Cruroplasty with or without mesh? A systematic literature review with a novel time-organized proportion meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Improved outcomes with the use of non-absorbable mesh (NAM) for inguinal hernia repairs led to its rapid adoption for hiatal hernia (HH) repairs; however, feared complications occurred, and the trend shifted toward using absorbable mesh (AM). We aimed to analyze the literature assessing objective HH recurrence rates after primary laparoscopic cruroplasty with or without the use of different mesh types. METHODS: A systematic literature review with both pairwise and time-organized proportion meta-analyses of articles published between January 1993 and September 2022 was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Taylor & Francis databases to identify relevant studies comparing groups undergoing cruroplasty with suture repair (SR) alone, AM, NAM, or partially absorbable mesh (PAM). Studies documenting an objective follow-up ≥ 6 months were included. The primary outcome was the HH recurrence rate confirmed by barium esophagram or upper GI endoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 6 randomized clinical trials, 25 retrospectives studies, and 3 prospective cohort studies. A total of 2170 subjects underwent laparoscopic HH repair and completed an objective follow-up ≥ 6 months after surgery; the objective recurrence rate was 20.8% (99/477) at a mean follow-up of 25.8 ± 16.4 months for the SR group, 20.6% (244/1187) at 28.1 ± 13.8 months for the AM group, 13.7% (65/475) at 30.8 ± 15.3 months for the NAM group, and 0% (0/31) at 32.5 ± 13.5 months for the PAM group. However, the pairwise meta-analysis revealed that overall mesh use was not superior to SR in preventing long-term HH recurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of AM does not appear to reduce HH recurrence compared to SR alone. Although the data favors NAM to decrease objective HH recurrence in the mid-term, the long-term (≥ 48 months) recurrence rate was similar with or without any type of mesh.

Endoscopic assessment of failed fundoplications differs between endoscopists.

BACKGROUND: Despite excellent long-term outcomes, a small proportion of patients who undergo fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair (laparoscopic antireflux surgery [ARS]) for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may require reoperation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) assessment in patients presenting with symptom recurrence plays a critical role in surgical planning of redo-ARS by confirming failure of the fundoplication and revealing the pattern of failure. We aimed to compare the findings documented by external endoscopists (i.e., outside physicians) to those documented by internal endoscopists (i.e., operating foregut or thoracic surgeons) before redo-ARS. METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent redo-ARS at a tertiary surgical center between November 2016 and March 2023. Patients with both external and internal EGD reports were included, and findings from the two reports were compared. RESULTS: Of 197 patients who underwent redo-ARS, both preoperative EGD reports were available for 181 (136 [75.1%] women; median age, 61 years [IQR 53-69]; median BMI, 27.9 kg/m2 [IQR 24.9-31.3]). The median time between primary and redo-ARS was 89 months (IQR 38-153), and the median time between external and internal endoscopic evaluation was 5 months (IQR 2-12). Only 38.9% of external reports mentioned a prior fundoplication. Compared to the operating surgeons, external physicians reported a significantly lower proportion of Barrett's esophagus (52.4%, p < .001), slipped fundoplications (28.8%, p < .001), paraesophageal hernias (20.5%, p < .001), disrupted fundoplications (20%, p < .001), intrathoracic fundoplications (0%, p < .001), and twisted fundoplications (0%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: External endoscopists' reports of failed fundoplications are often incomplete and lack relevant details. Discrepancies between nonsurgical endoscopists and experienced surgeons are likely explained by a lack of training and experience to discern and document fundoplication changes accurately. To reduce this gap, we strongly recommend the adoption of standard definitions describing post-fundoplication endoscopic changes and the inclusion of relevant training within educational programs.

pHoenix score: development and validation of a novel approach to decrease the number of inconclusive GERD diagnoses.

BACKGROUND: The Johnson-DeMeester composite score (DMS) is the historical gold standard for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Lyon Consensus outlines criteria for diagnosing GERD by pH monitoring, defining normal acid exposure time (AET) as < 4% and pathological as > 6%, presenting diagnostic uncertainty from 4 to 6%. We aimed to (i) calculate the proportion of borderline studies defined by total AET alone that are reclassified as normal or pathological by the DMS, (ii) determine the importance of supine AET for reclassification, and (iii) propose a new classification system using a composite score that considers positional changes. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, observational study analyzed data from patients with an overall total AET from 2 to 6% on 48-h pH monitoring (Bravo pH capsule). Preselected predictors (supine and upright AET) were included in a model to create a composite score (i.e., pHoenix score) using the regression coefficients. The model was internally validated, and discriminative ability was tested against the DMS and compared to the total AET. RESULTS: We identified 114 patients (80 [70.2%] women; median age, 55 years). Using the total AET, 26 (22.8%) were classified as normal and 88 (77.2%) as borderline; however, using the DMS, 45 (39.5%) were classified as normal and 69 (60.5%) as pathological. The new pHoenix score demonstrated strong discriminative ability (AUC: 0.957 [95% CI 0.917, 0.998]) with high sensitivity and specificity (lower threshold, 94.4% and 79.2%; upper threshold, 87 and 95.8%). Compared to the total AET alone, the pHoenix score significantly decreased the proportion of inconclusive cases (77.2% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Total AET has low sensitivity to identify pathological reflux as it disregards supine versus upright reflux. The pHoenix score improves the distinction between normal and pathological cases and reduces ambiguity, offering an alternative approach to diagnosing GERD that addresses the limitations of using total AET alone or the DMS.

Noninvasive biomarkers for the detection of GERD-induced pulmonary injury.

BACKGROUND: The role of gastroesophageal reflux in progressive lung damage is increasingly recognized. We have proposed, based on our work with lung transplant recipients, a novel immune mechanism of pulmonary injury after aspiration of gastric contents, during which higher levels of normally sequestered lung self-antigens (SAgs) collagen V (Col-V) and K-alpha-1 tubulin (Kα1T) in circulating small extracellular vesicles (EVs) induce the production of self-antibodies (SAbs) anti-Col-V and anti-Kα1T. Thus, we aimed to determine whether levels of SAbs or SAgs increased in an animal model of aspiration-induced lung damage in a nontransplant setting. METHODS: We created a murine model of repetitive lung aspiration using C57BL/6J mice. Mice were aspirated weekly with 1 mL/kg of hydrochloric acid (n = 9), human gastric contents (n = 9), or combined (1:1) fluid (n = 9) once, three, or six times (n = 3 in each subgroup; control group, n = 9). Blood samples were periodically obtained, and all animals were sacrificed at day 90 for pathological assessment. SAbs were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; SAgs and NF-κB contained in small EVs were assessed by western blot. RESULTS: Aspirated mice weighed significantly less than controls throughout the study and had histological evidence of pulmonary injury at day 90. Overall, aspirated mice developed higher concentrations of anti-Col-V at day 28 (53.9 ± 28.7 vs. 29.9 ± 4.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01), day 35 (42.6 ± 19.8 vs. 28.6 ± 7.2 ng/mL, p = 0.038), and day 90 (59.7 ± 27.7 vs. 34.1 ± 3.2 ng/mL, p = 0.014) than the control group. Circulating small EVs isolated from aspirated mice on day 90 contained higher levels of Col-V (0.7 ± 0.56 vs. 0.18 ± 0.6 m.o.d., p = 0.009) and NF-κB (0.42 ± 0.27 vs. 0.27 ± 0.09 m.o.d., p = 0.095) than those from controls. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental study supports the theory that gastroesophageal reflux leads to the development of lung damage and an increase of humoral markers that may serve as noninvasive biomarkers to detect asymptomatic lung injury among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Collagen-V and K-α-1 Tubulin Antibodies as Potential Markers of Unsuspected GERD-Related Lung Damage: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis.

PURPOSE: Our group has proposed that aspiration of gastric contents leads to exposure of normally sequestered lung self-antigens (SAgs), specifically collagen-V (Col-V) and K-α-1-tubulin (Kα1T), which elicits an immune response characterized by increasing concentrations of self-antibodies (SAbs) anti-Col-V and anti-Kα1T. We sought to establish the point prevalence of abnormally elevated concentrations of SAbs among patients with pathological gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or hiatal hernia undergoing antireflux surgery (ARS). METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, we retrieved a plasma aliquot from the Norton Thoracic Institute BioBank from blood samples that were taken preoperatively from patients who underwent ARS between November 2019 and August 2022. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were employed to detect and quantify anti-Col-V and anti-Kα1T. RESULTS: Samples from 43 patients (females, n = 34 [79.1%]; mean age, 62 ± 12 years; and mean BMI, 30.5 ± 7  kg/m2) were analyzed. Before ARS, 28 (65.1%, CI95: 50.3-80.0%) patients had abnormally elevated concentrations of anti-Col-V and 19 (44.2%, CI95: 28.7-59.7%) had elevated concentrations of circulating anti-Kα1T. Overall, 13 patients (30.2%) had low (i.e., normal) concentrations of both SAbs, 13 (30.2%) were positive only for one, and 17 (39.5%) were positive for both SAbs. CONCLUSION: A relative high point prevalence of abnormally elevated circulating SAbs (i.e., anti-Col-V and/or anti-Kα1T) before ARS was found. This result suggests clinically unsuspected pulmonary parenchymal injury secondary to GERD-related aspiration. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis and to identify alternative non-invasive early biomarkers of GERD-related lung damage.

Prevalence and severity of abdominal bloating in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abdominal bloating (AB) is a common symptom among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, in clinical practice, its prevalence is likely underestimated due to the lack of objective tools to measure its frequency and severity. It is associated with dissatisfaction and worse quality of life, but data on its prevalence before and after mechanical control of GERD (i.e. fundoplication, magnetic sphincter augmentation, and antireflux mucosectomy) are lacking. To assess and determine the pre- and postoperative prevalence and severity of AB among patients with GERD, we conducted a structured literature search using MeSH and free-text terms in MEDLINE (via Pubmed), EMBASE, and Taylor & Francis Online between January 1977 and October 2022. Fifteen articles reporting the prevalence or severity of AB using quality-of-life questionnaires before or after antireflux surgery (ARS) were included. Overall, a high prevalence of AB before ARS was found. A decline in the prevalence and severity of AB was documented postoperatively in most cases independent of the surgical approach. Among surgical approaches, a complete fundoplication had the highest reported postoperative AB. Overall, patients reported less severe and less frequent AB after ARS than before. The traditional belief that postoperative bloating is a sequela of ARS should be reevaluated.

Impaired esophagogastric junction relaxation and lung transplantation outcomes.

The implications of impaired esophagogastric junction relaxation (i.e. esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and achalasia) in lung transplants recipients (LTRs) are unclear. Thus, we examined the prevalence and clinical outcomes of LTRs with an abnormally elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on high-resolution manometry before lung transplantation (LTx). After IRB approval, we reviewed data on LTRs who underwent LTx between January 2019 and August 2022 with a preoperative median IRP >15 mmHg. Differences in overall survival and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)-free survival between LTRs with a normalized median IRP after LTx (N-IRP) and those with persistently high IRP (PH-IRP) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. During the study period, 352 LTx procedures were performed; 44 (12.5%) LTRs had an elevated IRP before LTx, and 37 (84.1%) completed a postoperative manometry assessment (24 [70.6%] males; mean age, 65.2 ± 9.1 years). The median IRP before and after LTx was 18.7 ± 3.8 mmHg and 12 ± 5.6 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001); the median IRP normalized after LTx in 24 (64.9%) patients. Two-year overall survival trended lower in the N-IRP group than the PH-IRP group (77.2% vs. 92.3%, P = 0.086), but CLAD-free survival (P = 0.592) and rates of primary graft dysfunction (P = 0.502) and acute cellular rejection (P = 0.408) were similar. An abnormally elevated IRP was common in LTx candidates; however, it normalized in roughly two-thirds of patients after LTx. Two-year survival trended higher in the PH-IRP group, despite similar rates of primary graft dysfunction and acute cellular rejection as well as similar CLAD-free survival between the groups.

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).

Morbidity of antireflux surgery in lung transplant and matched nontransplant cohorts is comparable.

BACKGROUND: Safety data on perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) after lung transplantation (LT) are lacking. We compared the 30-day readmission rate and short-term morbidity after LARS between LT recipients and matched nontransplant (NT) controls. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent LARS between January 1, 2015, and October 31, 2021, were included. The participants were divided into two groups: LT recipients and NT controls. First, we compared 30-day readmission rates after LARS between the LT and NT cohorts. Next, we compared 30-day morbidity after LARS between the LT cohort and a 1-to-2 propensity score-matched NT cohort. RESULTS: A total of 1328 patients (55 LT recipients and 1273 NT controls) were included. The post-LARS 30-day readmission rate was higher in LT recipients than in the overall NT controls (14.5% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). Compared to matched NT controls, LT recipients had a lower prevalence of paraesophageal hernia, a smaller median hernia size, and higher peristaltic vigor. Also compared to the matched NT controls, the LT recipients had a lower median operative time but a longer median length of hospital stay. The proportion of patients with a post-LARS event within 30 postoperative days was comparable between the LT and matched NT cohorts (21.8% vs 14.5%, p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher perceived risk of comorbidity burden, LT recipients and matched NT controls had similar rates of post-LARS 30-day morbidity at our large-volume center with expertise in transplant and foregut surgery. LARS after LT is safe.

Diagnosis and management of anastomotic leaks after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Esophageal anastomotic leaks (ALs) after esophagectomy are a common and serious complication. The incidence, diagnostic approach, and management have changed over time. We described the diagnosis and management of patients who developed an esophageal AL after an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at our center. METHODS: After IRB approval, we queried our prospectively maintained database for patients who developed an esophageal AL after esophagectomy from August 2016 through July 2022. Data pertaining to demographics, comorbidities, surgical and oncological characteristics, and clinical course were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 145 patients underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy; 10 (6.9%) developed an AL, diagnosed a median of 7.5 days after surgery, and detected by enteric contents in wound drains (n = 3), endoscopy (n = 3), CT (n = 2), and contrast esophagogram (n = 2). Nine patients (90%) had an increasing white blood cell count and additional signs of sepsis. One asymptomatic patient was identified by contrast esophagography. All patients received enteral nutritional support, intravenous antibiotics, and antifungals. Primary treatment of ALs included endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS; n = 6), surgery (n = 2), and SEMS with endoluminal vacuum therapy (n = 2). One patient required surgery after SEMS placement. The median length of ICU and total hospital stays were 11.5 and 22.5 days, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: The incidence of esophageal ALs at our center is similar to that of other high-volume centers. Most ALs can be managed without surgery; however, ALs remain a significant source of postoperative morbidity despite clinical advancements that have improved mortality.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation may limit access to magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is an alternative surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, >1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is contraindicated for patients who have undergone MSA with the LINX Reflux Management System (Torax Medical, Inc. Shoreview, Minnesota, USA). This drawback can impose a barrier to access of MRI, and cases of surgical removal of the device to enable patients to undergo MRI have been reported. To evaluate access to MRI for patients with an MSA device, we conducted a structured telephone interview with all diagnostic imaging providers in Arizona in 2022. In 2022, only 54 of 110 (49.1%) locations that provide MRI services had at least one 1.5 T or lower MRI scanner. The rapid replacement of 1.5 T MRI scanners by more advanced technology may limit healthcare options and create an access barrier for patients with an MSA device.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux in overweight and obese patients.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a successful treatment option for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, there is a paucity of data on the efficacy of MSA in obese and morbidly obese patients. To assess the relationship between obesity and outcomes after MSA, we conducted a literature search using MeSH and free-text terms in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Google Scholar. The included articles reported conflicting results regarding the effect of obesity on outcomes after MSA. Prospective observational studies with larger sample sizes and less statistical bias are necessary to understand the effectiveness of MSA in overweight and obese patients.

Association of Bolus Transit Time on Barium Esophagram With Esophageal Peristalsis on High-resolution Manometry and Nonobstructive Dysphagia.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to correlate upright and prone bolus transit time (BTT) on barium esophagography (BE) with esophageal peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM) and self-reported dysphagia in patients with normal lower esophageal sphincter parameters on HRM. BACKGROUND: BTT on BE could be the gold standard for assessing the effectiveness of esophageal peristalsis if it can be quantified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with normal lower esophageal sphincter parameters and standard-protocol BE from 2017 to 2020 were included. Patients were divided, based on the number of normal swallows (distal contractile integral >450 mm Hg-s-cm), into 11 groups (10 normal swallows to 0 normal swallows). Liquid barium swallows in prone position were objectively evaluated for prone BTT. Patients reported difficulty in swallowing on a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (very severe). Fractional polynomial and logistic regression analysis were used to study the association (along with the rate of change) between BTT, peristalsis, and dysphagia. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included. Prone BTT increased as the number of normal swallows decreased ( P <0.001). Two deflection points were noted on the association between peristalsis and prone BTT at 50% normal swallows, 40 seconds and 30% normal swallows, 80 seconds, after which peristaltic function declined independently of prone BTT. Patients with prone BTT>40 seconds had nearly 6-fold higher odds of 0% normal swallows on HRM than patients with prone BTT<40 seconds ( P =0.002). Increasing prone BTT was associated with increasing dysphagia grades 1 and 2 ( P ≤0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal motility can be quantified by BE. Prone BTT correlates with the proportion of normal esophageal swallows and dysphagia.

Redo fundoplication and early Roux-en-Y diversion for failed fundoplication: a 3-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Redo fundoplication (RF) and Roux-en-Y diversion (RNY) are both accepted surgical treatments after failed fundoplication. However, due to higher reported morbidity, RNY is more commonly performed only after several surgical failures. In our experience, RNY at an earlier point of the disease progression seems to be related with better outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate this aspect by comparing the results between RF and RNY performed by a single surgeon over 3 years at our institution. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent RF or RNY at our institution between 2016 and 2019 by a single surgeon (author SKM). Patients with previous bariatric surgery were excluded. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 28 underwent RF and 15 underwent RNY (mean body mass index 28.6 and 32.7 kg/m2, respectively, p = 0.01). The number of previous antireflux surgeries for the RF and RNY groups was 1 (82% vs 80%, p > 0.99), 2 (18% vs 7%, p = 0.4), and more than 2 (0% vs 13%, p = 0.1). RNY took longer than RF (median, 165 vs 137 min, p = 0.02), but both groups had a median estimated blood loss of 50 ml (p = 0.82). There was no difference in intraoperative complications (25% vs 20% for RF and RYN, respectively, p > 0.99). Postoperative complications were more common in the RF than in the RYN group (21% vs 7%, p = 0.39). Median hospital stay was 3 days for both groups (p = 0.78). At short-term follow-up, the mean quality of life score was similar for the RF and RYN groups (11.5 vs 12.2, p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: RNY diversion, if performed by experienced hands and at an earlier point of disease progression, has comparable perioperative morbidity to RF and should be considered as a feasible and safe option for definitive treatment of failed antireflux surgery.

Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction: Are We Missing Anything?

GOALS: The authors aimed to compare preperistaltic distal esophageal pressure in patients with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) with and without reported dysphagia. BACKGROUND: Manometric EGJOO is characterized by elevated integral relaxation pressure (>15 mm Hg) without achalasia. The nomenclature inherently implies that it should be associated with impaired food bolus transit and should theoretically present clinically as dysphagia. STUDY: The authors queried an esophageal functional test database to identify patients diagnosed with EGJOO. They excluded patients who presented with ≥2 swallows with abnormal (ie, weak, failed or hypercontractile) esophageal body motility. To elucidate differences in manometric findings, the authors formed 2 cohorts of patients on the basis of a standard esophageal symptom questionnaire: those without dysphagia and those with severe or very severe dysphagia. All studies were reanalyzed to determine the distal esophageal pressure before each peristaltic wave (ie, the preperistaltic pressure) for individual swallows. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare categorical variables between groups. The level of significance was set to P<0.05. RESULTS: In total, 149 patients were diagnosed with EGJOO during the study period. Of these, 42 patients with ≥9 (out of 10) peristalsis (20 without dysphagia and 22 with severe/very severe dysphagia) formed the study cohorts. Patients with severe dysphagia had significantly higher median preperistaltic pressures in the distal esophagus. Preperistaltic pressure measurements showed better sensitivity and specificity for dysphagia than integral relaxation pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preperistaltic pressure is noted in symptomatic EGJOO patients. Inclusion of preperistaltic pressure in the diagnostic criteria for EGJOO may increase the clinical relevance of manometric classification.

Clinical Symptom Presentation of Hypercontractile Peristalsis in the Era of High-Resolution Manometry: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Hypercontractile motility of the esophagus is occasionally noted on high-resolution manometry (HRM), but its clinical correlations are unclear. We compared symptom severity and clinical presentation of patients with hypercontractile motility of the esophagus. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. We queried a prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent esophageal function testing from October 1, 2016, to October 30, 2018. We included patients with jackhammer esophagus (JE; ≥2 swallows with distal contractile integral [DCI] ≥8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s), nutcracker esophagus (NE; mean DCI 5,000-8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s without meeting JE criteria), or esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction ([EGJOO]: abnormal median integrated relaxation pressure (>15 mm Hg) without meeting achalasia criteria, with JE [EGJOO-h], or normal motility [EGJOO-n]). HRM, endoscopy, barium esophagram, ambulatory pH studies, and symptom questionnaires were reevaluated for further analysis. Clinical parameters were analyzed using Spearman Rho correlation. Categorical variables were assessed with Fisher exact or chi-square test. RESULTS: Altogether, 85 patients met inclusion criteria. They were divided into 4 subgroups: 28 with JE, 18 with NE, 15 with EGJOO-h, and 24 with EGJOO-n. Patients with EGJOO-h were the most symptomatic overall. No correlation was seen between symptoms and mean DCI (p ≥ 0.05 all groups) or number of hypercontractile swallows (≥8,000 mm Hg∙cm∙s, p ≥ 0.05). A significant correlation was noted between dysphagia and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and LESP integral (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The number of hypercontractile swallows and mean DCI were not associated with patient-reported symptoms. Elevated LESP may be a more relevant contributor to dysphagia.

Long-term clinical outcomes after intrathoracic stomach surgery: a decade of longitudinal follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with large paraesophageal hernias have more than 75% of the stomach herniated above the diaphragm; such cases are referred to as intrathoracic stomach (ITS). Herein, we report longitudinal symptomatic outcomes over a decade after surgical ITS repair in a large patient cohort. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for ITS from 01/2004 to 05/2016 were studied. Preoperative and follow-up data were prospectively collected. Patients completed a standardized symptom questionnaire 1 year postoperatively and at 2-year intervals thereafter. RESULTS: In total, 235 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 70.0 ± 11.6 years; 174 patients (74.0%) were women. Surgical procedures included 7 transthoracic repairs and 228 transabdominal repairs (222 laparoscopic, 2 open, 4 laparoscopic-to-open conversions). Anti-reflux procedures were performed in 173 patients (73.6%). 33 patients (14.0%) had mesh reinforcement of hiatal closure; 11 (4.7%) underwent Collis gastroplasty. Follow-up symptom questionnaires at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years were available for 81, 48, 47, 30, 33, and 38% of patients, respectively. Significant and lasting symptom improvement was reported at all follow-up time points. Mean satisfaction scores of 9.3, 9.1, 9.3, 9.0, 9.5, and 9.8 on a 1-10 scale were recorded at the aforementioned intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term clinical outcomes confirm that laparoscopic ITS repair is safe and durable, and is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction and symptom resolution.

Primary paraesophageal hernia repair with Gore® Bio-A® tissue reinforcement: long-term outcomes and association of BMI and recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair remains the gold-standard treatment for paraesophageal hernia (PEH). We analyzed long-term symptomatic outcomes and surgical reintervention rates after primary PEH repair with onlay synthetic bioabsorbable mesh (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ) and examined body mass index (BMI) as a possible risk factor for poor outcomes and for recurrence. METHODS: We queried a prospectively maintained database to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic primary PEH repair with onlay patch of a bioprosthetic absorbable mesh (Bio-A® Gore®) between 05/28/2009 and 12/31/2013. Electronic health records were accessed to record demographic and operative data and were reviewed up to the present to identify any repeat procedures. Patients were grouped according to preoperative BMI (A: BMI < 25; B: BMI = 25-29.9; C: BMI = 30-34.9; D: BMI ≥ 35). Patients completed standardized satisfaction and symptom surveys. RESULTS: In total, 399 patients were included. Most patients (n = 261; 65.4%) were women. Mean age was 59.6 ± 13.4 years; mean BMI was 29.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2. The patients were grouped as follows: A, 53 patients (13.3%); B, 166 (41.6%); C, 115 (28.8%); D: 65 (16.3%). Four procedures (1.0%) were converted from laparoscopy to open procedures. All patients underwent an antireflux procedure (225 Nissen, 170 Toupet, 4 Dor). A mean follow-up of 44.7 ± 22.8 months was available for 305 patients (76.4%). 24/305 patients (7.9%) underwent reoperation, and the number of reoperations did not differ among groups (P = 0.64). Long-term symptomatic outcomes were available for 217/305 patients (71.1%) at a mean follow-up of 54.0 ± 13.1  months; no significant difference was observed among groups. 194/217 patients (89.4%) reported good to excellent satisfaction, with no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic primary PEH repair with onlay Bio-A® mesh is a safe and feasible procedure with excellent long-term patient-centered outcomes and acceptable symptomatic recurrence rate. BMI does not appear to be related to the need for surgical reintervention.

Does the addition of fundoplication to repair the intra-thoracic stomach improve quality of life?

BACKGROUND: The role of fundoplication in addition to hiatal hernia repair has been controversial. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who underwent intra-thoracic stomach repair with and without fundoplication. We proposed that the group without a fundoplication would have poorer quality of life due to continued symptoms. METHODS: All patients undergoing foregut surgery at the Creighton University Esophageal Center are entered in a prospectively maintained database. The database was queried to identify patients who underwent surgery for a near complete (>75 % of stomach in chest) intra-thoracic stomach with gastric volvulus between 2004 and 2013. A questionnaire was derived from the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia and Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD questionnaires to assess for symptoms related to reflux, and this questionnaire was administered by phone. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients underwent repair of ITS during the study period. A total of 109 patients had ITS repair with fundoplication, while 41 had only ITS repair. Follow-up was available in 54 % of patients in the fundoplication group (median follow-up of 5.2 years) and in 49 % of patients in the non-fundoplication group (median follow-up of 4 years). Significantly, more patients woke up at night (p < 0.01) and found themselves coughing around mealtime (p < 0.01) in the fundoplication group. Patients in the non-fundoplication group had significantly more daytime reflux (p = 0.02). Despite these symptoms, only one patient in the fundoplication group and no patients in the non-fundoplication group admitted that these symptoms were severe enough to severely affect their quality of life. All other patients contacted felt satisfied, and >80 % rated their quality of life as either good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is not a significant difference in quality-of-life parameters on long-term follow-up between patients undergoing ITS repair with or without fundoplication.