Short-term results of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and ineffective esophageal motility.

PURPOSE: In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) requiring surgical treatment, concomitant ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a decisive factor in surgical planning, due to concern regarding dysphagia. Anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device is a promising technique. We assessed initial feasibility and clinical outcomes of RefluxStop surgery in patients with GERD and IEM. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with GERD, hiatal hernia (HH), and IEM, who underwent surgery with RefluxStop at our institution and achieved 12-month follow-up. Technique feasibility was assessed, in addition to symptom resolution (GERD-HRQL questionnaire), adverse events, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. Placement of the device was confirmed by video fluoroscopy on postoperative day 1, and at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Between June 2020 and November 2022, 20 patients with IEM underwent surgery with RefluxStop and completed 12-month follow-up. All patients reported typical symptoms of GERD, and 12 had preoperative dysphagia. The median HH length was 4.5 cm (IQR, 3.75-5). The median operating time was 59.5 min (IQR, 50.25-64) with no implant-related intra- or postoperative complications. No HH recurrence was observed. One patient reported persistent left-sided thoracic pain at 11 months post-surgery, which required diagnostic laparoscopy and adhesiolysis. Three patients reported severe postoperative dysphagia: balloon dilatation was performed towards resolution. The mean GERD-HRQL scores improved (from 40.7 at baseline to 4.8 at 3 months and 5.7 at 12 months (p <0.001)). CONCLUSION: RefluxStop surgery was feasible and offered effective treatment for this group of patients with GERD and IEM. All patients had complete resolution or significant improvement of GERD symptoms, and 90% of them were satisfied with their quality of life 1 year after surgery.

Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy for Primary and Secondary Malignancies of the Liver: State of the Art and Current High-Level Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAI) has been proposed as a valuable adjunct for multimodal therapy of primary and secondary liver malignancies. This review provides an overview of the currently available evidence of HAI, taking into account tumor response and long-term oncologic outcome. SUMMARY: In colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), HAI in combination with systemic therapy leads to high response rates (85-90%) and conversion to resectablity in primary unresectable disease in up to 50%. HAI in combination with systemic therapy in CRLM in the adjuvant setting shows promising long-term outcomes with up to 50% 10-year survival in a large, non-randomized single-center cohort. For hepatocellular carcinoma patients, response rates as high as 20-40% have been reported for HAI and long-term outcomes compare well to other therapies. Similarly, survival for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma 3 years after treatment with HAI is reported as high as 34%, which compares well to trials of systemic therapy where 3-year survival is usually below 5%. However, evidence is mainly limited by highly selected, heterogenous patient groups, and outdated chemotherapy regimens. The largest body of evidence stems from small, often non-randomized cohorts, predominantly from highly specialized single centers. KEY MESSAGE: In well-selected patients with primary and secondary liver malignancies, HAI might improve response rates and, possibly, long-term survival. Results of ongoing randomized trials will show whether a wider adoption of HAI is justified, particularly to increase rates of resectability in advanced malignant diseases confined to the liver.

Risk factors for mortality in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective multicenter analysis.

It is difficult to predict the risk of mortality in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study aimed at identifying risk factors for severe NEC (Bell stage III) and mortality in preterm children with NEC. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed multiple data from 157 premature children with confirmed NEC in the period from January 2007 to October 2018. We performed univariate, multivariate, stepwise logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analyses. We were able to demonstrate that low Apgar scores (notably at 1' and 5'), low hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), and high lactate level at disease onset and during disease correlated with NEC severity and mortality (P < 0.05, respectively). Severe NEC was related to congenital heart disease (CHD - OR 2.6, CI95% 1.2-5.8, P 0.015) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA - OR 3.3, CI95% 1.6-6.9, P 0.0012), whereas death was related to the presence of PDA (OR 5.5, CI95% 2.3-14, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Low Apgar scores, low Hgb, high lactate levels, and the presence of CHD or PDA correlated with severe NEC or mortality in children with NEC. What is Known: • It remains difficult to predict which infant that suffers from necrotizing enterocolitis at risk of death. • Several clinical and laboratory parameters tools to predict fatal outcome in NEC. What is New: • The following laboratory parameters were associated with the risk of death from NEC: Hemoglobin concentration, base excess and lactate level. • The following clinical variables were associated with the risk of death from NEC: Apgar scores, as well as the presence of congenital heart disease and patent ductus arteriosus.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: An Appraisal of the Current High-Level Evidence.

At the time of diagnosis, only about 20% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have resectable disease. PDAC treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and adjuvant chemotherapy after upfront resection is an established means of preventing recurrence. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT), originally introduced to downstage tumor size, is nowadays more frequently used for selection of patients with favorable tumor biology and to control potential micrometastases. While NAT is routinely applied in locally advanced (LA) PDAC, there is increasing evidence demonstrating benefits of NAT in borderline resectable (BR) PDAC. The concept of NAT has recently been tested in resectable PDAC, but to date NAT has been restricted to clinical trials, as the data are limited and no clear benefits have yet been shown in this patient group. This review summarizes the current evidence for NAT in resectable, BR, and LA PDAC, with a focus on high-level evidence and randomized controlled trials.

4/5 Gastrectomy in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy Reduces Delayed Gastric Emptying.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), impairing oral food intake and reducing the quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4/5 gastrectomy on DGE after PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing pylorus-preserving PD (ppPD) were compared with PD with 4/5 subtotal gastrectomy, including resection of the gastric fundus (SGPD). The primary endpoint was DGE, according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition. Secondary outcomes included time to solid food intake, time to first flatus, postoperative morbidity, and body weight change 6- and 12-wk after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent either ppPD (n = 32) or SGPD (n = 28). Patient characteristics were well balanced between the groups. DGE occurred in 47% after ppPD and 18% after SGPD (P = 0.027). Compared with ppPD, time to solid food intake and time to first flatus were significantly shorter after SGPD (8 d [interquartile range 5-12] versus 5 d [4-6]; P = 0.003 and 5 d [4-7] versus 3 d [2-5]; P = 0.001, respectively). Major postoperative morbidity and hospital stay was similar between the groups. Weight loss at 6 wk was less pronounced after ppPD (-4.8% [-6.3 to -2.7] versus -7.5% [-8.9 to -5.9]; P = 0.013), however, comparable after 3 and 6 mo (ppPD -7.6% [-8.5 to -4.8] versus SGPD -8.4% [-17.3 to -5.2]; P = 0.334 and ppPD -6.0% [-14.5 to 6.0] versus SGPD -9.5% [-11.8 to -7.0], P = 0.414, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with pylorus preservation, 4/5 gastrectomy significantly reduced the frequency of DGE and led to a faster gastrointestinal passage after PD. However, the benefits of a reduced DGE rate and a faster gastrointestinal passage should be carefully balanced against an increased weight loss after 4/5 gastrectomy in the early postoperative phase.

Short-term outcomes of endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions for treatment of dumping syndrome after Roux-En-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Dumping syndrome is a known long-term complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Most cases can be avoided with dietary and lifestyle changes. Severe dumping is characterized by multiple daily episodes with significant impact on quality-of-life. As dumping correlates with rapid pouch emptying through a dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis (GJA), the aim was to assess endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions (EGR) regarding feasibility, safety, and outcome. METHODS: From January 2016 to August 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients with dumping syndrome undergoing EGR with the Apollo OverStitch suturing device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographics, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. Sigstad questionnaire was administered before and after surgery to assess symptomatic response. RESULTS: There were 40 patients (M:F = 13:27) treated with EGR for dumping. Mean procedure time was 18.5 min (12-41) with a median number of 1 suture (range 1-3) used. Mean anastomotic diameter was 22.6 mm (R 18-35) at the beginning and 6.2 mm (R 4-13) at the end of the procedure, with 100% technical success in narrowing the GJA. There were no intra-operative or 30-day complications. Repeat EGR was required in 9 patients (22.5%) for persistent/recurrent dumping. Two patients (5%) required a laparoscopic pouch revision. For patients with minimum 1-month follow-up who were treated only endoscopically, 33/37 (89.2%) had improved or resolved symptoms during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up time was 12.5 months (R1-33.8). Survey responses were available for 25/34 (73.5%) patients. Mean Sigstad score decreased from 13.9 (R 0-28) pre-operatively to 8.6 (R 0-28) after EGR. CONCLUSION: EGR of the dilated GJA is a highly effective treatment option for dumping syndrome after RYGB. Due to its endoluminal approach, it is a feasible and safe procedure, and effective for immediate symptom resolution in most patients. In some patients, repeat narrowing of the anastomosis is necessary for the maintenance of symptom resolution.

Laparoscopic Large Hiatal Hernia Repair With RefluxStop: Outcomes of Six Months Follow-up in Thirty Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The antireflux surgical technique with the RefluxStop device is one of the latest approaches to treating patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hiatal hernia (HH) repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with GERD and concurrent large HH (≥4 cm). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for the first 30 patients with a large HH who consented and underwent HH surgery with the RefluxStop device. The operative technique and outcomes were evaluated to assess safety and feasibility, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Between May 2020 and April 2022, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device. All patients had typical symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation, and 15 patients (50%) had preoperative dysphagia. Median HH size was 5 cm (interquartile range, 4 to 5). Median operating time was 56 minutes (interquartile range, 52 to 63), with no intra and postoperative complications related to the device. One patient required laparotomy due to adhesions and associated bleeding when accessing the abdomen. All patients had postoperative imaging (video fluoroscopy) on postoperative day 1 and at 3 months, confirming the correct location of the RefluxStop device. One patient (3.3%) needed postoperative balloon dilatation due to severe dysphagia. Reflux symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) resolved significantly in all patients ( P < 0.001) at 6 months. One episode of recurrence of HH (3.3%) occurred during the follow-up period of 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the short-term safety and feasibility of laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with large HH, with a low rate of postoperative dysphagia and subsequent improvement or resolution of reflux symptoms in all patients.

Influence of deep sternal wound infection on long-term survival after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the influence of deep sternal wound infection on long-term survival following cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our institutional database we retrospectively evaluated medical records of 4732 adult patients who received open-heart surgery from January 1995 through December 2005. The predictive factors for DSWI were determined using logistic regression analysis. Then, each patient with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) was matched with 2 controls without DSWI, according to the risk factors identified previously. After checking balance resulting from matching, short-term mortality was compared between groups using a paired test, and long-term survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Overall, 4732 records were analyzed. The mean age of the investigated population was 69.3±12.8 years. DSWI occurred in 74 (1.56%) patients. Significant independent predictive factors for deep sternal infections were active smoking (OR 2.19, CI95 1.35-3.53, p=0.001), obesity (OR 1.96, CI95 1.20-3.21, p=0.007), and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR 2.09, CI95 1.05-10.06, p=0.016). Mean follow-up in the matched set was 125 months, IQR 99-162. After matching, in-hospital mortality was higher in the DSWI group (8.1% vs. 2.7% p=0.03), but DSWI was not an independent predictor of long-term survival (adjusted HR 1.5, CI95 0.7-3.2, p=0.33). CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this report clearly show that post-sternotomy deep wound infection does not influence long-term survival in an adult general cardio-surgical patient population.

Handlebar injuries in children.

INTRODUCTION: Handlebar injuries in children may lead to severe organ lesions despite minimal initial signs and without visible skin bruise. We present our experiences applying a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for blunt abdominal trauma, and present the history of two selected cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the charts of children below 16 years of age, only who were observed for 24 h or more in our institution due to a handlebar injury between 2004 and 2011. All children were treated according to an institutional algorithm. RESULTS: 40 patients with a median age of 9.5 years were included. Diagnosed lesions were: ruptures of the liver (n = 6), spleen (n = 5), kidney (n = 1), and pancreas (n = 2), small bowel perforation (n = 3), and hernias of the abdominal (n = 2) or thoracic wall (n = 1). Surgical interventions were performed in 8 patients. The outcome was favorable in all the cases. Overall median hospitalization duration was 4.5 days (range 1-19 days). The overall duration between the accident and arrival at our emergency unit was 2.75 h (median, range 1-19 h). 20 children presented directly at our emergency unit after a median of 1.7 h (range 1-19.5 h). 20 children were referred by a family physician or a primary hospital after a median of 4.0 h (range 1-46 h). CONCLUSION: Handlebar injuries in children resulted in serious trunk lesions in half of the present patient series. The spectrum of injuries in handlebar accidents varies widely, especially injuries to the abdomen can unmask often only in the course. We advocate close observation of patients with thoracic and abdominal handlebar injuries which may be regarded as blunt stab wounds. An institutional algorithm for blunt abdominal trauma management is supportive for emergency care in patients with handlebar injuries.

Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban for Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Clinical end point studies on thromboprophylaxis with direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing bariatric surgery are lacking. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a prophylactic dose of 10 mg/d of rivaroxaban for both 7 and 28 days after bariatric surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: This assessor-blinded, phase 2, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, with participants from 3 academic and nonacademic hospitals in Switzerland. Intervention: Patients were randomized 1 day after bariatric surgery to 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban for either 7 days (short prophylaxis) or 28 days (long prophylaxis). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of deep vein thrombosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and pulmonary embolism within 28 days after bariatric surgery. Main safety outcomes included major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and mortality. Results: Of 300 patients, 272 (mean [SD] age, 40.0 [12.1] years; 216 women [80.3%]; mean body mass index, 42.2) were randomized; 134 received a 7-day and 135 a 28-day VTE prophylaxis course with rivaroxaban. Only 1 thromboembolic event (0.4%) occurred (asymptomatic thrombosis in a patient undergoing sleeve gastrectomy with extended prophylaxis). Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events were observed in 5 patients (1.9%): 2 in the short prophylaxis group and 3 in the long prophylaxis group. Clinically nonsignificant bleeding events were observed in 10 patients (3.7%): 3 in the short prophylaxis arm and 7 in the long prophylaxis arm. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, once-daily VTE prophylaxis with 10 mg of rivaroxaban was effective and safe in the early postoperative phase after bariatric surgery in both the short and long prophylaxis groups. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03522259.

Postoperative Dysphagia Following Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

The addition of posterior cruroplasty to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA-PC) has been shown to be effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the predictors of persistent postoperative dysphagia, one of the major complaints after MSA-PC. From August 2015 to February 2018 the medical records of 118 patients (male=59, female=59) receiving MSA-PC for GERD were reviewed. Postoperative dysphagia was present in 80 patients (67.8%), with 20 (16.9%) requiring dilation for persistent dysphagia. Three patients (2.5%) had the magnetic sphincter augmentation device removed for persistent dysphagia, one was converted to a Nissen fundoplication. The median number of dilations was 1, mean time from surgery to dilation was 5.6 months, and 15/20 (75%) had symptom resolution after 1 to 2 dilations. Dilated patients were more likely than nondilated patients to have atypical GERD symptoms preoperatively (70% vs. 44.7%, P=0.042). After dilation, 93.3% of patients reported a good quality of life.

Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants With Patent Arterial Duct. A Retrospective Matched Paired Analysis.

Background: The development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is not well-understood. Our aim was to find risk factors for NEC in children with a significant PDA and to assess differences in mortality and duration of hospital stay between patients with PDA and those with PDA and NEC. Methods: We performed a retrospective single center case control study including infants with PDA scheduled for treatment. We compared multiple patient data between patients with PDA and those with PDA and NEC from 2004 to 2018 using 1:2 and 1:1 matching. Results: We used 1:2 matching with 26 NEC patients (cases) and 52 PDA patients without NEC (controls) and 1:1 matching with 5 NEC patients and 5 PDA patients without NEC. NEC patients had lower Apgar score (1'), more congenital malformations, more suspected sepsis, less hypotension, higher minimum platelet count and higher CRP-values during the week before NEC (P < 0.05, respectively). The mortality was higher in NEC cases [29% (9/31)] compared to the control patients [2% (1/57), P < 0.001]. Lower Apgar score (1') was correlated with an increased risk of NEC stage III. Hypotension was inversely correlated with the odds of NEC (OR 0.3). Conclusions: NEC increased mortality in infants with PDA. Hypotension did not increase the risk of NEC in infants with PDA. Routine clinical parameters were not able to predict NEC in infants who suffer from PDA.

Thromboelastometry for the assessment of coagulation abnormalities in early and established adult sepsis: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The inflammatory response to an invading pathogen in sepsis leads to complex alterations in hemostasis by dysregulation of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. Recent treatment options to correct these abnormalities in patients with sepsis and organ dysfunction have yielded conflicting results. Using thromboelastometry (ROTEM(R)), we assessed the course of hemostatic alterations in patients with sepsis and related these alterations to the severity of organ dysfunction. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 30 consecutive critically ill patients with sepsis admitted to a 30-bed multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU). Hemostasis was analyzed with routine clotting tests as well as thromboelastometry every 12 hours for the first 48 hours, and at discharge from the ICU. Organ dysfunction was quantified using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. RESULTS: Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and SOFA scores at ICU admission were 52 +/- 15 and 9 +/- 4, respectively. During the ICU stay the clotting time decreased from 65 +/- 8 seconds to 57 +/- 5 seconds (P = 0.021) and clot formation time (CFT) from 97 +/- 63 seconds to 63 +/- 31 seconds (P = 0.017), whereas maximal clot firmness (MCF) increased from 62 +/- 11 mm to 67 +/- 9 mm (P = 0.035). Classification by SOFA score revealed that CFT was slower (P = 0.017) and MCF weaker (P = 0.005) in patients with more severe organ failure (SOFA >or= 10, CFT 125 +/- 76 seconds, and MCF 57 +/- 11 mm) as compared with patients who had lower SOFA scores (SOFA <10, CFT 69 +/- 27, and MCF 68 +/- 8). Along with increasing coagulation factor activity, the initially increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) corrected over time. CONCLUSIONS: Key variables of ROTEM(R) remained within the reference ranges during the phase of critical illness in this cohort of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock without bleeding complications. Improved organ dysfunction upon discharge from the ICU was associated with shortened coagulation time, accelerated clot formation, and increased firmness of the formed blood clot when compared with values on admission. With increased severity of illness, changes of ROTEM(R) variables were more pronounced.

Effect of fluid resuscitation on mortality and organ function in experimental sepsis models.

INTRODUCTION: Several recent studies have shown that a positive fluid balance in critical illness is associated with worse outcome. We tested the effects of moderate vs. high-volume resuscitation strategies on mortality, systemic and regional blood flows, mitochondrial respiration, and organ function in two experimental sepsis models. METHODS: 48 pigs were randomized to continuous endotoxin infusion, fecal peritonitis, and a control group (n = 16 each), and each group further to two different basal rates of volume supply for 24 hours [moderate-volume (10 ml/kg/h, Ringer's lactate, n = 8); high-volume (15 + 5 ml/kg/h, Ringer's lactate and hydroxyethyl starch (HES), n = 8)], both supplemented by additional volume boli, as guided by urinary output, filling pressures, and responses in stroke volume. Systemic and regional hemodynamics were measured and tissue specimens taken for mitochondrial function assessment and histological analysis. RESULTS: Mortality in high-volume groups was 87% (peritonitis), 75% (endotoxemia), and 13% (controls). In moderate-volume groups mortality was 50% (peritonitis), 13% (endotoxemia) and 0% (controls). Both septic groups became hyperdynamic. While neither sepsis nor volume resuscitation strategy was associated with altered hepatic or muscle mitochondrial complex I- and II-dependent respiration, non-survivors had lower hepatic complex II-dependent respiratory control ratios (2.6 +/- 0.7, vs. 3.3 +/- 0.9 in survivors; P = 0.01). Histology revealed moderate damage in all organs, colloid plaques in lung tissue of high-volume groups, and severe kidney damage in endotoxin high-volume animals. CONCLUSIONS: High-volume resuscitation including HES in experimental peritonitis and endotoxemia increased mortality despite better initial hemodynamic stability. This suggests that the strategy of early fluid management influences outcome in sepsis. The high mortality was not associated with reduced mitochondrial complex I- or II-dependent muscle and hepatic respiration.

Endoscopic Closure of Gastro-gastric Fistula After Gastric Bypass: a Technically Feasible Procedure but Associated with Low Success Rate.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-gastric fistulas (GGF) are reported to be as high as 12% after gastric bypass for treatment of morbid obesity. While different endoscopic methods are described, the management traditionally consists of surgical revision with high associated morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess feasibility, safety and success rate of endoscopic closure using an endoscopic suturing device. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing endoscopic closure of a GGF with the Apollo Overstitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographic details, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. RESULTS: A total of six patients (M:F = 5:1) underwent endoscopic fistula closure. Five patients (83.3%) had a prior banded gastric bypass (with subsequent band removal). The median number of prior abdominal surgeries was 3, the mean time from bypass to endoscopic fistula closure was 5 years (range 1.1-10.4). While immediate complete endoscopic fistula closure was possible in 10 of 12 attempts in those six patients (83%), all patients had recurrent (persistent) fistulas at follow-up. After a mean follow-up time of 12 months, 83.3% had further laparoscopic converted to open (n = 2) or laparoscopic (n = 3) revisions with complete fistula closure. One patient is refusing further intervention. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic gastro-gastric fistula closure with an endoscopic suturing device is feasible and safe. Unfortunately, due to the nature of gastro-gastric fistulas, permanent successful closure is rare. Therefore, the approach should be reserved for patients in whom a laparoscopic or open surgical attempt is impossible due to prior abdominal revisions.

Endoscopic Gastrojejunal Revisions Following Gastric Bypass: Lessons Learned in More Than 100 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain and dumping after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are long-term challenges thought to be due to dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of endoscopic gastrojejunal revisions (EGRs) after its introduction in a tertiary bariatric surgery center. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing EGR with the OverStitch suturing device. Demographics, procedure details, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were 107 patients (M:F = 29:78) treated with 133 EGR procedures for weight regain (n = 81), dumping syndrome (n = 13), or both (n = 13) with mean age 47.3 years (R 22.0-72.9) and mean BMI 32.9 kg/m2 (R 22.2-49.8) at time of procedure. Mean procedure time was 17.8 min (R 12-41), with median 1 suture used (R 1-2). No intra-operative or 30-day complications were recorded. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (R 1-26.8). Patients lost a mean of 4.1, 5.8, and 8.0 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, after the procedure. Weight loss outcomes were significantly better when two compared to one suture was used (p = 0.036), and for patients with higher starting BMI (p = 0.047). For patients with dumping syndrome, 90-100% had treatment response after one or two EGRs. CONCLUSION: EGR is feasible and safe for weight regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB. It can stabilize weight regain and improve dumping symptoms. Around 20% of patients will need repeat EGR within 1 year to achieve sufficient narrowing of the anastomosis.

Gastrointestinal sequelae after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To document what types of gastrointestinal sequelae were described after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and to analyse their frequency. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (CENTRAL) from 1990 to October 2016. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We included studies, which provided original data on the occurrence of gastrointestinal sequelae in patients surviving surgery for NEC. Meta-analysis and metaregression to assess heterogeneity were performed for studies including 10 or more patients with gastrointestinal strictures, recurrence of NEC, intestinal failure (IF) and adhesion ileus. RESULTS: Altogether 58 studies, including 4260 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Strictures were reported to occur in 24% (95% CI 17% to 31%) of surviving patients, recurrence of NEC in 8% (95% CI 3% to 15%), IF in 13% (95% CI 7% to 19%) and adhesion ileus in 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%). Strictures were more common following enterostomy (30%; 95% CI 23% to 37%) than after primary anastomosis (8%; 95% CI 0% to 23%) and occurred more often after enterostomy without bowel resection than with bowel resection. We found considerable heterogeneity in the weighted average frequency of all sequelae (I2 range: 38%-90%). Intestinal outcomes were poorly defined, there were important differences in study populations and designs, and the reported findings bear a substantial risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal sequelae in neonates surviving surgery for NEC are frequent. Long-term follow-up assessing defined gastrointestinal outcomes is warranted.

Higher cord blood levels of mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 in infants with necrotising enterocolitis.

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) causes significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants. The role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of NEC remains unclear. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) recognizes microorganisms and activates the complement system via MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2). The aim of this study was to investigate whether MBL and MASP-2 are associated with NEC. This observational case-control study included 32 infants with radiologically confirmed NEC and 64 controls. MBL and MASP-2 were measured in cord blood using ELISA. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Of the 32 NEC cases (median gestational age, 30.5 wk), 13 (41%) were operated and 5 (16%) died. MASP-2 cord blood concentration ranged from undetectable (<10 ng/mL) to 277 ng/mL. Eighteen of 32 (56%) NEC cases had higher MASP-2 levels (> or =30 ng/mL) compared with 22 of 64 (34%) controls (univariate OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.03-5.85; p = 0.043). Higher cord blood MASP-2 levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of NEC in multivariate analysis (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.17-7.93; p = 0.027). MBL levels were not associated with NEC (p = 0.64). In conclusion, infants later developing NEC had significantly higher MASP-2 cord blood levels compared with controls. Higher MASP-2 may favor complement-mediated inflammation and could thereby predispose to NEC.

Congenital Heart Disease Increases Mortality in Neonates With Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Background: Studies on the influence of congenital heart disease (CHD) on neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have produced varied results. We therefore examined the influence of CHD on NEC outcomes. Methods: We carried out a retrospective single-center study including infants with confirmed NEC, treated between 2004 and 2017. We excluded patients with isolated patent ductus arteriosus or pulmonary hypertension (n = 45) and compared outcomes of patients with hemodynamically relevant CHD (n = 38) and those without CHD (n = 91). Results: Patients with CHD were more mature than those without CHD [gestational age, median, 95% confidence interval (CI95), 37.1, 34.5-37.2w, vs. 32.6, 31.9-33.3w; P < 0.01]. The presence of CHD did not influence the frequencies of severe disease (overall 21% Bell stage III), nor surgical interventions (overall 30%), the occurrence of intestinal complications (overall 13%), nor the duration of hospitalization (overall 38 days in survivors). The overall mortality as well as NEC-related mortality was increased with the presence of CHD, being 50% (19 out of 38) and 13% (5 out of 38), respectively, when compared to patients without CHD, being 8% (7 out of 91) and 3% (3 out of 91). The presence of CHD and of advanced NEC stage III were independent predictors of NEC-associated fatalities with multivariable odds ratios (CI95) of 7.0, 1.3-39.5 for CHD, and of 3.4, 1.6-7.5 for stage III disease. Conclusions: While some outcome parameters in neonates with NEC remained unaffected by the presence of CHD, the mortality risk for patients with CHD was seven times higher than without CHD.