Gastroesophageal Junction and Pylorus Distensibility Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy-pilot Study with EndoFlipTM.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric surgical intervention worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently observed after SG and is a relevant clinical problem. This prospective study investigated the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and pyloric sphincter by impedance planimetry (EndoFlipTM) and their association with GERD at a tertiary university hospital center. Between January and December 2018, patients undergoing routine laparoscopic SG had pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments of the GEJ and pyloric sphincter by EndoFlipTM. The distensibility index (DI) was measured at different volumes and correlated with GERD (in accordance with the Lyon consensus guidelines). Nine patients were included (median age 48 years, preoperative BMI 45.1 kg/m2, 55.6% female). GERD (de novo or stable) was observed in 44.4% of patients one year postoperatively. At a 40-ml filling volume, DI increased significantly pre- vs. post-SG of the GEJ (1.4 mm2/mmHg [IQR 1.1-2.6] vs. 2.9 mm2/mmHg [2.6-5.3], p VALUE=0.046) and of the pylorus (6.0 mm2/mmHg [4.1-10.7] vs. 13.1 mm2/mmHg [7.6-19.2], p VALUE=0.046). Patients with postoperative de novo or stable GERD had a significantly increased preoperative DI at 40 ml of the GEJ (2.6 mm2/mmHg [1.9-3.5] vs. 0.5 mm2/mmHg [0.5-1.1], p VALUE=0.031). There was no significant difference in DI at 40 mL filling in the preoperative pylorus and postoperative GEJ or pylorus. In this prospective study, the DI of the GEJ and the pylorus significantly increased after SG. Postoperative GERD was associated with a significantly higher preoperative DI of the GEJ but not of the pylorus.

[Cough from the perspective of a gastroenterologist]. / Husten aus gastroenterologischer Sicht.

Cough from the perspective of a gastroenterologist Abstract. Chronic cough can have numerous origins. The work-up of these conditions should always include a multidisciplinary approach to exclude other causes first (cardial, pulmonary, structural changes of pharynx and larynx, allergies, malignancy) before thinking of an upper GI pathology. Cough as an extra-esophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common gastroenterological condition. From a gastroenterologist's perspective eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and esophageal motility disorders are potential differential diagnosis. If other worrisome symptoms (weight loss, anemia, dysphagia) are present at the same time an endoscopic evaluation with esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) should be performed first to exclude a malignancy. Hereby one should perform biopsies of the esophagus to exclude an eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). If the macroscopic and histopathology results of the EGD are unremarkable a probatory trial of acid-suppressive therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is the first-line therapeutic option. For non-responders to PPI-therapy functional diagnostics are the next step. With the help of ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring one can diagnose a non- erosive reflux disease and an esophageal hypersensitivity. An esophageal manometry can deliver relevant information about the physiological anti-reflux barrier and diagnose motility disorders of the esophagus. Surgical therapy (antireflux surgery) can be an option for selected patients with proven reflux associated cough refractory to medical therapy. The aim of this review is to give an overview over a possible diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm from a gastroenterologist's point of view to approach the symptom cough.

Chicago Classification update (v4.0): Technical review of high-resolution manometry metrics for EGJ barrier function.

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function is of fundamental importance in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Impaired EGJ barrier function leads to excessive distal esophageal acid exposure or, in severe cases, esophagitis. Hence, proposed high-resolution manometry (HRM) metrics assessing EGJ integrity are clinically important and were a focus of the Chicago Classification (CC) working group for inclusion in CC v4.0. However, the EGJ is a complex sphincter comprised of both crural diaphragm (CD) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) component, each of which is subject to independent physiological control mechanisms and pathophysiology. No single metric can capture all attributes of EGJ barrier function. The working group considered several potential metrics of EGJ integrity including LES-CD separation, the EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI), the respiratory inversion point (RIP), and intragastric pressure. Strong recommendations were made regarding LES-CD separation as indicative of hiatus hernia, although the numerical threshold for defining hiatal hernia was not agreed upon. There was no agreement on the significance of the RIP, only that it could localize either above the LES or between the LES and CD in cases of hiatus hernia. There was agreement on how to measure the EGJ-CI and that it should be referenced to gastric pressure in units of mmHg cm, but the numerical threshold indicative of a hypotensive EGJ varied widely among reports and was not agreed upon. Intragastric pressure was endorsed as an important metric worthy of further study but there was no agreement on a numerical threshold indicative of abdominal obesity.

Radiologic, endoscopic, and functional patterns in patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard in treatment of morbid obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Resolution of GERD symptoms is reported to be approximately 85% to 90%. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with persistent GERD symptoms after RYGB and to identify contributing factors. SETTING: University hospital, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data of patients evaluated for persistent GERD with a history of RYGB between January 2012 and December 2015 were reviewed. GERD was assessed with questionnaires, endoscopy, 24-hour pH-impendance manometry, and barium swallow. RESULTS: Of 47 patients, 44 (93.6%) presented with typical GERD, 18 (38.3%) with obstruction, 8 (17%) with pulmonary symptoms, and 21 (44.7%) with pain. The interval between RYGB and evaluation was a median of 3.8 years (range .8-12.6); median patient age was 36.5 years (19.1-67.2). Median body mass index was 30.3 kg/m2 (20.3-47.2). Pouch gastric fistulas were seen in 2 (5.1%), enlarged pouches in 5 (10.6%), and hiatal hernias in 25 patients (53.2%). Twelve (23.4%) had esophagitis>Los Angeles (LA) grade B. Manometry was performed in 45 (95.7%) and off-proton pump inhibitor 24-hour pH-impedance-metry in 44 patients (94.6%). Seventeen patients (37.8%) had esophageal hypomotility or aperistalsis; hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter was seen in 26 patients (57.8%). Increased esophageal acid exposure (>4% pH<4) was found in 27 (61.4%), an increased number of reflux episodes (>53) in 30 patients (68.2%). Symptoms were deemed as functional in 6 (12.8%). CONCLUSION: The evaluation for persistent GERD after RYGB revealed a high percentage of hiatal hernias, hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter, and severe esophageal motility disorders. These findings might have an influence on hiatal hernia closure concomitant with RYGB and the role of pH manometry in the preoperative bariatric assessment.

Comparison of videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry for the evaluation of oesophageal stenosis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare videofluoroscopy that included a tablet test with impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP®) for the evaluation of oesophageal stenosis in patients with dysphagia. METHODS: In 56 patients, videofluoroscopic examinations following the transit of a 14-mm tablet were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with impedance planimetry findings, a catheter-based method using impedance planimetry to display the oesophageal diameter estimates. Additional findings assessed were the occurrence of symptoms during tablet passage and evaluation of oesophageal motility. RESULTS: Impaction of the tablet occurred in 31/56 patients; nine showed a moderate delay (2-15 s), three a short delay (<2 s) and 13 no delay of tablet passage. Both methods showed a significant correlation between tablet impaction and oesophageal diameter <15.1 mm, as measured by impedance planimetry (p = 0.035). The feeling of the tablet getting stuck was reported by seven patients, six showing impaction of the tablet (four with an EndoFLIP-diameter < 13 mm, two with a diameter of 13-19 mm) and one showing delayed passage (EndoFLIP diameter of 17 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry correlate significantly regarding tablet impaction and residual oesophageal lumen. A standardized 14-mm tablet is helpful in demonstrating oesophageal strictures in dysphagic patients. Triggering of subjective symptoms provides valuable information during a videofluoroscopic study. KEY POINTS: • A 14-mm tablet can demonstrate oesophagogastric junction narrowing in patients with dysphagia. • Type of passage of a tablet enables estimation of oesophageal luminal diameter. • Videofluoroscopy and impedance planimetry correlate significantly regarding tablet impaction and residual oesophageal lumen.

Modern GERD treatment: feasibility of minimally invasive esophageal sphincter augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease requiring adequate treatment since it represents one major cause of development of Barrett's esophagus and eventually carcinoma. Novel laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation for GERD was evaluated prospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with GERD underwent minimally invasive implantation of LINX™ Reflux Management System. Primary outcome measures were overall feasibility, short-term procedure safety and efficacy. Secondary GERD-related quality of life was assessed. RESULTS: All implantations were performed without serious adverse events. A significant decrease in all major GERD complaints were found: heartburn: 96%-22% (p<0.001); bloating: 70%-30% (p=0.006); respiratory complaints: 57%-17% (p=0.039); sleep disturbance: 65%-4% (p<0.001). A four-week follow-up reduction of ≥50% of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dose was achieved in over 80% of patients. Self-limiting difficulty in swallowing was found in 70% within four weeks. One patient required for endoscopic dilation. GERD-related quality of life improved significantly. CONCLUSION: LINX™ implantation is a standardized, technically simple, safe and well-tolerated expeditious procedure.

Upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction: diverticula-globus pharyngeus.

The following discussion of upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction includes commentaries on the role of the cricopharyngeus muscle in reflux disease; the etiology and treatment of Zenker diverticulum; the use of videofluoroscopy in patients with dysphagia, suspicion of aspiration, or globus; the role of pH-impedance monitoring in globus evaluation; and treatment for reflux-associated globus.

Review on novel concepts of columnar lined esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Columnar lined esophagus (CLE) is a marker for gastroesophageal reflux and associates with an increased cancer risk among those with Barrett's esophagus. Recent studies fostered the development of integrated CLE concepts. METHODS: Using PubMed, we conducted a review of studies on novel histopathological concepts of nondysplastic CLE. RESULTS: Two histopathological concepts-the squamo-oxyntic gap (SOG) and the dilated distal esophagus (DDE), currently model our novel understanding of CLE. As a consequence of reflux, SOG interposes between the squamous lined esophagus and the oxyntic mucosa of the proximal stomach. Thus the SOG describes the histopathology of CLE within the tubular esophagus and the DDE, which is known to develop at the cost of a shortened lower esophageal sphincter and foster increased acid gastric reflux. Histopathological studies of the lower end of the esophagus indicate, that the DDE is reflux damaged, dilated, gastric type folds forming esophagus and cannot be differentiated from proximal stomach by endoscopy. While the endoscopically visible squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) defines the proximal limit of the SOG, the assessment of the distal limit requires the histopathology of measured multilevel biopsies. Within the SOG, CLE types distribute along a distinct zonation with intestinal metaplasia (IM; Barrett's esophagus) and/or cardiac mucosa (CM) at the SCJ and oxyntocardiac mucosa (OCM) within the distal portion of the SOG. The zonation follows the pH-gradient across the distal esophagus. Diagnosis of SOG and DDE includes endoscopy, histopathology of measured multi-level biopsies from the distal esophagus, function, and radiologic tests. CM and OCM do not require treatment and are surveilled in 5 year intervals, unless they associate with life quality impairing symptoms, which demand medical or surgical therapy. In the presence of an increased cancer risk profile, it is justified to consider radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of IM within clinical studies in order to prevent the progression to dysplasia and cancer. Dysplasia justifies RFA ± endoscopic resection. CONCLUSIONS: SOG and DDE represent novel concepts fusing the morphological and functional aspects of CLE. Future studies should examine the impact of SOG and DDE for monitoring and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in type 2 diabetics: symptom load and pathophysiologic aspects - a retro-pro study.

BACKGROUND: Information about gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) is scarce, although the incidence of both disorders is increasing. METHODS: This "retro-pro" study compared 65 T2D patients to a control group of 130 age- and sex-matched non-diabetics. GERD was confirmed by gastroscopy, manometry, pH-metry and barium swallow. RESULTS: In patients with T2D compared to controls, dysphagia (32.3% vs. 13.1%; p = 0.001) and globus sensation (27.7% vs. 13.8%; p = 0.021) were found more frequently, whereas heartburn (76.9% vs. 88.5%; p = 0.046) and regurgitation (47.7% vs. 72.3%; p= 0.001) were predominant in non-diabetics. Despite higher body mass indices (31.1 ± 5.2 vs. 27.7 ± 3.7 kg/m²; p < 0.001), hiatal hernia was less frequent in T2D patients compared to controls (60.0% vs. 90.8%, p < 0.001). Lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was higher in patients with T2D (median 10.0 vs. 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.016). DeMeester scores did not differ between the groups. Helicobacter pylori infections were more common in T2D patients (26.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.001). Barrett metaplasia (21.5% vs. 17.7%), as well as low- (10.8% vs. 3.8%) and high-grade dysplasia (1.5% vs. 0%) were predominant in T2D patients. CONCLUSIONS: T2D patients exhibit different GERD symptoms, higher LES pressures and a decreased prevalence of hiatal hernia than non-diabetics, which may be related to worse oesophageal motility and, thus, a more functional rather than anatomical cause of GERD. Low-grade dysplasia was more than twice as high in T2D than in non-diabetics patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics committee of the Medical University of Vienna, IRB number 720/2011.

Intraoperative assessment of esophagogastric junction distensibility during per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal motility disorders.

BACKGROUND: Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel treatment for esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. To date, the extent of the myotomy has been determined based on the subjective assessment of the endoscopist. We hypothesized that the real-time measurement of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility using a novel functional lumen-imaging probe would enable objective evaluation of POEM. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with achalasia disorders electively underwent POEM. Using impedance planimetry with a transorally inserted functional lumen-imaging probe (EndoFLIP), cross-sectional areas (CSA) and distensibilities at the EGJ were measured intraoperatively immediately before and after the transoral myotomy (n = 4). All patients completed their 6-month follow-up and two patients had repeat distensibility tests at this time. Four healthy volunteers served as a control group. RESULTS: POEM was successfully performed in all patients (4/4). Premyotomy measurements (40-ml fill mode) showed a median diameter of 6.5 mm (range = 5.2-7.9 mm) at the narrowest location of the EGJ and was 10.1 mm (7.3-13.2 mm) following POEM. CSA increased from 41.5 mm(2) (20-49 mm(2)) to 86 mm(2) (41-137 mm(2)) at a similar median intraballoon pressure (40.3 vs. 38.6 mmHg). The increased EGJ distensibility (DI, 1.0 vs. 2.4 mm(2)/mmHg) was comparable to that of healthy volunteers (2.7 mm(2)/mmHg). CONCLUSION: Functional lumen distensibility measures show that POEM can result in an immediate correction of the nonrelaxing lower esophageal sphincter, which appears similar to that of healthy controls. Intraoperative EGJ profiling may be an important tool to objectively guide the needed extent and completeness of the myotomy during POEM.

Review on the annual cancer risk of Barrett's esophagus in persons with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal adenocarcinoma results from gastroesophageal reflux and develops along a sequence involving non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE), low- (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD). We aimed to examine the reported annual cancer risk for NDBE in persons with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, i.e. symptomatic NDBE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study reviewed seven population-based studies and five meta-analyses on the annual cancer risk of symptomatic NDBE published between 2006-2012. RESULTS: The published annual cancer risk of symptomatic NDBE ranges from 0.12-0.5% and 0.33-0.7% in population-based studies and meta-analyses, respectively. Risk factors for cancer development include male gender, age >60 years, length of endoscopically visible columnar lined esophagus (CLE) >3.0 cm, size of the hiatal hernia, progression to LGD/HGD and past history of cigarette smoking. The mean time-to-cancer development is 5 years and ranges from 2 to 15 years. Age at the diagnosis of symptomatic NDBE and cancer development plateaus around 50 and 60 years of age, respectively. Symptomatic NDBE does not affect the life expectancy, when compared to the general population. The majority of patients with NDBE do not die due to esophageal adenocarcinoma but due to comorbidity (cardiorespiratory, neurological, other cancer). The risk and prognosis of asymptomatic NDBE remains unknown. CONCLUSION: The published annual cancer risk for symptomatic NDBE is low. However, demographic and endoscopic data contribute to define a subgroup of patients with symptomatic NDBE with a cancer risk comparable to LGD, where elimination within controlled trials seems justified (radiofrequency ablation). Future efforts should extend towards asymptomatic NDBE, the major cause for cancer development.

Hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, and long-term symptom control after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the long-term symptom control after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and possible prognostic factors. METHODS: A cohort of 271 patients, operated on at a university hospital from 1996 through 2002, was eligible for evaluation after a median interval of 102 months (range = 12-158). The time between surgery and recurrence of reflux symptoms (i.e., time to treatment failure) served as the end point for statistical analysis. Putative risk factors for symptom recurrence were analyzed by univariate analysis and by using Cox's multiple-hazards regression. RESULTS: According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, the rate of reflux symptom recurrence was 15 % after 108 months, 11 % in cases without intestinal metaplasia, but 43 % in patients with long-segment (≥ 3 cm) Barrett's esophagus (BE; p < 0.0001). Reflux symptoms recurred in 22 % of cases with a hiatal hernia (HH) ≥ 3 cm before operation, but only in 7 % with smaller or absent HH (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed a relative risk of 6.6 (CI = 3.0-13.0) for long-segment BE and 3.0 (CI = 1.7-10.1) for HH ≥ 3 cm. A strong statistical interaction was found between HH ≥ 3 cm and long-segment BE: the small group (n = 18) of cases exhibiting both risk factors had an exaggerated recurrence rate of 72 % at 108 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication for symptomatic GERD provided a long-lasting abolition of reflux symptoms in 231 of 271 (85 %) patients. HH ≥ 3 cm and long-segment BE were shown as independent prognostic factors favoring recurrence.

The cardia: esophageal or gastric? Critical reviewing the anatomy and histopathology of the esophagogastric junction.

BACKGROUND: Discrepancy exists regarding the anatomical allocation of the cardia: esophageal or gastric. With this review we aimed to clarify this issue. METHODS: Using PUB MED, Scopus and Google we analyzed the recent literature (1889-2012) regarding the "esophageal" vs. the "gastric" cardia. RESULTS: The synonymous use of the term cardia to describe the anti reflux mechanism within the distal portion of the esophagus and the proximal segment of the stomach nourished the misunderstanding, that the cardia represents a normal anatomical structure interposed between the tubular esophagus and the body of the stomach. Anatomical, histopathological and physiological studies revealed that what has been taken for gastric cardia in fact represents reflux damaged dilated distal esophagus (DDE). Since DDE is covered by columnar lined esophagus (CLE) it cannot be differentiated from the proximal stomach during regular endoscopy. However, the histopathology of multi level biopsies obtained from the endoscopically suspected esophagogastric junction (EGJ) serves to allocate the origin of the columnar lined foregut, esophageal (cardiac, oxyntocardiac mucosa, intestinal metaplasia) vs. gastric (oxyntic mucosa). CONCLUSIONS: Neither the esophagus nor the stomach contains a "cardia". The recent misconceptions regarding the foregut anatomy explain, why the innermost coverage of the reflux damaged esophagus is termed "cardiac mucosa". Thus the term should be reserved to name the histopathology of cardiac and oxyntocardiac mucosa, which develop due to gastroesophageal reflux within the distal esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus: clinical features, obesity, and imaging.

The following includes commentaries on clinical features and imaging of Barrett's esophagus (BE); the clinical factors that influence the development of BE; the influence of body fat distribution and central obesity; the role of adipocytokines and proinflammatory markers in carcinogenesis; the role of body mass index (BMI) in healing of Barrett's epithelium; the role of surgery in prevention of carcinogenesis in BE; the importance of double-contrast esophagography and cross-sectional images of the esophagus; and the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Testing for gastroesophageal reflux in the 21st century.

The following on testing for gastroesophageal reflux in the 21st century contains commentaries on wireless pH monitoring; extension of pH recording duration to 48 or 96 h; extraesophageal GERD syndromes, diagnosis paradigms, and related investigating tools; off- or on-PPI reflux monitoring in the preoperative setting; and the potential influence of PPIs on reflux parameters.