Trangastric endo-organ resection of a proximal gastric lesion.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric tumors confined to mucosa and submucosa can be resected with endoscopic resection techniques. They include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) [1, 2]. These techniques can be challenging when the tumor is large or is near the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. Transgastric resection is a novel technique of removing gastric tumors that are unresectable by endoscopy due to their size and location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a case of a 41-year-old male where a suspicious appearing lesion near the GE junction was removed using combined trans-gastric laparoscopic and endoscopic technique. The stomach was inflated using endoscopy, and three 5-mm balloon-tipped trocars were inserted directly into the stomach. The lesion was lifted with submucosal injection of saline and was resected using ultrasonic dissection device. The specimen was retrieved using Rothnet through the endoscope. The mucosal defect was closed with absorbable sutures. Trocars were removed and gastrostomy sites were closed with Endostitch device. Swallow study done on post-op day 2 did not show any signs of leak. Patient was discharged home on post-op day 5. Final pathology was consistent with hyperplastic polyp. CONCLUSION: Proximal Gastric lesions can be safely removed with combined Laparoscopic trans-gastric and endoscopic approach.

Transthoracic approach is associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation after esophageal resection.

AIM: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher morbidity after esophagectomy. The objective of this study is to identify the surgical risk factors associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, a prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent esophagectomy between 2003 and 2013. Data variables collected include pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors. Appropriate statistical analysis is performed utilizing Sigmaplot(®) version 12.3. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2013, 245 esophagectomies were performed at our institution, of these, 192 (147 males, mean age of 62 ± 11.12 years) were included in the final analysis and 53 were excluded [25 Roux-en-Y reconstruction (including three Merendino procedures), 20 had AF before surgery, and eight with staged esophagectomy]. Of 192 esophagectomies, 160 had malignancy (138 adenocarcinoma and 22 squamous cell carcinoma) and 106 (66.25%) received neo-adjuvant therapy. Esophagectomies were performed with Ivor Lewis Mckeown approach in 78 patients [34 Minimally Invasive (MIE), 37 open, and 7 Hybrid], Ivor Lewis approach in 56 patients (31 MIE, 10 Open, 15 Hybrid) and Transhiatal approach in 58 patients (16 MIE and 42 Open). Gastric conduit was used in 185 patients and colonic conduit in seven patients. Overall 30-day or in-hospital mortality was 3.6% (7/192). Forty-five (23.4%) patients with esophagectomy developed new-onset AF. Median onset of AF was post-op day 3 (0-32). They were older (65.7 vs. 61.3, p = 0.021), with medical comorbidities (thyroid disorder, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease; p < 0.05) and lower diffusion capacity on Pulmonary function test (80.16 vs. 87.74%, p = 0.02) and stayed longer in hospital (19 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001) with severe post-operative complications (Clavien score ≥ III) (69 vs. 35.3%, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed transthoracic approach (OR = 3.71, CI = 1.23-11.17, p = 0.02) and thyroid disorder (OR = 6.29, CI = 1.54-25.65, p = 0.01), and severe post-op complications (OR = 3.34, CI = 1.20-9.28, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with the development of new-onset AF. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic approach is an independent risk factor for the development of new-onset AF after esophagectomy. New-onset AF is associated with severe post-operative complications and longer hospital stay. Minimally invasive approach does not decrease the incidence of new-onset AF.

A proposed classification for uniform endoscopic description of surgical fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Objective assessment of postfundoplication anatomy is of utmost importance especially if reoperative intervention is being planned. There is a lack of uniformity in the description of endoscopic findings in these patients.The purpose of this study was to propose a classification for standardized endoscopic reporting of postfundoplication anatomy. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, preoperative endoscopic findings of patients who underwent reoperative intervention from 1992 to 2011 were reviewed a nd classified. The classification included four factors:E (distance of GEJ to crus), S (amount of gastric tissue between the GEJ and fundoplication), F (fundoplication configuration), and P (paraesophageal hernia). RESULTS: The endoscopic findings of 310 patients who underwent reoperative antireflux surgery were classified using the newly proposed classification model. A significant increase in the number of procedures was noted over the years.There was no change in presenting symptoms and patterns of failure over the years. The classification model was easily applicable to previous endoscopy reports. There was good symptom association with our classification model. DISCUSSION: An endoscopic anatomical classification is proposed for description of failed fundoplication. With this classification, we hope to fill the gap in developing a uniform classification of failed fundoplications. Further studies addressing widespread applicability and outcome analysis are needed.

Long-term outcomes of reintervention for failed fundoplication: redo fundoplication versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Redo fundoplication (RF) is the mainstay of treatment for failed fundoplication. A subset of patients with failed fundoplication requires Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RNY) for symptom relief. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term subjective outcomes between RF and RNY in patients with failed fundoplication. METHODS: After Institutional Board Review approval, retrospective review of a prospective database identified 119 RF (mean = 54.1 years, 78 women) and 64 RNY (mean = 54.8 years, 35 women) patients who underwent reoperative surgery between December 2003 and September 2009. Data variables analyzed included demographics, esophageal manometry, 24-h pH study, type of procedure, perioperative findings, complications, pre- and postoperative symptom (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, and chest pain) scores (scale 0-3), and patient satisfaction score (scale 1-10). Patients with grade 2 and 3 scores were considered to have significant symptoms. RESULTS: Patients who underwent RNY had a significantly higher body mass index, higher mean number of risk factors, and higher preoperative severity of heartburn and regurgitation compared to the RF group. Of the 183 patients, long-term (>3 years) follow-up was available for 132 (89 RF and 43 RNY) patients. Symptom severity significantly improved after both procedures, with the exception of dysphagia in the RNY group. Overall, there was no significant difference in patients' satisfaction between the RF and RNY groups. In subset analysis, patients with morbid obesity, esophageal dysmotility, or ≥4 risk factors have better satisfaction with RNY compared to RF (p = 0.027, 0.031, and 0.045, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RF and RNY have equally good patient satisfaction at 3 years follow-up. RNY may have improved outcomes in patients who are morbid obese, have esophageal dysmotility, or have four or more risk factors.

Long-term follow-up of a novel anastomotic device in a canine model.

Construction of intestinal anastomosis is a fundamental general surgery skill. New constraints in creating safe, effective anastomoses are faced, however, even as minimally invasive surgery techniques continue to gain popular and scientific support. We present our experience in developing and testing a novel anastomotic device (AD) constructed of a shape memory metal, with long-term follow-up in a canine model. This device has the potential for both laparoscopic and endoscopic delivery because of its unique design and adaptable deployment system. Eight canines had gastroduodenal and jejunojejunal anastomoses formed with the AD: the gastroduodenal anastomosis by transecting the stomach immediately distal to the pylorus and forming a side-to-side functional end-to-end anastomosis and the jejunojejunal anastomosis similarly following transection in the mid-jejunum. Four animals were survived for 6 months, and 4 for 12 months. At the study's end, the animals were euthanized and the anastomotic sites harvested for both gross and microscopic pathology. Two animals developed postoperative complications: one a mechanical bowel obstruction from bedding ingestion that required laparotomy, and one an ileus that conservative management resolved. All animals survived to their endpoints, displaying normal growth and development. All jejunojejunal anastomoses had AD passage and microscopic evidence of complete healing. Meanwhile, none of the gastroduodenal devices passed, with microscopy demonstrating incomplete mucosalization. This AD is highly effective in forming jejunojejunal anastomoses. Gastroduodenal anastomoses, while highly functional, retained the device without complete healing. Future studies using a more human-like animal model and an anastomotic technique avoiding the thick pylorus muscle should yield better results.

The Great Debate: Mesh or No Mesh in Contaminated Hernia Repairs?

Abdominal hernia surgeries are commonly performed with many different approaches, and mesh utilization has become a cornerstone in hernia repair, ensuring durable outcomes with minimal recurrence risk. However, managing contaminated hernia repairs presents unique challenges due to the heightened risks of mesh infection. Recent advancements in lightweight macroporous polypropylene meshes offer promising solutions. Studies have highlighted the superiority of macroporous polypropylene meshes compared to primary suture repair and other mesh types in terms of reduced surgical site infection rates and lower hernia recurrence rates. Moreover, utilizing macroporous polypropylene mesh in the retrorectus plane is associated with a favorable salvage rate, underscoring its efficacy in contaminated hernia repairs. At the same time, contrary evidence suggests higher postoperative complications with mesh use in settings of clean-contaminated or contaminated fields. Most significant complications are increased infection rates and similar recurrence rates compared to mesh-free repairs. New synthetic mesh that is being marketed as having better outcomes than other types of mesh and potentially primary repair need to be carefully assessed as biologic mesh once used to also be touted as the mesh to use in such fields, but more research is showing higher complication rates. The risk of infection and consequent morbidity might outweigh the benefit of less recurrence risk with mesh use. Further research, including prospective studies with long-term follow-up, is warranted to elucidate optimal hernia repair strategies in contaminated fields and inform evidence-based practice guidelines.

Roux-en-Y reconstruction is superior to redo fundoplication in a subset of patients with failed antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients requires reoperative antireflux surgery (Re-ARS) after failed fundoplication. The aim of this study was to determine symptomatic outcomes beyond 1 year following Re-ARS and to assess the relative utility of two different surgical approaches. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, patients who underwent Re-ARS were identified from a prospective database. Symptom severity was graded on a 0-3 scale. Patients with postoperative symptoms of grade ≥ 2 were considered to have a poor outcome. Patient satisfaction was graded using a 10-point visual analog scale. RESULTS: At least 1 year of follow-up was available for 130 patients. There were 94 redo fundoplications (RF) and 36 Roux-en-Y reconstructions (RNYR). Symptom risk factors (significant preoperative dysphagia, significant preoperative heartburn, esophageal dysmotility, short esophagus, delayed gastric emptying, multiple failed hiatal surgeries, reflux-related respiratory symptoms) were more prevalent in patients who underwent RNYR compared to RF (mean 3.0 vs. 2.2; p = 0.003). Postoperative leaks and major complications occurred in 4.5 % (5/110) versus 0% and 21.6 % versus 33.3 % of the RF and RNYR groups, respectively. Twenty-eight RF patients (29.8 %) and 9 RNYR patients (25.0 %) reported poor outcomes. Among patients with ≥ 4 risk factors, those who underwent RNYR had a lower incidence of poor outcome (7.7 % vs. 55 %, p = 0.018) and higher satisfaction scores (8.4 vs. 5.8, p = 0.001) compared to those who had RF. Overall, 85 % of patients were satisfied or highly satisfied with their results and the average satisfaction score was 8.2. CONCLUSION: Re-ARS provides good subjective outcomes when measured more than 1 year after surgery. Patients with more complex pathology benefit more from RNYR despite the higher postoperative complication rate. This is especially true for patients with decreased esophageal motility and short esophagus.

High-resolution impedance manometry findings in patients with nutcracker esophagus.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between high-resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance findings and symptoms in patients with nutcracker esophagus (NE). METHODS: After institutional review board approval retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who were diagnosed with NE as per the Chicago classification (distal contractile integral [DCI] > 5000 mmHg-s-cm) at Creighton University between October 2008 and October 2010. Patients with achalasia or a history of previous foregut surgery were excluded. NE patients were sub-divided into: (i) Segmental (mean distal esophageal amplitude [DEA] at 3 and 8 cm above lower esophageal sphincter [LES] < 180 mmHg) (ii) Diffuse (mean DEA at 3 and 8 cm above LES > 180 mmHg) and (iii) Spastic (DCI > 8000 mmHg-s-cm). RESULTS: Forty-one patients (segmental: 13, diffuse: 4, spastic: 24) satisfied study criteria. Patients with segmental NE would have been missed by conventional manometry criteria as their DEA < 180 mmHg. A higher percentage of patients with spastic NE (63%) had chest pain when compared to patients with segmental NE (23%) and diffuse NE (25%). There was a significant positive correlation between chest pain severity score and DCI while there was no significant correlation between dysphagia severity and DCI. CONCLUSIONS: In patients diagnosed with NE using the Chicago classification presence and intensity of chest pain increases with increasing DCI. The present criteria (> 5000 mmHg-s-cm) seems to be too sensitive and has poor symptom correlation. Adjusting the criteria to 8000 mmHg-s-cm is more relevant clinically.

Outcomes of surgical management of symptomatic large recurrent hiatus hernia.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent hiatus hernia is frequently found in patients undergoing reoperative antireflux surgery. The objective of this study is to report perioperative complications and subjective and objective outcomes for patients who underwent reoperative intervention for symptomatic large recurrent hiatus hernia. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients with large (≥ 5 cm gastric tissue above the crus) recurrent hiatus hernia who underwent reoperation after failed antireflux surgery. Data for preoperative workup, operative procedure, and postoperative 6-month follow-up were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients underwent reoperation over a 6-year period. Forty-four patients had large recurrent hiatus hernia; 21 underwent redo fundoplication, while 23 underwent Roux-en-Y (RNY) reconstruction as remedial procedure. Short esophagus was found in 16 cases (6 of 21 redo Collis fundoplications, 10 of 23 RNY reconstructions). There was significant symptom improvement and high degree of satisfaction reported in both groups. However, patients with short esophagus did better with RNY reconstruction compared with redo Collis gastroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of large recurrent hiatus hernia is a technically challenging procedure; however, there is high degree of symptom resolution and patient satisfaction. RNY reconstruction might be a better alternative in patients with short esophagus compared with redo Collis gastroplasty.

Survival and quality of life after minimally invasive esophagectomy: a single-surgeon experience.

BACKGROUND: Reports on quality of life (QOL) after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) have been limited. This report compares perioperative outcomes, survival, and QOL after MIEs with open transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) and open transhiatal esophagectomy (THE). METHODS: After institutional review board approval, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent esophageal resection for esophageal cancer at Creighton University between August 2003 and August 2010. Patients with preoperative stage 4 disease, emergent procedures, laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomies, or esophagojeujunostomies were excluded from the study. The study patients were categorized as having undergone open TTE, open THE, or MIE. Overall survival (OS) was the interval between diagnosis and death or follow-up assessment. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the interval between surgery and recurrence, death, or follow-up assessment. For the patients who survived at least 1 year after surgery, QOL was assessed using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC-QLQ, version 3.0) and esophageal module (EORTC-QLQ OES 18) questionnaires. RESULTS: The study criteria were satisfied by 104 patients. Lymph node harvest with MIE (median = 20) was similar to that with open TTEs (median = 19) and significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that with open THEs (median = 12). The percentage of patients requiring intraoperative blood transfusion in the MIE group (23.4%) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in the open TTE (73.1%) and THE (67.7%) groups. The volume of intraoperative blood product transfusion was significantly lower for the MIE patients (median = 0 ml) than for the open TTE (median = 700 ml) and THE (median = 700 ml) patients. The incidence of respiratory complications with MIEs (10.64%) was significantly lower than with open TTEs (34.61%) and THEs (32.26%). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of R0 resection rates, OS, DFS, or QOL. CONCLUSIONS: MIEs offer a safe and viable alternative to open esophagectomies because they reduce the need and volume of intraoperative blood product transfusion and postoperative respiratory complications without compromising oncological clearance, survival, and QOL.

The role of short-limb Roux-en-Y reconstruction for failed antireflux surgery: a single-center 5-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Revisionary fundoplication is the mainstay of treatment for failed previous fundoplication, but is not always feasible. We report our experience with use of short-limb Roux-en-Y (RNY) reconstruction for failed antireflux procedures. METHODS: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed for morbidity, mortality, pre- and postprocedure symptom scores (scale 0-3), body mass index (BMI), and patient satisfaction (scale 1-10). RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with 1-4 (median 1) previous antireflux procedures underwent RNY reconstruction, either to gastric pouch (n = 64) or to the esophagus (n = 8). There were 37 laparoscopic, 24 open abdominal, and two combined thoracic-abdominal procedures. Nine additional patients underwent conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery. Mean follow-up of 20.7 months (± 12.9 months) was available in 63 (88%) patients. The overall median scores for heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain, and nausea were 0 or 1. There were 72 major and minor complications noted that affected 33 (46%) patients, with no in-hospital or 30-day mortality observed. The most common complications were anastomotic strictures, bowel obstructions, respiratory complications, and dumping. Mean postoperative BMI was 24.6 (± 4.4) kg/m(2) compared with preoperative BMI of 31.4 (± 6.1) kg/m(2). Mean reported satisfaction score was 8.2 (± 2.1), and 89% of the patients would recommend the procedure to a friend. Pre- and postoperative symptoms could be compared in 57 patients, and significant decrease in median symptom scores for heartburn (2-0, P < 0.05), regurgitation (1-0, P < 0.05), and dysphagia (2-0, P < 0.05) was confirmed. There was an increase in reported nausea (0-1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short-limb RNY reconstruction is an effective remedial procedure for a subset of patients with failed antireflux surgery, but morbidity is significant.

Prevalence of Barrett esophagus in first-degree relatives of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Barrett esophagus (BE) in first-degree relatives of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and Barrett high-grade dysplasia (HGD). METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, first-degree relatives of patients with EAC/HGD underwent unsedated ultrathin transnasal endoscopy (UUTNE) with biopsy. BE was suspected if any salmon-colored epithelial tongues were seen above the gastroesophageal junction. A diagnosis of BE was made only if biopsy from these areas confirmed columnar-lined epithelium with intestinal metaplasia. RESULTS: From 23 families, 47 first-degree relatives underwent ultrathin transnasal endoscopy and 1 patient underwent routine upper endoscopy with sedation as part of this study. The mean age of cases was 44.4 years. All patients tolerated the procedure well and there were no procedure-related complications. BE was suspected in 16 (34%) patients and confirmed in 13 of 16 (27.7%) patients. There were 4 long segments (>3 cm) and 9 short segments (<3 cm) of BE. CONCLUSION: There is a significantly higher than expected prevalence of BE in first-degree relatives of patients with EAC/HGD. This should be taken in to consideration to develop further screening guidelines. Further work is needed to confirm these findings. Unsedated transnasal endoscopy is a safe and well-tolerated method for BE screening.

Endoscopic assessment of failed fundoplication: a case for standardization.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative endoscopic assessment of the failed fundoplication is instrumental in diagnosis and surgical management. Endoscopy is a routine and essential part of the workup for a failed fundoplication, but no clear guidelines exist for reporting endoscopic findings. This study aimed to compare endoscopic findings reported by community physicians (gastroenterologists and surgeons) with the findings of the authors (esophageal center) for patients who underwent reoperative intervention after a previous antireflux procedure. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients who underwent reoperation after a failed antireflux operation between 1 December 2003 and 30 June 2010. Endoscopic findings as reported by the outside physician and by the esophageal center endoscopist were reviewed and compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 229 patients underwent reoperation. Of these patients, 20 did not have endoscopy performed by an outside physician and were excluded from the study, leaving 208 patients. The endoscopic reports of the esophageal center physician included 97 cases of hiatal hernia (64 type 1 and 33 types 2 and 3), 52 slipped fundoplications, 61 disrupted fundoplications, 30 intrathoracic fundoplications, 25 twisted fundoplications, 14 two-compartment stomachs, and 27 cases of Barrett's esophagus. Outside physicians identified 68% of the hiatal hernias and 61% of the paraesophageal hernias reported by the authors. Only 32% of the outside reports mentioned a previous fundoplication. Furthermore, only 17% of the slipped fundoplications and 30% of the disrupted fundoplications were so described. Outside physicians identified 19 of the 27 patients with Barrett's esophagus. CONCLUSION: Fundoplication changes described by the general endoscopist are inadequate. With an increasing population of patients who have undergone prior antireflux surgery, incorporation of fundoplication assessment in an endoscopic curriculum may be helpful.

Identification of risk factors for postoperative dysphagia after primary anti-reflux surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transient postoperative dysphagia is not uncommon after antireflux surgery and usually runs a self-limiting course. However, a subset of patients report long-term dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for persistent postoperative dysphagia at 1 year after surgery. METHODS: All patients who underwent antireflux surgery were entered into a prospectively maintained database. After obtaining institutional review board approval, the database was queried to identify patients who underwent primary antireflux surgery and were at least 1 year from surgery. Postoperative severity of dysphagia was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire (scale 0-3). Patients with scores of 2 or 3 were defined as having significant dysphagia. RESULTS: A total of 316 consecutive patients underwent primary antireflux surgery by a single surgeon. Of these, 219 patients had 1 year postoperative symptom data. Significant postoperative dysphagia at 1 year was reported by 19 (9.1%) patients. Thirty-eight patients (18.3%) required postoperative dilation for dysphagia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative dysphagia (odds ratio (OR), 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-15.5; p = 0.023) and preoperative delayed esophageal transit by barium swallow (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 1.6-42.2; p = 0.012) as risk factors for postoperative dysphagia. Female gender was a risk factor for requiring dilation during the early postoperative period (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-10.2; p = 0.016). No correlations were found with preoperative manometry. There also was no correlation between a need for early dilation and persistent dysphagia at 1 year of follow-up (p = 0.109). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preoperative dysphagia and delayed esophageal transit on preoperative contrast study were significantly more likely to report moderate to severe postoperative dysphagia 1 year after antireflux surgery. This study confirms that the manometric criteria used to define esophageal dysmotility are not reliable to identify patients at risk for postfundoplication dysphagia, and that there is need for standardization of contrast swallow assessment of esophageal function.

Anastomotic complications associated with stapled versus hand-sewn anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare anastomotic complications of stapled versus hand-sewn cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis. METHODS: All patients undergoing esophageal resection are entered into a prospectively maintained database. The database was queried to identify patients who had near total esophagectomy with cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis. The effect of anastomotic technique and surgeon experience on anastomotic complications, leak, and stricture were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients underwent open or minimally invasive esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with or without thoracic mobilization. Eighteen patients had hand-sewn anastomosis and 63 had a partially stapled anastomosis. There was no significant difference between leak rate (22% (4/18) versus 7% (5/63) P = 0.09) and anastomotic stricture rate (38% (7/18) versus 26% (17/63), P = 0.34) between the two groups. Dividing the experience chronologically into three groups of 27 reveals a trend towards decreased leak rate with experience. The leak rate was only 3.7 % (1/27) in the most recent group compared with 14.8% (4/27) in the first group (P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, there was no significant difference in anastomotic complications between hand-sewn and stapled anastomosis. However, there is a decreasing trend in anastomotic complications with increasing surgeon experience.

Surgical management of epiphrenic diverticulum: A single-center experience and brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: We present single-center experience of surgery for primary epiphrenic diverticulum (PED) over a 12-year period. METHODS: Prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients who underwent PED surgery. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms, operative data, perioperative complications, and follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (14 females; mean age-67-years) underwent PED surgery. The most common primary presenting symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation (mean duration-3.6-years). 82% patients underwent laparoscopic procedures (one conversion), 11% operated via left thoracotomy and 7% via combined laparoscopy-right trans-thoracic approach. All patients received myotomy, all but one received diverticulectomy. Five-patients experienced intraoperative complications that were managed intraoperatively without sequelae. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity was seen in 3-patients, including one staple-line leak managed with endoscopic washes and stent placement. 90% patients with ≥1-year follow-up reported "excellent" satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for PED is both feasible and safe. We observed low morbidity, short hospital stay, and excellent patient-reported outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery: the evolution of fellowship.

BACKGROUND: The field of postgraduate minimally invasive surgery/gastrointestinal surgery (MIS/GIS) training has undergone substantial growth and change. To determine whether fellowships are meeting a strategic need in training, we conducted a survey to assess the current status and trends of change in MIS/GIS fellowships. METHODS: A survey was distributed to fellows currently in MIS/GIS programs in the United States and Canada in 2003 and 2006. Fellows were asked to describe demographics as well as their experience both during fellowship and residency. We compared this with aggregate data of resident experience through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs, data tracked by industry, and program data from the Fellowship Council (FC) web site. RESULTS: There were 54 responses to the 75 surveys distributed in 2006 (72% response rate). MIS fellows performed more laparoscopic cases during their residency than the average graduating chief resident, but did not feel competent to perform advanced laparoscopic surgery. However, combining fellowship numbers with residency numbers does suggest that the total experience provides competency in a wide variety of procedures. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the MIS/GIS Fellowship is meeting a real need among graduating surgical residents; fellows felt unprepared for clinical practice at the completion of residency. It is encouraging to note the improvements in fellowship structure, standards, and overall experience, brought by the efforts of the FC. It is hoped that this report of the state of MIS fellowship with a comprehensive review of current data will aid in further evaluation and improvement.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication effectively relieves symptoms in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

INTRODUCTION: The utility of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms remains controversial. We hypothesized that a carefully selected population with these symptoms would benefit from antireflux surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive patients have undergone antireflux surgery for laryngopharyngeal reflux at a single institution. Preoperative evaluation including upper endoscopy, laryngoscopy, and 24-h ambulatory pharyngeal pH probe monitoring confirmed the diagnosis. Patients completed two validated symptom assessment instruments preoperatively and at multiple time points postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients were followed for up to 3 years with a mean follow-up of 15.2 months. A significant improvement in reflux symptom index score (preoperative= 1.5+/-7.4 vs 3 years=12.4+/-10.9, p<0.01), laryngopharyngeal reflux health-related quality of life overall score (preoperative=55.0+/-26.0 vs 3 years=11.3+/-13.9, p<0.01), and symptom domain scores (voice, cough, throat clearing, and swallowing) occurred within 1 month of surgery and remained improved over the course of the study. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is effective in relieving the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux in a carefully selected patient population. Benefits are seen within 1 month of surgery and persist for at least 3 years.

Animal Models of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma-Past, Present, and Future.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the fastest rising cancer in the United States. It develops from long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease which affects >20% of the general population. It carries a very poor prognosis with 5-year survival <20%. The disease is known to sequentially progress from reflux esophagitis to a metaplastic precursor, Barrett's esophagus and then onto dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, only few patients with reflux develop Barrett's esophagus and only a minority of these turn malignant. The reason for this heterogeneity in clinical progression is unknown. To improve patient management, molecular changes which facilitate disease progression must be identified. Animal models can provide a comprehensive functional and anatomic platform for such a study. Rats and mice have been the most widely studied but disease homology with humans has been questioned. No animal model naturally simulates the inflammation to adenocarcinoma progression as in humans, with all models requiring surgical bypass or destruction of existing antireflux mechanisms. Valuable properties of individual models could be utilized to holistically evaluate disease progression. In this review paper, we critically examined the current animal models of Barrett's esophagus, their differences and homologies with human disease and how they have shaped our current understanding of Barrett's carcinogenesis.