RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In limited-resource countries, the morbidity and mortality related to inguinal hernias is unacceptably high. This review addresses the issue by identifying capacity-building education of non-surgeons performing inguinal hernia repairs in developing countries and analyzing the outcomes. METHODS: PubMed was searched and included are studies that reported on task sharing and surgical outcomes for inguinal hernia surgery. Educational methods with quantitative and qualitative effects of the capacity-building methods have been recorded. Excluded were papers without records of outcome data. RESULTS: Seven studies from African countries reported 14,108 elective inguinal hernia repairs performed by 230 non-surgeons with a mortality rate of 0.36%. Complications were reported in 4 of the 7 studies with a morbidity rate of 14.2%. Two studies reported on follow-up: one with no recurrences in 408 patients at 7.4 months and the other one with 0.9% recurrences in 119 patients at 12 months. Direct comparison of outcomes from trained non-surgeons to surgeons or surgically trained medical doctors is limited but suggests no difference in outcomes. Quantitative capacity-building effects include increase in surgical workforce, case volume, elective procedures, mesh utilization, and decreased referrals to higher level of care institutions. Qualitative capacity-building effects include feasibility of prospective research in limited-resource settings, improved access to surgical care, and change in practice pattern of local physicians after training for mesh repair. CONCLUSION: Systematic training of non-surgeons in inguinal hernia repair is potentially a high-impact capacity-building strategy. High-risk patients should be referred to a fully trained surgeon whenever possible. Randomized study designs and long-term outcomes beyond 1 year are needed.
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Hernia Inguinal/cirugía , Herniorrafia/educación , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Electivos , Recursos en Salud , Fuerza Laboral en Salud , Herniorrafia/mortalidad , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Mallas QuirúrgicasRESUMEN
AIMS: To describe implementation of diabetes and hypertension program in rural Dominican Republic (DR), and report six years of quality improvement process and health outcomes. METHODS: Dominican teams at two clinics are supported by Chronic Care International with: supervision and continuing education, electronic database, diabetes and hypertension protocols, medications, self-management education materials, behavior change techniques, and equipment and testing supplies (e.g., HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure, BMI). A monthly dashboard for care processes and health outcomes guides problem solving and goal setting. Results were analyzed for quality improvement reports and by fitting the clinical data to random-effects linear models. RESULTS: 1191 adults were enrolled in the program at two clinics (44% men, baseline means: 56.4â¯years, BMI 27.4â¯kg/m2, HbA1c 8.8% (73â¯mmol/mol), BP 133/81â¯mmHg). Data show steady growth in clinic populations reaching capacity. Protocols for comprehensive foot examinations, BP and HbA1c assessments, and proportions reaching quality measures improved over time, especially after clinic goal setting. Modeling of BP, BMI and HbA1c values revealed important differences in outcomes by clinic over time. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in process and health outcomes are attainable in rural DR when medical teams have support and access to data. Scalability and sustainability are continuing goals.
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiología , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Mejoramiento de la Calidad , Servicios de Salud Rural , Adulto , Anciano , Presión Sanguínea/fisiología , Determinación de la Presión Sanguínea/métodos , Determinación de la Presión Sanguínea/normas , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicaciones , República Dominicana/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Hipertensión/complicaciones , Hipertensión/diagnóstico , Hipertensión/epidemiología , Hipertensión/fisiopatología , Cuidados a Largo Plazo , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medición de Resultados Informados por el Paciente , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Mejoramiento de la Calidad/normas , Servicios de Salud Rural/organización & administración , Servicios de Salud Rural/normas , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Performance-based feedback is critical to surgical skills acquisition. Barriers of geography and time limit trainees' access to expert mentorship. In this study, we hypothesized that telementoring using an asynchronous, web-based video interface would allow trainees to receive systematic feedback from expert mentors despite these barriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2014 and October 2016, 18 surgeons in Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Paraguay underwent in-person training in Lichtenstein for hernioplasty or laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. After initial training, surgeons submitted 6- to 12-month interval operative videos for expert review. Expert surgeons reviewed each video using the Surgus web platform with performance metrics adapted from the Operative Performance Rating Scale (OPRS). The time required to perform video review, number of freeform comments, mean OPRS scores, and variance of OPRS scores among telementors was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 18 surgeons submitted 20 operative videos, and three expert surgeons reviewed each video using the Surgus platform. The median time to perform video review was 20 minutes. Median number of freeform verbal comments was eight. Mean OPRS overall performance scores were 3.9 ± 0.9 (scale of five). Mean variance in scoring among telementors for overall performance was 0.25 (maximum 5.29), suggesting a high degree of concordance. CONCLUSIONS: Video-based assessments had a high degree of concordance among expert raters. Asynchronous performance reviews by telementors offer opportunities for longitudinal feedback that overcome geographical, material, and temporal disparities. This platform offers a means of sharing expertise in surgical training, continuing education, credentialing, and global health.
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Evaluación Educacional/métodos , Internet , Tutoría/métodos , Cirujanos/educación , Telemedicina/métodos , Américas , Competencia Clínica , Educación a Distancia/métodos , Herniorrafia/educación , Humanos , Laparoscopía/educación , Grabación en VideoRESUMEN
Importance: Sustainable, capacity-building educational collaborations are essential to address the global burden of surgical disease. Objective: To assess an international, competency-based training paradigm for hernia surgery in underserved countries. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this prospective, observational study performed from November 1, 2013, through October 31, 2015, at 16 hospitals in Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic, surgeons completed initial training programs in hernia repair, underwent interval proficiency assessments, and were appointed regional trainers. Competency-based evaluations of technical proficiency were performed using the Operative Performance Rating Scale (OPRS). Maintenance of proficiency was evaluated by video assessments 6 months after training. Certified trainees received incentives to document independent surgical outcomes after training. Main Outcomes and Measures: An OPRS score of 3.0 (scale of 1 [poor] to 5 [excellent]) indicated proficiency. Secondary outcomes included initial vs final scores by country, scores among surgeons trained by the regional trainers (second-order trainees), interval scores 6 months after training, and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 20 surgeon trainers, 81 local surgeons, and 364 patients (343 adult, 21 pediatric) participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 47.5 [16.3] years; age range, 16-83 years). All 81 surgeons successfully completed the program, and all 364 patients received successful operations. Mean (SD) OPRS scores improved from 4.06 (0.87) before the initial training program to 4.52 (0.57) after training (P < .001). No significant variation was found by country in final scores. On trainee certification, 20 became regional trainers. The mean (SD) OPRS score among 53 second-order trainees was 4.34 (0.68). After 6-month intervals, the mean (SD) OPRS score among participating surgeons was 4.34 (0.55). The overall operative complication rate during training series was 1.1%. Conclusions and Relevance: Competency-based training helps address the global burden of surgical disease. The OPRS establishes an international standard of technical assessment. Additional studies of long-term surgeon trainer proficiency, community-specific quality initiatives, and expansion to other operations are warranted.
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Educación Basada en Competencias , Países en Desarrollo , Educación Médica Continua/métodos , Hernia Inguinal/cirugía , Herniorrafia/educación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Brasil , Creación de Capacidad , Competencia Clínica , República Dominicana , Ecuador , Haití , Herniorrafia/efectos adversos , Humanos , Internacionalidad , Persona de Mediana Edad , Paraguay , Estudios Prospectivos , Formación del Profesorado , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In Brazil, access to healthcare varies widely by community. Options for repair of surgically correctable conditions, such as inguinal hernias, are limited. A training program was instituted to expand access to Lichtenstein hernioplasty. METHODS: Between September, 2014 and September, 2015, 3 orders of training series took place in São Paulo, Brazil. Participating surgeons received training and assessments from expert trainers using the Operative Performance Rating Scale (OPRS). Those who completed training successfully were invited to become trainers. OPRS scores were compared between training series. Outcomes were documented up to 6 months post-training. RESULTS: The 3 orders of training series resulted in 45 surgeons trained and 213 hernias repaired. Eleven trainees subsequently became trainers. Mean post-training OPRS scores were 4.4 (scale of 5) and did not vary significantly between training series. The overall complication rate was 4.7%, with no hernia recurrences or reoperations at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Competency-based training generates a regional network of surgeons proficient in Lichtenstein hernioplasty. Each training session progressively expands patient access to high quality operations in underserved communities in Brazil.
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Educación Basada en Competencias/organización & administración , Educación Médica Continua/organización & administración , Herniorrafia/educación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Brasil , Femenino , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Hernia Inguinal/cirugía , Herniorrafia/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: In underserved communities around the world, inguinal hernias represent a significant burden of surgically-treatable disease. With traditional models of international surgical assistance limited to mission trips, a standardized framework to strengthen local healthcare systems is lacking. We established a surgical education model using web-based tools and wearable technology to allow for long-term proctoring and assessment in a resource-poor setting. This is a feasibility study examining wearable technology and web-based performance rating tools for long-term proctoring in an international setting. METHODS: Using the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair as the index surgical procedure, local surgeons in Paraguay and Brazil were trained in person by visiting international expert trainers using a formal, standardized teaching protocol. Surgeries were captured in real-time using Google Glass and transmitted wirelessly to an online video stream, permitting real-time observation and proctoring by mentoring surgeon experts in remote locations around the world. A system for ongoing remote evaluation and support by experienced surgeons was established using the Lichtenstein-specific Operative Performance Rating Scale. RESULTS: Data were collected from 4 sequential training operations for surgeons trained in both Paraguay and Brazil. With continuous internet connectivity, live streaming of the surgeries was successful. The Operative Performance Rating Scale was immediately used after each operation. Both surgeons demonstrated proficiency at the completion of the fourth case. CONCLUSIONS: A sustainable model for surgical training and proctoring to empower local surgeons in resource-poor locations and "train trainers" is feasible with wearable technology and web-based communication. Capacity building by maximizing use of local resources and expertise offers a long-term solution to reducing the global burden of surgically-treatable disease.
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Educación de Postgrado en Medicina/métodos , Internet/instrumentación , Especialidades Quirúrgicas/educación , Telemedicina , Adulto , Anciano , Hernia Inguinal/cirugía , Herniorrafia/educación , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: An outpatient transoral endoscopic procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity would be appealing if safe, effective, and durable. We present the first in human experience with a new system. METHODS: Eight patients with GERD (3) and obesity (5) were selected according to a preapproved study protocol. All GERD patients had preprocedure manometry and pH monitoring to document GERD as well as quality of life and symptom questionnaires. Obese patients (body mass index >35) underwent a psychological evaluation and tests for comorbidities. Under general anesthesia, a procedure was performed at the gastroesophageal junction including mucosal excision, suturing of the excision beds for apposition, and suture knotting. RESULTS: One patient with micrognathia could not undergo the required preprocedural passage of a 60 F dilator and was excluded. The first 2 GERD patients had incomplete procedures due to instrument malfunction. The subsequent 5 subjects had a successfully completed procedure. Four patients were treated for obesity and had an average excess weight loss of 30.3% at 2-year follow-up. Of these patients, one had an 8-mm outlet at the end of the procedure recognized on video review--a correctable error--and another vomited multiple times postoperatively and loosened the gastroplasty sutures. The treated GERD patient had resolution of reflux-related symptoms and is off all antisecretory medications at 2-year follow-up. Her DeMeester score was 8.9 at 24 months. CONCLUSION: The initial human clinical experience showed promising results for effective and safe GERD and obesity therapy.
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Endoscopía/métodos , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Gastroplastia/instrumentación , Gastroplastia/métodos , Obesidad/cirugía , Unión Esofagogástrica/cirugía , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Proyectos PilotoRESUMEN
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.
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Fundoplicación/clasificación , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Laparoscopía , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Suture and staple-based endoluminal devices for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity have failed to demonstrate long-term efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of mucosal excision and full-thickness suture apposition of the excision beds to create sufficient scar tissue formation at the gastroesophageal junction for the intraluminal treatment of GERD or obesity. DESIGN: Survival animal experiments. PATIENTS: Seven mongrel dogs. Interventions. Under general endotracheal anesthesia, a Barostat test was performed on 4 dogs. A mucosal excision device was introduced through the esophagus into the proximal stomach. Two to 4 mucosal excisions were performed on all dogs at or just below the gastroesophageal junction and the mucosal pieces were removed. After hemostasis, an intraluminal suturing instrument was introduced and either 2 or 4 sutures were placed through the excision beds to bring them into apposition. These were tied and the suture strands cut. All dogs were survived for 2 months. End-term endoscopies were performed, and a repeat Barostat procedure was performed on the animals undergoing an antireflux procedure. After euthanasia the stomachs were explanted, examined, photographed, and sectioned for histologic examination. RESULTS: All dogs survived without complication. In the 4 GERD dogs, the Barostat studies demonstrated a significant decrease in gastroesophageal junction compliance. In the 3 dogs undergoing the obesity procedure, the gastric outlet apposition to a 6-mm endoscope was satisfactory with full insufflation and the desired scarring was seen on histologic examination. CONCLUSION: It is possible to create adequate gastroesophageal junction scarring for the treatment of GERD and obesity. A clinical pilot study will be initiated.
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Unión Esofagogástrica/cirugía , Mucosa Gástrica/cirugía , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Obesidad/cirugía , Técnicas de Sutura/instrumentación , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Perros , Endoscopía , Unión Esofagogástrica/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Achalasia (Ach), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), nutcracker esophagus (NE), and nonspecific motility disorder (NSMD) are described primary esophageal body motility disorders; however, their clinical symptom correlation is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to examine the association between a patient's presenting symptoms and their manometric diagnosis. METHODS: Manometric findings and reported symptoms of all patients undergoing esophageal manometry at the Creighton University Medical Center were prospectively entered in a database. Twenty-four-year data from 1984 through 2008 were accessed and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 4,215 patients, 130 (3.1%) had Ach, 192 (4.6%) had DES, 290 (6.9%) had NE, 508 (12.1%) had NSMD, and 3,095 (73.4%) had normal esophageal body motility. There was significant symptom overlap between the groups. Ach and DES had a similar symptom distribution, with dysphagia being the predominant symptom. Patients with NE, normal body motility, and NSMD presented predominantly with reflux symptoms. There was an increasing prevalence of esophageal dysmotility (DES and NSMD) with age, and women were found to be more likely to have NE than men. CONCLUSION: In an individual, reported symptoms do not correlate with their manometric diagnosis in a predictable fashion, and a thorough physiological assessment should be obtained to understand and diagnose the disease process. Esophageal motility deteriorates with age.
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Trastornos de la Motilidad Esofágica/diagnóstico , Manometría , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Estudios de Cohortes , Acalasia del Esófago/etiología , Trastornos de la Motilidad Esofágica/epidemiología , Espasmo Esofágico Difuso/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores Sexuales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
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.
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Esófago de Barrett/diagnóstico , Esofagoscopía/estadística & datos numéricos , Fundoplicación/estadística & datos numéricos , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Hernia Hiatal/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Esofagitis/diagnóstico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Recurrencia , Estándares de Referencia , Reoperación/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Barrett's mucosa resection techniques are time consuming, often difficult to perform, and used with varying success. This report describes the authors' results with a new device and technique for strip endoscopic mucosal resection (SEMR) using a cold excision blade. METHODS: A retrospective review of ex vivo and in vivo animal and human esophagi experiments was conducted to develop the essential design characteristics of a transoral strip mucosal excision device. Depth, size, shape, and technique of excision were serially evaluated. RESULTS: The SEMR device allows precise capsule positioning with satisfactory excision size and depth in ex vivo and in vivo experiments. A total of 10 excisions were performed on five normal ex vivo cadaveric human esophagi. The specimens ranged in size from 3×2.5 to 2.5×2.2 cm. The average specimen thickness was 0.297 mm. For 147 (99.8%) of 150 fields of examination, muscularis mucosa was included. Six additional in vivo experiments demonstrated device safety and feasibility. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory excision depth was reproducible. Further animal survival experiments and clinical trials will define the role of the SEMR device for patients with Barrett's esophagus.
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Esofagoscopios , Esofagoscopía/instrumentación , Esófago/cirugía , Membrana Mucosa/cirugía , Animales , Esófago de Barrett/cirugía , Perros , Diseño de Equipo , Seguridad de Equipos , Unión Esofagogástrica/cirugía , Esofagoscopía/métodos , Estudios de Factibilidad , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Papio , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estudios Retrospectivos , PorcinosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a well-described esophageal motility disorder often implicated as the cause of chest pain (CP). The aim of this study was to analyze the role of peristaltic amplitude, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and 24 h pH scores in patient symptomatology. METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of manometric data from 1984 to 2008 at the esophageal center was done to identify patients meeting NE criteria (mean distal esophageal body amplitude of >180 mmHg). The data for patient's symptoms, manometric findings including the amplitude of the distal two esophageal body peristalses, LES pressure, and 24 h pH score were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 4,923 patients, 313 (6.4%) patients met the manometric criteria for NE, and of these, 298 patients had complete manometry data along with at least 1 reported symptom. CP was associated with LES competence, with a significantly higher percentage of patients with high LES pressure complaining of CP (p < 0.05). There was no relationship of with the mean amplitude of esophageal body pressure (p > 0.05) or with distal esophageal acid exposure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CP is a commonly reported symptom in patients with manometry findings of NE. However, CP is related to LES competence rather than the amplitude of the esophageal body waves or 24 h pH monitoring scores.
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Dolor en el Pecho/etiología , Trastornos de la Motilidad Esofágica/fisiopatología , Esfínter Esofágico Inferior/fisiopatología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Monitorización del pH Esofágico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Manometría , Persona de Mediana Edad , Peristaltismo , Presión , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the gold standard for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a well-defined learning curve for the procedure has been described. This study aimed to assess whether the surgeon's experience has an effect on 1-year symptom scores and patient satisfaction. METHODS: All the patients who underwent antireflux surgery were entered into a prospectively maintained database including 1-year postoperative symptom scores. The database was queried in June 2008 to identify patients who had been followed up for 1 year. To decrease variability, the patients with a large hiatal hernia (>5 cm), paraesophageal hernia, treatment with partial fundoplication, a required Collis gastroplasty, or treatment with a transthoracic procedure were excluded from the study. RESULTS: From September 2003 to March 2007, 215 consecutive patients underwent primary antireflux surgery. Of these 215 patients, 158 (93 women with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.6 years; range, 18-87 years) met the inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups: early group (9/2003-10/2004), mid group (10/2004-12/2005), and late group (12/2005-3/2007). Experience significantly decreased the mean operative time (P < 0.05) and the hospital stay (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of patients who required reoperative intervention also decreased with experience. There was no difference in the patient-reported symptom scores at 1 year for heartburn (mean, 0.3 ± 0.7), regurgitation (mean, 0.1 ± 0.4), or dysphagia (mean, 0.3 ± 0.6) (P > 0.05 for each). However, chest pain (mean, 0.2 ± 0.4) was significantly improved with experience (P < 0.05). The overall patient-reported mean satisfaction was 9.0 ± 1.9 (P > 0.05, scale, 1-10), and 14.5% (19/131) of the patients reported use of acid suppression medications. CONCLUSIONS: A high degree of 1-year symptom resolution and satisfaction can be achieved even early in a surgeon's experience provided there is adequate training and maintenance of strict adherence to technique.
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Fundoplicación/educación , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Laparoscopía/educación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Fundoplicación/efectos adversos , Humanos , Laparoscopía/efectos adversos , Curva de Aprendizaje , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Satisfacción del Paciente , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Transoral intraluminal surgery is less painful. However, endoscopic antireflux procedures have been unsuccessful, endoscopic foregut mucosal excision procedures are often difficult to perform, and endoscopic intra-luminal suturing is both imprecise and too shallow. We have endeavored to correct these deficiencies and report here new devices for GERD, obesity, and Barrett's mucosal excision. METHOD: A retrospective review of ex vivo and in vivo animal experiments using sharp blade mucosal excision for esophageal and gastric mucosa and a suturing device with transverse needles designed to full thickness penetrate the gastric wall were completed. A total of 338 excisions were performed in 134 ex vivo tissue experiments and in 119 in vivo attempts. Suture needle testing was performed in ex vivo human stomachs and porcine stomachs and in in vivo canine and baboon stomachs. RESULTS: One excision perforation (0.9%) occurred in a live animal. Satisfactory mucosal excision depth for the Barrett's device was reproducible. Progressive suture actuation reliability improved from 83% during ex vivo testing to 96.7% in in vivo experiments. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate feasibility, reliability, and safety for gastric and esophageal mucosal excision. Suturing reliability improved and further studies will be performed to finalize the instrument designs, the operative techniques, and the other device applications.
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Esófago de Barrett/cirugía , Esofagoscopía , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Gastroscopía , Obesidad/cirugía , Animales , Humanos , Modelos Animales , Membrana Mucosa/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Técnicas de SuturaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Primary laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is associated with up to a 42% recurrence rate. This has lead to the use of mesh for crural repair, which has resulted in an improved recurrence rate (0-24%). However, mesh complications have been observed. METHODS: We compiled two cases, and our senior author contacted other experienced esophageal surgeons who provided 26 additional cases with mesh-related complications. Care was taken to retrieve technical operative details concerning mesh size and shape and implantation technique used. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent laparoscopic and two patients open surgery for large hiatal hernia (n = 28). Twenty-five patients had a concomitant Nissen fundoplication, two a Toupet fundoplication, and one a Watson fundoplication. Mesh types placed were polypropylene (n = 8), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (n = 12), biological mesh (n = 7), and dual mesh (n = 1). Presenting symptoms associated with mesh complications were dysphagia (n = 22), heartburn (n = 10), chest pain (n = 14), fever (n = 1), epigastric pain (n = 2), and weight loss (n = 4). Main reoperative findings were intraluminal mesh erosion (n = 17), esophageal stenosis (n = 6), and dense fibrosis (n = 5). Six patients required esophagectomy, two patients had partial gastrectomy, and 1 patient had total gastrectomy. Five patients did not require surgery. In this group one patient had mesh removal by endoscopy. There was no immediate postoperative mortality, however one patient has severe gastroparesis and five patients are dependent on tube feeding. Two patients died 3 months postoperatively of unknown cause. There is no apparent relationship between mesh type and configuration with the complications encountered. CONCLUSION: Complications related to synthetic mesh placement at the esophageal hiatus are more common than previously reported. Multicenter prospective studies are needed to determine the best method and type of mesh for implantation.
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Hernia Hiatal/cirugía , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Mallas Quirúrgicas/efectos adversos , Humanos , Laparoscopía/métodos , Falla de PrótesisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Short esophagus is a common cause of failure of antireflux surgery. Minimally invasive intervention for short esophagus is technically difficult. Reliable predictors of short esophagus would allow appropriate referral and better outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the preoperative predictability of the short esophagus in patients undergoing antireflux surgery. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with Collis gastroplasty and antireflux surgery (1994-2007) at a single institution form group A. Control group (B) comprises 205 consecutive patients undergoing primary antireflux surgery (2004-2007). Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was completed. Esophageal length index (ELI) was calculated as the ratio of endoscopic esophageal length (in cm) to height (in meters). RESULTS: Patients requiring Collis gastroplasty (group A) tend to be older while there were no significant differences in sex, height, weight, and body mass index distribution between groups. Mean endoscopic esophageal length (EEL) as measured from incisor to esophagogastric junction was significantly shorter in group A (32.4 cm) as compared with group B (36.2c m) (p < 0.0001). Esophageal length index (ELI) of less than 19.5 had 83% negative predictive value with 95% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an ELI of less than 19.5 or with stricture have higher risk for having a short esophagus.
Asunto(s)
Endoscopía Gastrointestinal/métodos , Esófago/patología , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/cirugía , Gastroplastia/efectos adversos , Cuidados Preoperatorios/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Esófago/cirugía , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , Pronóstico , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing a variety of procedures, surgical success is in part dependent on maintaining normal intra-abdominal pressure in the immediate postoperative period. Our objective was to quantify intragastric and intravesicular pressures during activities, through the use of manometry catheters. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers had a manometry catheter placed transnasally, and a urinary Foley catheter placed. Baseline intragastric and intravesicular pressures were recorded and the catheters were then transduced continuously. Pressures were recorded with activity: coughing, lifting weights, retching (dry heaving), and vomiting. RESULTS: All pressure changes were significant from baseline except for weight lifting. The highest intragastric pressure was 290 mmHg, seen during vomiting. Comparison of intragastric and intravesicular pressures showed no significant difference. There was significantly higher intragastric pressure with vomiting and retching as compared with coughing, whereas coughing applied more pressure than weight lifting. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of intragastric pressures during vomiting and retching (dry heaving). We conclude that vomiting and retching (dry heaving) can render significant forces on any tissue apposition within the stomach or the peritoneal cavity.
Asunto(s)
Tos/fisiopatología , Presión , Descanso/fisiología , Estómago , Estrés Mecánico , Vejiga Urinaria , Vómitos/fisiopatología , Levantamiento de Peso/fisiología , Adulto , Síndromes Compartimentales/fisiopatología , Contraindicaciones , Femenino , Humanos , Ipeca/toxicidad , Masculino , Manometría/métodos , Valores de Referencia , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Operativos , Dehiscencia de la Herida Operatoria/prevención & control , Vómitos/inducido químicamente , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Transoral natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedural success depends on a secure gastrotomy closure. Balloon gastrotomy is the most common technique to date, but the stomach-layer defect sizes and their relationship in human tissue has not been determined. METHODS: Ten 2-cm diameter controlled radial expansion balloon gastrotomies were performed in ex vivo human tissue. All gastrotomies were located on the anterior stomach wall. The main axis of the elliptical-shaped serosal and longitudinal muscle layer opening, the mucosal opening, and the circular muscle layer opening (after removal of mucosa) was measured. All steps were photo documented and electronically analyzed for common opening size. RESULTS: The average common opening was 1 +/- 0.6 to 1.3 cm, although the main axis of a single layer can be as long as 2.2 cm. The average serosal/longitudinal muscle layer defect measured 1.5 cm, the average mucosal defect 1.6 cm, and the average circular muscle layer defect 1.5 cm. CONCLUSION: These findings on NOTES gastrotomy anatomy demonstrate the complexity of the stomach wall opening and the challenge of providing a fail-safe gastrotomy closure. Further in vivo human studies are advised.
Asunto(s)
Músculos Abdominales/cirugía , Pared Abdominal/cirugía , Cateterismo , Endoscopía , Mucosa Gástrica/cirugía , Gastrostomía/métodos , Músculos Abdominales/patología , Pared Abdominal/patología , Cadáver , Mucosa Gástrica/patología , Gastrostomía/efectos adversos , Humanos , Membrana Serosa/patología , Membrana Serosa/cirugía , Técnicas de SuturaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic suture plications at the cardia decreased gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in short-term studies. Pull-through of submucosal sutures may lead to loss of efficacy. The application of cautery on mucosal surfaces may promote tissue adherence. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of endoluminal gastroplication (ELGP) using Endocinch with and without adjuvant cautery. METHODS: Vertical plications were created using ELGP. Patients were randomized to either ELGP alone or ELGP with an adjuvant bicap cautery. Patients were blinded to their randomization category and encouraged to take antisecretory medications if needed. Heartburn was scored on a scale of 0 (none), 1 (occasional), 2 (frequent), or 3 (daily). Patients undergoing a second antireflux procedure during the follow-up period were considered study failures and scored 3. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients enrolled in the study, 1 was lost to follow-up evaluation at 12 months and 2 could not be followed up at 24 months. The cautery group included 10 patients (9 men) with a mean age of 53.2 years. The group without cautery consisted of 8 patients (5 men) with a mean age of 50.4 years. The use of ELGP with cautery resulted in a trend toward greater improvement in several parameters (heartburn score, total percentage of time that pH was less than 4, and medication use) at 12 months than ELGP without cautery. These trends were not seen at 24 months, when all but 1 patient had ongoing symptoms, used daily proton pump inhibitor/H2-blocker, or went on to undergo a second antireflux procedure (2 Nissen and 3 Enteryx). CONCLUSIONS: Cautery numerically improved plication persistence, decreased esophageal acid exposure, and improved symptoms at 1 year compared with sutures alone. Little or no long-term efficacy of ELGP with or without cautery was observed after 2 years of follow-up evaluation.