Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy reduces proton pump inhibitor dependency and the need for anti-reflux surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency treatment of the gastroesophageal junction using the Stretta procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is observed to improve the symptoms and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence and reduce the need for anti-reflux operations. As one of the largest studies in Europe, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of Stretta in patients with medically refractory GERD. METHODS: A tertiary UK center evaluated all patients with refractory GERD who underwent Stretta between 2014 and 2022. Patients and primary care professionals were contacted to obtain information regarding the initiation of PPI and reintervention after Stretta. RESULTS: Of the 195 patients (median age, 55 years; 116 women [59.5%]) who underwent Stretta, PPI-free period (PFP) data were available for 144 (73.8%) patients. Overall, 66 patients (45.8%) did not receive PPI after a median follow-up of 55 months. Six patients (3.1%) underwent further interventions. The median PFP after Stretta was 41 months. There was a significant negative correlation between PFP and age (p=0.007), with no differences between sexes (p=0.96). Patients younger than 55 years of age had a longer PFP than their older counterparts (p=0.005). Younger males had a significantly longer PFP than older males (p=0.021). However, this was not observed in the female cohort (p=0.09) or between the younger men and women (p=0.66). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Stretta is a safe and feasible option for treating refractory GERD, especially in younger patients. It prevents further anti-reflux interventions in most patients and increases the lead-time to surgery in patients with refractory GERD.

Impelling Factors for Contracting COVID-19 Among Surgical Professionals During the Pandemic: A Multinational Cohort Study.

Background: Medical workers, including surgical professionals working in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treating hospitals, were under enormous stress during the pandemic. This global study investigated factors endowing COVID-19 amongst surgical professionals and students. Methods: This global cross-sectional survey was made live on February 18, 2021 and closed for analysis on March 13, 2021. It was freely shared on social and scientific media platforms and was sent via email groups and circulated through a personal network of authors. Chi-square test for independence, and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out on determining predictors of surgical professionals contracting COVID-19. Results: This survey captured the response of 520 surgical professionals from 66 countries. Of the professionals, 92.5% (481/520) reported practising in hospitals managing COVID-19 patients. More than one-fourth (25.6%) of the respondents (133/520) reported suffering from COVID-19 which was more frequent in surgical professionals practising in public sector healthcare institutions (P = 0.001). Thirty-seven percent of those who reported never contracting COVID-19 (139/376) reported being still asked to practice self-isolation and wear a shield without the diagnosis (P = 0.001). Of those who did not contract COVID-19, 75.7% (283/376) were vaccinated (P < 0.001). Surgical professionals undergoing practice in the private sector (odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14 - 0.77; P = 0.011) and receiving two doses of vaccine (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32 - 0.95; P = 0.031) were identified to enjoy decreased odds of contracting COVID-19. Only 6.9% of those who reported not contracting COVID-19 (26/376) were calculated to have the highest "overall composite level of harm" score (P < 0.001). Conclusions: High prevalence of respondents got COVID-19, which was more frequent in participants working in public sector hospitals. Those who reported contracting COVID-19 were calculated to have the highest level of harm score. Self-isolation or shield, getting two doses of vaccines decreases the odds of contracting COVID-19.

The global level of harm among surgical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers, including surgical professionals, experienced psychological burnout and physical harm during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. This global survey investigated the coronavirus 2019 pandemic impact on psychological and physical health. METHODS: We conducted a global cross-sectional survey between February 18, 2021 and March 13, 2021. The primary outcome was to assess the psychological burnout, fulfillment, and self-reported physical level of harm. A validated Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index score with a self-reported physical level of harm was employed. We used a practical overall composite level of harm score to calculate the level of harm gradient 1-4, combining psychological burnout with self-reported physical level of harm score. RESULTS: A total of 545 participants from 66 countries participated. The final analysis included 520 (95.4%) surgical professionals barring medical students. Most of the participants (81.3%) were professionally unfulfilled. The psychological burnout was evident in 57.7% and was significantly common in those <50 years (P = .002) and those working in the public sector (P = .005). Approximately 41.7% of respondents showed changes in the physical health with self-remedy and no impact on work, whereas 14.9% reported changes to their physical health with <2 weeks off work, and 10.1% reported changes in physical health requiring >2 weeks off work. Severe harm (level of harm 4) was detected in 10.6%, whereas moderate harm (level of harm 3) affected 40.2% of the participants. Low and no harm (level of harm 2 and level of harm 1) represented 27.5% and 21.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that high levels of psychological burnout, professional unfulfillment, work exhaustion, and severe level of harm was more frequent in younger professionals working in the public sector. The findings correlated with a high level of harm in surgical professionals impacting surgical services.

The first international Delphi consensus statement on Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has almost replaced open surgery in many areas of Gastro-Intestinal (GI) surgery. There is currently no published expert consensus statement on the principles of laparoscopic GI surgery. This may have affected the training of new surgeons. This exercise aimed to achieve an expert consensus on important principles of laparoscopic GI surgery. METHODS: A committee of 38 international experts in laparoscopic GI surgery proposed and voted on 149 statements in two rounds following a strict modified Delphi protocol. RESULTS: A consensus was achieved on 133 statements after two rounds of voting. All experts agreed on tailoring the first port site to the patient, whereas 84.2% advised avoiding the umbilical area for pneumoperitoneum in patients who had a prior midline laparotomy. Moreover, 86.8% agreed on closing all 15 mm ports irrespective of the patient's body mass index. There was a 100% consensus on using cartridges of appropriate height for stapling, checking the doughnuts after using circular staplers, and keeping the vibrating blade of the ultrasonic energy device in view and away from vascular structures. An 84.2% advised avoiding drain insertion through a ≥10 mm port site as it increases the risk of port-site hernia. There was 94.7% consensus on adding laparoscopic retrieval bags to the operating count and ensuring any surgical specimen left inside for later removal is added to the operating count. CONCLUSION: Thirty-eight experts achieved a consensus on 133 statements concerning various aspects of laparoscopic GI Surgery. Increased awareness of these could facilitate training and improve patient outcomes.

The Outcome of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Anti-Reflux Therapy (STRETTA) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Previous Gastric Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: STRETTA improves the quality of life and reduces the need for anti-reflux medication in select patients, especially those with uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to review the outcomes of STRETTA in patients with medically refractory GERD, who had undergone previous gastric surgery. METHODS: This was a review of a prospective database in a British center. Since 2016, all GERD patients who underwent STRETTA and had a history of previous gastric surgery were studied (n=11). Anti-reflux medication pre- and post-STRETTA was evaluated. The outcomes were assessed objectively by the change in anti-reflux medication and subjectively through a pre- and post-procedure GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire. RESULTS: The median length of follow-up was 23 months. Nine patients demonstrated improved GERD-HRQL scores following STRETTA (82%). Of the 7 patients who underwent fundoplication, all reported improved symptoms, with 3 patients discontinuing the medication and 3 patients on a reduced dose of proton pump inhibitor. Four patients underwent surgery other than fundoplication, of which 2 reported improvement and discontinued the proton pump inhibitor. Two patients reported no improvement. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that STRETTA is successful in reducing refractory GERD in patients with previous gastric surgery. The outcomes were comparable to published outcomes in patients with uncomplicated GERD with no previous history of gastric surgery.

Patient symptom experience prior to a diagnosis of oesophageal or gastric cancer: a multi-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Late stage diagnosis of oesophageal and gastric cancer is common, which limits treatment options and contributes to poor survival. AIM: To explore patients' understanding, experience and presentation of symptoms before a diagnosis of oesophageal or gastric cancer. DESIGN & SETTING: Between May 2016 and October 2017, all patients newly diagnosed with oesophageal or gastric cancer were identified at weekly multidisciplinary team meetings at two large hospitals in England. A total of 321 patients were invited to participate in a survey and secondary care medical record review; 127 (40%) participants responded (102 patients had oesophageal cancer and 25 had gastric cancer). Of these, 26 participated in an additional face-to-face interview. METHOD: Survey and medical record data were analysed descriptively. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by the Model of Pathways to Treatment. RESULTS: Participants experienced multiple symptoms before diagnosis. The most common symptom associated with oesophageal cancer was dysphagia (n = 66, 65%); for gastric cancer, fatigue or tiredness (n = 20, 80%) was the most common symptom. Understanding of heartburn, reflux and indigestion, and associated symptoms differed between participants and often contrasted with clinical perspectives. Bodily changes attributed to personal and/or lifestyle factors were self-managed, with presentation to primary care prompted when symptoms persisted, worsened, or impacted daily life, or were notably severe or unusual. Participants rarely presented all symptoms at the initial consultation. CONCLUSION: The patient interval may be lengthened by misinterpretation of key terms, such as heartburn, or misattribution or non-recognition of important bodily changes. Clearly defined symptom awareness messages may encourage earlier help-seeking, while eliciting symptom experience and meanings in primary care consultations could prompt earlier referral and diagnosis.

'Mesh hiatal hernioplasty' versus 'suture cruroplasty' in laparoscopic para-oesophageal hernia surgery; a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In laparoscopic 'paraoesophageal hernia' (POH) repair, non-absorbable suture materials have been used to close the crural defects. More recently, various types of prosthetic mesh have been utilized to repair the defect. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of the recent and up to-date studies incorporating 942 POH repairs. We examined the rates of recurrence, reoperation, and complication rates alongside operative time of these two techniques in the management POH. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing mesh hiatal hernioplasty versus Suture cruroplasty for Paraoesophageal hernia were selected by searching Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central database published between January 1995 and December 2016. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the studies. The outcome variables analysed are recurrence of hiatal hernia, reoperation, operative time and complications. Nine studies (RCTs = 4 and Observational studies = 5) were analysed totalling 942 patients (Mesh = 517, Suture cruroplasty = 425). The pooled effect size for recurrence favoured mesh repair over suture cruroplasty (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32, 0.73, P < 0.05). But the operation time is significantly less in suture cruroplasty (SMD 15.40, 95% CI 7.92, 22.88, P < 0.0001). Comparable effect sizes were noted for both groups which included reoperation (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.09, 1.31, P = 0.12) and complication rates (OR 1.30, 95%CI 0.74, 2.29, P = 0.36). Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that mesh hiatoplasty and suture cruroplasty produce comparable results with regards to reoperation rate and complications following the repair of paraoesophageal hernias (POH). Moreover, the study showed significant reduction of recurrence following mesh hiatoplasty.

Elucidation of the AGR2 Interactome in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells Identifies a Redox-Sensitive Chaperone Hub for the Quality Control of MUC-5AC.

Aims: AGR2 is a tissue-restricted member of the protein disulfide isomerase family that has attracted interest because it is highly expressed in a number of cancers, including gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. The behavior of AGR2 was analyzed under oxidizing conditions, and an alkylation trapping and immunoprecipitation approach were developed to identify novel AGR2 interacting proteins. Results: The data show that AGR2 is induced in esophageal adenocarcinoma, where it participates in redox-responsive, disulfide-dependent complexes. AGR2 preferentially engages with MUC-5 as a primary client and is coexpressed with the acidic mucin in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue. Innovation: New partner chaperones for AGR2 have been identified, including peroxiredoxin IV, ERp44, P5, ERp29, and Ero1α. AGR2 interacts with unexpected metabolic enzymes, including aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)3A1, and engages in an alkylation-sensitive association with the autophagy receptor SQSTM1, suggesting a potential mechanism for the postendoplasmic reticulum targeting of AGR2 to mucin granules. Disulfide-driven AGR2 complex formation provides a framework for a limited number of client proteins to interact, rather than for the recruitment of multiple novel clients. Conclusion: The extended AGR2 interactome will facilitate the development of therapeutics to target AGR2/mucin pathways in esophageal cancer and other conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Novel technique for retraction of the gastroesophageal junction in laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a recognized procedure for patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease whose symptoms are refractory to medical treatment. We describe a novel and cost-effective technique that aids in mobilization and retraction of the gastroesophageal junction before repair of the diaphragmatic crural defect. After hiatal dissection and creation of a posterior gastric wrap, an index suture (2-0 ethibond) is placed across the wrap. This is used to retract the gastroesophageal junction and expose the crura for repair and "required facilitate fixation of fundus to the crura (fundopexy)." This technique negates the requirement for further instruments thus reducing operative expenditure and offers minimal disruption to the tissue. We have performed over 350 operative procedures using this technique and recommend it as an alternative choice that is cost effective for retraction of the esophagogastric junction in antireflux surgery.

Are contrast swallows necessary immediately postlaparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy?

Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is an effective treatment for achalasia. Intraoperative leak tests are carried out to exclude mucosal perforations, additionally some surgeon perform postoperative contrast swallows. The aim of the study was to identify whether postoperative contrast swallows were necessary in all patients who undergo laparoscopic cardiomyotomy. All patients who underwent a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy at a single center between 2004 and 2011 were identified. Median age was 55 (18 to 79), median body mass index 26 (17 to 37), and median length of stay was 1 day (1 to 4). A total of 54% of patients had previous pneumatic dilatations. One intraoperative mucosal perforation was identified and repaired. No leaks were seen on the postoperative swallow; however, 1 patient was readmitted with a contained leak, 8 days after surgery. Postoperative contrast swallow did not have any clinical impact. We suggest that they are only indicated if there is a clinical concern and that laparoscopic cardiomyotomy can be safely carried out as a day case procedure.

Biodegradable stent or balloon dilatation for benign oesophageal stricture: pilot randomised controlled trial.

AIM: To undertake a randomised pilot study comparing biodegradable stents and endoscopic dilatation in patients with strictures. METHODS: This British multi-site study recruited seventeen symptomatic adult patients with refractory strictures. Patients were randomised using a multicentre, blinded assessor design, comparing a biodegradable stent (BS) with endoscopic dilatation (ED). The primary endpoint was the average dysphagia score during the first 6 mo. Secondary endpoints included repeat endoscopic procedures, quality of life, and adverse events. Secondary analysis included follow-up to 12 mo. Sensitivity analyses explored alternative estimation methods for dysphagia and multiple imputation of missing values. Nonparametric tests were used. RESULTS: Although both groups improved, the average dysphagia scores for patients receiving stents were higher after 6 mo: BS-ED 1.17 (95%CI: 0.63-1.78) P = 0.029. The finding was robust under different estimation methods. Use of additional endoscopic procedures and quality of life (QALY) estimates were similar for BS and ED patients at 6 and 12 mo. Concomitant use of gastrointestinal prescribed medication was greater in the stent group (BS 5.1, ED 2.0 prescriptions; P < 0.001), as were related adverse events (BS 1.4, ED 0.0 events; P = 0.024). Groups were comparable at baseline and findings were statistically significant but numbers were small due to under-recruitment. The oesophageal tract has somatic sensitivity and the process of the stent dissolving, possibly unevenly, might promote discomfort or reflux. CONCLUSION: Stenting was associated with greater dysphagia, co-medication and adverse events. Rigorously conducted and adequately powered trials are needed before widespread adoption of this technology.

Use of fibrin glue for fixation of mesh and approximation of Peritoneum in Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair: technical feasibility and early surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: It is a common practice to secure both mesh and peritoneum using tacks when performing a transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. The use of tacks to secure the mesh is well documented and has been associated with postoperative chronic pain. Recently, fibrin glue has been used to secure the mesh in these repairs but not used to reapproximate the incised peritoneum. This study assessed the technical feasibility of using fibrin glue for fixation of both mesh and peritoneum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 33 TAPP hernia repairs were carried out in 27 consecutive patients. In all the patients, both mesh and peritoneum were secured with fibrin glue (20 primary inguinal hernia repairs, 5 bilateral hernia repairs, 1 recurrent inguinal hernia, and 1 recurrent bilateral hernia repair). RESULTS: Patients were followed up at an outpatient clinic between the second and third week after surgery. Six patients were followed up through telephone. Patients were questioned on the following factors: residual postoperative pain (groin and port sites), unplanned GP or hospital visits, employment status and number of days between their surgery and return to both work and normal activities, and recurrence. No patients had residual groin or port site pain at a median of 21 days after surgery. No patient required an unplanned follow-up appointment with their GP. One patient (recurrent repair) developed a seroma postoperatively. Median time to normal activities was 10 days (range, 3 to 21 d). CONCLUSIONS: Total glue fixation of mesh and peritoneum is technically feasible and early results show low rates of postoperative complications and pain. Randomized studies are needed to confirm this.