laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (TATSLP) procedure. METHODS: Patients with HPS who underwent TUSSLP and TATSLP between January 2016 and September 2020 were assigned to group A and group B, respectively. The descriptive variables, perioperative clinical characteristics and postoperative follow-up results were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. The primary outcome of this study was the rate of switching to conventional pyloromyotomy. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 29 (22 males, 7 females, 54.4 ± 22.6 days) who received TUSSLP were assigned to group A. The remaining 35 (28 males, 7 females, 54.5 ± 27.6 days) who received TATSLP were assigned to group B. The data of preoperative patient variables were comparable between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The mean operative time (ORT) was 28.1 ± 5.6 min in group A, which was not significantly different from 25.8 ± 3.1 min in group B (P = 0.25). The other perioperative features were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). During follow-up (39.1 ± 14.7 m in group A and 35.4 ± 16.1 m in group B, P = 0.51), no significant difference was observed in the overall incidence of vomiting between the 2 groups (P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: TUSSLP is a feasible and reliable minimally invasive method for HPS. It has the advantages of an improved cosmetic appearance. The postoperative follow-up results of TUSSLP are comparable with those of TATSLP.

Controlled long term outcome of pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis: No long-term adverse effect.

PURPOSE: Pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis is one of the more common surgical procedures performed on infants. The long-term effects of the procedure are however unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effects into adult life, compare them with controls and to see if there is a need for structured follow up of patients. METHODS: Of the 101 patients operated for pyloric stenosis between 1972 and 1974 at our tertiary referral center 91 could be traced. They were all invited to participate in the study and were sent validated questionnaires (PAGI-SYM, GIQLI) as well as a study-specific questionnaire examining the use of antacid drugs, incidence of gastroscopy and abdominal surgery. Sixty patients responded (66%, mean age 45 years, 46 male) and were included. Thereafter, 600 age and sex-matched controls were sent the same questionnaires. 132 responded (22%, 90 male) and were includes as controls. RESULTS: No significant differences could be found in any of the examined parameters when looking at the whole material or the male patients. Female patients had higher PAGI-SYM-scores for post prandial fullness (mean 1.11 vs 0.43, P = 0.035) and heartburn (mean 0.59 vs 0.14, P = 0.043) when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that most patients operated for pyloric stenosis during infancy experience no negative effects into adulthood. The finding in the female patient group is interesting but is unlikely to have any clinical implications. The results from this study strongly implicate that there is no need for follow up of patients into adulthood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Endoscopic pyloromyotomy for the treatment of severe and refractory gastroparesis: a pilot, randomised, sham-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) is a minimally invasive treatment option with promising uncontrolled outcome results in patients with gastroparesis. DESIGN: In this prospective randomised trial, we compared G-POEM with a sham procedure in patients with severe gastroparesis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with treatment success (defined as a decrease in the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) by at least 50%) at 6 months. Patients randomised to the sham group with persistent symptoms were offered cross-over G-POEM. RESULTS: The enrolment was stopped after the interim analysis by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board prior to reaching the planned sample of 86 patients. A total of 41 patients (17 diabetic, 13 postsurgical, 11 idiopathic; 46% male) were randomised (21 G-POEM, 20-sham). Treatment success rate was 71% (95% CI 50 to 86) after G-POEM versus 22% (8-47) after sham (p=0.005). Treatment success in patients with diabetic, postsurgical and idiopathic gastroparesis was 89% (95% CI 56 to 98), 50% (18-82) and 67% (30-90) after G-POEM; the corresponding rates in the sham group were 17% (3-57), 29% (7-67) and 20% (3-67).Median gastric retention at 4 hours decreased from 22% (95% CI 17 to 31) to 12% (5-22) after G-POEM and did not change after sham: 26% (18-39) versus 24% (11-35). Twelve patients crossed over to G-POEM with 9 of them (75%) achieving treatment success. CONCLUSION: In severe gastroparesis, G-POEM is superior to a sham procedure for improving both symptoms and gastric emptying 6 months after the procedure. These results are not entirely conclusive in patients with idiopathic and postsurgical aetiologies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03356067; ClinicalTrials.gov.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Pyloric Stenosis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is treated by either open pyloromyotomy (OP) or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the open versus laparoscopic technique. METHODS: A literature search was conducted from 1990 to February 2021 using the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Primary outcomes were mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy. Secondary outcomes consisted of length of hospital stay, time to full feeds, operating time, postoperative wound infection/abscess, incisional hernia, hematoma/seroma formation, and death. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials including 720 patients (357 with OP and 363 with LP) were included. Mucosal perforation rate was not different between groups (relative risk [RR] LP versus OP 1.60 [0.49-5.26]). LP was associated with nonsignificant higher risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy (RR 7.37 [0.92-59.11]). There was no difference in neither postoperative wound infections after LP compared with OP (RR 0.59 [0.24-1.45]) nor in postoperative seroma/hematoma formation (RR 3.44 [0.39-30.43]) or occurrence of incisional hernias (RR 1.01 [0.11-9.53]). Length of hospital stay (-3.01 h for LP [-8.39 to 2.37 h]) and time to full feeds (-5.86 h for LP [-15.95 to 4.24 h]) were nonsignificantly shorter after LP. Operation time was almost identical between groups (+0.53 min for LP [-3.53 to 4.59 min]). CONCLUSIONS: On a meta-level, there is no precise effect estimate indicating that LP carries a higher risk for mucosal perforation or incomplete pyloromyotomies compared with the open equivalent. Because of very low certainty of evidence, we do not know about the effect of the laparoscopic approach on postoperative wound infections, postoperative hematoma or seroma formation, incisional hernia occurrence, length of postoperative stay, time to full feeds, or operating time.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: one-year outcomes of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for refractory gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have examined the efficacy of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for gastroparesis. AIM: To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of G-POEM by meta-analysis of studies with a minimum 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed several databases from inception to 10 June 2021 to identify studies that evaluated the efficacy of G-POEM in refractory gastroparesis, and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Our outcomes of interest were clinical success at 1 year, adverse events, difference in mean pre- and 1 year post-procedure Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score, and difference in mean pre- and post-procedure EndoFLIP measurements. We analysed data using a random-effects model and assessed heterogeneity by I2 statistic. RESULTS: We included 10 studies comprising 482 patients. Pooled rates (95% CI) of clinical success at 1 year and adverse events were 61% (49%, 71%) and 8% (6%, 11%), respectively. Mean GCSI at 1 year post-procedure was significantly lower than pre-procedure; mean difference (MD) (95% CI) -1.4 (-1.9, -0.9). Mean post-procedure distensibility index was significantly higher than pre-procedure in the clinical success group at 40 and 50 mL volume distension; standardised mean difference (95% CI) 0.82 (0.07, 1.64) and 0.91 (0.32, 1.49), respectively. In the clinical failure group, there was no significant difference between mean pre- and post-procedure EndoFLIP measurements. CONCLUSIONS: G-POEM is associated with modest clinical success at 1 year. Additional studies with longer follow-up are required to evaluate its longer-term efficacy.

Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for the treatment of gastric sleeve stenosis: a feasibility and safety study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional endoscopic treatments have limited success in gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS). Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) could conceivably obliterate the twist/angulation that causes GSS through a tunneled stricturotomy. We report early outcomes of G-POEM for GSS treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with GSS treated with G-POEM at our center. The primary end point was clinical success, defined as symptom improvement with resumption of adequate oral intake, without requiring further intervention. RESULTS: 13 patients (mean age 43 ±â€Š10.9 years; 12 female) underwent G-POEM for predominantly helical (11/13, 85 %) GSS. Three (23 %) had concurrent sleeve leak and 10 (77 %) had prior GSS treatment. Two intraoperative complications occurred, with no deviation to the procedure; no major complications occurred. At median follow-up of 175 (interquartile range [IQR] 119-260) days, clinical success was achieved in 10 patients (77 %). Median Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index score in responders decreased from 2.06 (IQR 1.5-2.8) to 0.39 (IQR 0.2-0.5). Three patients (23 %) required surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: G-POEM was feasible and safe, and may provide an alternative option for those averse to undergoing surgical revision for treatment of GSS.