Esophageal hypermotility: cause or effect?

Nutcracker esophagus (NE), Jackhammer esophagus (JHE), distal esophageal spasm (DES), and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (HTLES) are defined by esophageal manometric findings. Some patients with these esophageal motility disorders also have abnormal gastroesophageal reflux. It is unclear to what extent these patients' symptoms are caused by the motility disorder, the acid reflux, or both. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) on esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, and patient symptoms. Between 2007 and 2013, we performed high-resolution esophageal manometry on 3400 patients, and 221 patients were found to have a spastic esophageal motility disorder. The medical records of these patients were reviewed to determine the manometric abnormality, presence of gastroesophageal symptoms, and amount of esophageal acid exposure. In those patients that underwent LNF, we compared pre- and postoperative esophageal motility, gastroesophageal symptom severity, and esophageal acid exposure. Of the 221 patients with spastic motility disorders, 77 had NE, 2 had JHE, 30 had DES, and 112 had HTLES. The most frequently reported primary and secondary symptoms among all patients were: heartburn and/or regurgitation, 69.2%; respiratory, 39.8%; dysphagia, 35.7%; and chest pain, 22.6%. Of the 221 patients, 192 underwent 24-hour pH monitoring, and 103 demonstrated abnormal distal esophageal acid exposure. Abnormal 24-hour pH monitoring was detected in 62% of patients with heartburn and regurgitation, 49% of patients with respiratory symptoms, 36.8 % of patients with dysphagia, and 32.6% of patients with chest pain. Sixty-six of the 103 patients with abnormal 24-hour pH monitoring underwent LNF. Thirty-eight (13NE, 2JHE, 6 DES, and 17 HTLES) of these 66 patients had a minimum of 6-month postoperative follow-up that included clinical evaluation, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring. Postoperatively, all 38 patients had normal distal esophageal acid exposure. Of these 38 patients, symptoms resolved in 28 and improved in 10. Of six patients (one with NE, two JHE, and three with HTLES) that underwent postoperative esophageal manometry, five exhibited normal motility. Typical reflux symptoms are common among patients with esophageal hypermotility disorders. Abnormal 24-hour pH monitoring is present in the majority of patients with who report typical reflux symptoms and almost half of patients who report respiratory symptoms. Conversely, the majority of patients who report dysphagia or chest pain have normal distal esophageal acid exposure. Based on a small number of patients in this study, it also appears that motility disorders often improve after LNF. LNF is associated with resolution or improvement in reflux related symptoms and esophageal motility parameters in patients exhibiting abnormal esophageal acid exposure. This suggests that patient symptoms are due to abnormal acid exposure and not the motility disorder.

Synopsis of investigations into proposed theories on the etiology of achalasia.

The current state of research into the etiology of achalasia only allows for speculation. To date, several studies have been performed investigating genetic, immune, and infectious disease mechanisms; however, none of these have been conclusive. Further research into this topic is warranted given the severity of the disease, and it may be possible that all of these mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophago-gastric junction.

Esophagectomy is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, yet it is the only modality that offers the possibility of cure for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (E-GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Several minimally invasive techniques have been developed to decrease the morbidity of the operation, but to date, the results have not led to its wide adoption in part due to their complexity. We developed a technique of laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (LA-THE) with the idea of preserving some of the advantages of the minimally invasive approach while eliminating the degree of complexity and the time required to complete the operation solely using laparoscopy. The course of all patients who underwent LA-THE for E-GEJ adenocarcinoma at the University of Washington Medical Center was determined by analysis of all hospital records to determine perioperative variables, complications, and survival. Patients were also given a follow-up survey in order to assess long-term health-related quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index or GIQLI). Seventy-two patients underwent LA-THE between 1995 and 2007. Median age was 64 years (range, 42-83 years), and the median body mass index was 28 (range 17-35). Twenty-eight tumors (39%) were categorized as Siewert I, 41 (57%) as Siewert II, and 3 (4%) as Siewert III. Median operative time was 299min (range, 212-700min). All the resections were R-0. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 11 (range, 2-32). Using the Dindo-Clavien classification of surgical complication, we had a total of 48 postoperative complications in 37 patients: 26 (53%) grade I, 20 (41%) grade II, 1 (2%) grade IIIb, 1 (2%) grade IVb, and 1 (2%) grade V complications. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range, 7-58 days). One patient (1.4%) died within 30 days. Overall, 3- and 5-year survival (calculated Kaplan-Meier) was 68% and 63%, respectively. Forty-nine patients (90% of those still alive) answered the GIQLI survey. Median follow-up was 26 months (range, 6-144 months). The mean GIQLI score was 108 (range, 74-138) from a maximum possible value of 144. Our study shows that LA-THE is feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and GEJ and should probably be considered an alternative to open esophagectomy and other minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of this disease.

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in patients with achalasia.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder that results in poor clearance of the esophagus. Although an esophagus filled with debris and undigested food should put these patients at risk for aspiration, the frequency with which the latter occurs has never been documented. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of respiratory symptoms and complaints in patients with achalasia. A comprehensive symptom questionnaire was administered to 110 patients with achalasia presenting to the Swallowing Center at the University of Washington between 1994 and 2008 as part of their preoperative work-up. Questionnaires were analyzed for the frequency of respiratory complaints in addition to the more typical symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. Twenty-two achalasia patients with respiratory symptoms who had also undergone Heller myotomy and completed a post-op follow-up questionnaire were analyzed as a subset. Ninety-five patients (86%) complained of at least daily dysphagia. Fifty-one patients (40%) reported the occurrence of at least one respiratory symptom daily, including cough in 41 patients (37%), aspiration (the sensation of inhaling regurgitated esophagogastric material) in 34 patients (31%), hoarseness in 23 patients (21%), wheezing in 17 patients (15%), shortness of breath in 11 patients (10%), and sore throat in 13 patients (12%). Neither age nor gender differed between those with and those without respiratory symptoms. In the subset of patients with respiratory symptoms who had undergone Heller myotomy, respiratory symptoms improved in the majority after the procedure. Patients with achalasia experience respiratory symptoms with much greater frequency than the approximately 10% that was previously believed. Awareness of this association may be important in the workup and ultimate treatment of patients with this uncommon esophageal disorder.

Does combined multichannel intraluminal esophageal impedance and manometry predict postoperative dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication?

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, some patients develop dysphagia postoperatively. Manometry is used to evaluate disorders of peristalsis, but has not been proven useful to identify which patients may be at risk for postoperative dysphagia. Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) evaluates the effective clearance of a swallowed bolus through the esophagus. We hypothesized that MII combined with manometry may detect those patients most at risk of developing dysphagia after LNF. Between March 2003 and January 2007, 74 patients who agreed to participate in this study were prospectively enrolled. All patients completed a preoperative symptom questionnaire, MII/manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring. All patients underwent LNF. Symptom questionnaires were administered postoperatively at a median of 18 months (range: 6-46 months), and we defined dysphagia (both preoperatively and postoperatively) as occurring more than once a month with a severity >or=4 (0-10 Symptom Severity Index). Thirty-two patients (43%) reported preoperative dysphagia, but there was no significant difference in pH monitoring, lower esophageal sphincter pressure/relaxation, peristalsis, liquid or viscous bolus transit (MII), or bolus transit time (MII) between patients with and without preoperative dysphagia. In those patients reporting preoperative dysphagia, the severity of dysphagia improved significantly from 6.8 +/- 2 to 2.6 +/- 3.4 (P < 0.001) after LNF. Thirteen (17%) patients reported dysphagia postoperatively, 10 of whom (75%) reported some degree of preoperative dysphagia. The presence of postoperative dysphagia was significantly more common in patients with preoperative dysphagia (P= 0.01). Patients with postoperative dysphagia had similar lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation, peristalsis, and esophageal clearance to those without dysphagia. Neither MII nor manometry predicts dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or its occurrence after LNF. The presence of dysphagia preoperatively is the only predictor of dysphagia after LNF.

Long-term outcomes confirm the superior efficacy of extended Heller myotomy with Toupet fundoplication for achalasia.

BACKGROUND: The standard Heller myotomy (SM) for achalasia extends 1 to 2 cm on to the stomach. The authors perform an extended myotomy (EM) (>3 cm) with the goal of reducing postoperative dysphagia. This study examines the long-term efficacy and durability of EM compared with SM. METHODS: Patients with achalasia who underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy were identified from a prospective database that includes symptom evaluation and results of esophageal functional studies. From September 1994 to August 1998, the authors performed SM with Dor fundoplication, and from September 1998 through 2003, they performed EM with Toupet fundoplication. In 2001, they performed a telephone survey of all available patients. This was repeated in 2005 for the EM group. The survey included scales of symptom frequency (0 [never], 1 [once per month], 2 [once per week], 3 [once per day], 4 [more than once per day]) and severity (0 [no symptoms] to 10 [symptoms equal to preoperative state]) as well as the need to undergo postoperative intervention for dysphagia. RESULTS: For this study, 52 patients underwent SM with Dor fundoplication (median follow-up period, 46 +/- 24 months), and 63 patients underwent EM with Toupet fundoplication (median follow-up period, 45 +/- 17 months. Postoperative dysphagia severity was significantly better in the EM group (4.8 +/- 2.3 vs 3.1 +/- 2.6; p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in postoperative heartburn frequency, esophageal acid exposure, or lower esophageal sphincter pressure. In the SM group, 9 patients (17%) required reintervention for dysphagia: 14 endoscopic interventions for 5 patients (10%) and reoperation for 4 patients. Three patients (5%) in the EM group required reintervention for dysphagia: one endoscopic intervention each and no reoperations (p < 0.05). A total of 30 patients in the EM group were contacted in both 2001 (median follow-up period, 19 +/- 11 months) and 2005 (median follow-up period, 63 +/- 10 months). There was no significant change over time in dysphagia severity (2.6 +/- 1.9 vs 3.7 +/- 2.0; p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of achalasia, EM with Toupet fundoplication provides excellent durable dysphagia relief that is superior to SM with Dor fundoplication.

Medium- and long-term outcome of laparoscopic redo fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: For a small subset of patients, laparoscopic fundoplication fails, typically resulting in recurrent reflux or severe dysphagia. Although redo fundoplications can be performed laparoscopically, few studies have examined their long-term efficacy. METHODS: Using a prospectively maintained database, the authors identified and contacted 41 patients who had undergone redo laparoscopic fundoplications at the University of Washington between 1996 and 2001. The median follow-up period was 50 months (range, 20-95 months). Current symptoms were compared with those acquired and entered into the authors' database preoperatively. Patients also were asked to return for esophageal manometry and pH testing. RESULTS: All redo fundoplications were performed laparoscopically. There were no conversions. The most common indication for redo fundoplication was recurrent reflux. The most common anatomic abnormality was a herniated wrap. Heartburn improved in 61%, regurgitation in 69%, and dysphagia in 74% of the patients. Complete resolution of these symptoms was achieved, respectively, in 45%, 41% and 38% of these same patients. Overall, 68% of the patients rated the success of the procedure as either "excellent" or "good," and 78% said they were happy they chose to have it. For those who underwent reoperation for gastroesophageal reflux disease, distal esophageal acid exposure according to 24-h pH monitoring decreased after redo fundoplication from 15.7% +/- 18.1% to 3.4% +/- 3.6% (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Although not as successful as primary fundoplication, a majority of patients can expect durable improvement in their symptoms with a laparoscopic redo fundoplication.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related airway disorder.

UNLABELLED: A strong link exists between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and airway diseases. Surgical therapy has been recommended as it is more effective than medical therapy in the short-term, but there is little data on the effectiveness of surgery long-term. We analyzed the long-term response of GERD-related airway disease after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). METHODS: In 2004, we contacted 128 patients with airway symptoms and GERD who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) between 12/1993 and 12/ 2002. At median follow-up of 53 months (19-110 mo) we studied the effects on symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, and medication use and we analyzed the data to determine predictors of successful resolution of airway symptoms. RESULTS: Cough, hoarseness, wheezing, sore throat, and dyspnea improved in 65-75% of patients. Heartburn improved in 91% (105/116) of patients and regurgitation in 92% (90/98). The response rate for airway symptoms was the same in patients with and without heartburn. Almost every patient took proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) preoperatively (99%, 127/128) and 61% (n = 78) were taking double or triple dose. Postoperatively, 33% (n = 45) of patients were using daily antiacid therapy but no one was on double dose. The only factor that predicted a successful surgical outcome was the presence of abnormal reflux in the pharynx as determined by 24-hour pharyngeal pH monitoring. One hundred eleven (87%) patients rated their results as excellent (n = 78, 57%) or good (n = 33, 24%). CONCLUSION: LARS provides an effective and durable barrier to reflux, and in so doing improves GERD-related airway symptoms in approximately 70% of patients and improves typical GERD symptoms in approximately 90% of patients. Pharyngeal pH monitoring identifies those patients more likely to benefit from LARS, but better diagnostic tools are needed to improve the response of airway symptoms to that of typical esophageal symptoms.

High prevalence of abnormal acid gastro-oesophageal reflux in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of acid gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Sixty-five consecutive patients with well-defined IPF were subjected to 24-h pH monitoring and oesophageal manometry. A total of 133 consecutive patients with intractable asthma and symptoms of GER were used as comparisons. The prevalence of abnormal acid GER in IPF patients was 87%, with 76% and 63% demonstrating abnormal distal and proximal oesophageal acid exposures, respectively. Abnormal acid GER was significantly more common in IPF patients than asthma patients. Only 47% of IPF patients experienced classic GER symptoms. Despite treatment with standard doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 12 out of 19 patients receiving PPIs during the 24-h pH monitoring had abnormal oesophageal acid exposures by pH probe. There was no correlation between IPF severity and acid GER severity. In conclusion, abnormal acid gastro-oesophageal reflux is highly prevalent, but often clinically occult in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Standard doses of proton pump inhibitors may not suppress the acid gastro-oesophageal reflux in this population. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine if acid abnormal gastro-oesophageal reflux represents an important risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis development or progression, and if optimal suppression of acid gastro-oesophageal reflux slows the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and/or decreases episodic exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

User-driven design of a computerized rounding and sign-out application.

Clinical information systems depend on close integration to workflow for success. We describe a method for user-driven design that guided our development of a computerized rounding and sign-out system. The resulting system supported clinical workflow sufficiently well that it spontaneously attracted new users, required no training, and is currently used by 95% of the house staff at two academic medical centers.

Robotic surgery: identifying the learning curve through objective measurement of skill.

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of new devices into surgical practice often requires that surgeons acquire and master new skills. We studied the learning curve for intracorporeal knot tying in robotic surgery. METHODS: We developed an objective scoring system to evaluate knot tying and tested eight attending surgeons during 3 weeks of training on a surgical robot. Each performed intracorporeal knot tying tasks both before and after robotic skills training. These performances were compared to their laparoscopic knots and analyzed to determine and define skill improvement. RESULTS: Baseline laparoscopic knot completion took 140 sec (range, 47-432), with a mean composite score of 77 (100 possible), whereas robotic knot tying took 390 sec, with a mean composite score of 40. After initial robotic training, times decreased by 65% to 139 sec and scores increased to 71. With more training, completion times and composite scores were improved and errors were reduced. CONCLUSION: Like any new technology, surgical robotics requires dedicated training to achieve mastery. Initially, even experienced laparoscopists may register an inferior performance. However, after adequate training, surgeons can exceed their laparoscopic performance, completing intracorporeal knots better and faster using robotics.

Total fundoplication is the operation of choice for patients with gastroesophageal reflux and defective peristalsis.

BACKGROUND: Partial fundoplication has traditionally been indicated for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who have defective peristalsis (DP). Because partial fundoplication had been reported to be a less effective means of controlling acid reflux than total fundoplication, in 1997 we stopped performing partial fundoplication for patients with DP and switched to a floppy total fundoplication. This study analyzes the results of our new strategy and compares it to our former approach. METHODS: We performed a partial fundoplication in 39 patients with DP (distal amplitude >40% of swallows) between 1994 and 1997 and a total fundoplication in 57 patients between 1997 and 2000. Symptoms scores derived from a standard questionnaire with a scale of 0-4 manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring were completed preoperatively in 86 patients and postoperatively in 40 patients. RESULTS: Heartburn scores improved in both groups (preoperative, 2.8; postoperative, 0.65; p<0.05). Dysphagia was 1.1 preoperatively and 0.62 postoperatively (p=NS) in the partial fundoplication group and 1.2 preoperatively and 0.3 postoperatively (p<0.05) in the total fundoplication group. Furthermore, none of the patients in the total fundoplication group developed new dysphagia and none required dilatation. Distal esophageal acid exposure normalized in both groups after operative treatment (median DeMeester score:72.3 vs 11.3, p<0.05, For partial fundoplication; 57.1 vs 6.3, p<0.05, For total fundoplication). Distal esophageal amplitudes averaged 27.8 mmHg preoperatively and 35.6 mmHg (p = NS) in the partial fundoplication group, they averaged 28.2 mmHg preoperatively vs 49.0 mmHg postoperatively (p<0.005) in the total fundoplication group. Two patients with a previous partial fundoplication required a conversion to a total fundoplication. No postoperative dilation was required in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that both a partial and a total fundoplication are effective in controlling the symptoms of GERD in patients with defective peristalsis. Dysphagia improves significantly after total fundoplication but not after partial fundoplication. Although both operations brought acid reflux to within normal limits, the effect was more pronounced with total fundoplication. Total, but not partial, fundoplication produced a significant increase in amplitude of esophageal peristalsis, which may explain the subjective improvement during deglutition. Therefore, fundoplication should be the treatment of choice in patients with GERD and defective peristalsis.

Symptomatic and physiologic outcomes after operative treatment for extraesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngeal pH monitoring has recently been used to identify patients with extraesophageal symptoms induced by gastroesophageal reflux. We employed this method of acid detection to evaluate patients with respiratory symptoms prior to and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to further elucidate the relationship between GERD and respiratory symptoms. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients with extraesophageal symptoms thought to be caused by reflux underwent symptomatic and functional evaluation (esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring with a pharyngeal probe) before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Episodes of pharyngeal acid exposure were considered abnormal if the pH dropped below 4, occurred simultaneously with esophageal acidification, and occurred outside meal times. RESULTS: All patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory symptoms; nine of 15 (60%) had evidence of pharyngeal reflux preoperatively. Antireflux procedures resulted in a significant decrease in pharyngeal reflux (7.9 to 1.6 episodes/24h; p <0.05) and esophageal acid exposure (7.5% to 2.1%; p <0.05). In patients with pharyngeal reflux and complete postoperative testing, three (60%) obtained improvement of respiratory symptoms and resolution of pharyngeal reflux. In two patients with recurrent respiratory symptoms after surgery, persistent pharyngeal reflux was detected. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment of GERD is effective in controlling extraesophageal reflux, measured subjectively and objectively. Evidence of pharyngeal reflux on pH testing helps to identify which patients with respiratory symptoms will benefit from an antireflux procedure.

A technique for laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscess.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage has been shown to be an acceptable method for treating both pancreatic abscesses and infected pancreatic necrosis. However, percutaneous techniques have certain shortcomings, including the time and labor required and failure of the catheters to adequately drain the particulate debris. Growing experience around the world indicates that there is a role for retroperitoneal laparoscopy as a means of facilitating the percutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic fluid collections and avoiding a laparotomy. Our technique is discussed in this paper. METHODS: Once infection is documented in a pancreatic fluid collection by fine-needle aspiration, one or more percutaneous drains are placed into the fluid collection(s). A computed tomography (CT) scan is repeated. If further drainage is indicated, retroperitoneoscopic debridement is performed. Using a combination of the percutaneous drain(s) and the post-drain CT scan, ports are placed and retroperitoneoscopic debridement of the necrosectum is performed under direct visualization. Prior to completion of the operation, a postoperative lavage system is created. RESULTS: Six patients with infected pancreatic necrosis have been treated with this technique. Prior to commencement of our laparoscopic protocol, all six patients would have required open necrosectomy. Four of the six patients were managed with retroperitoneoscopic debridement and catheter drainage alone. Complications included a colocutaneous fistula and a small flank hernia. There were no bleeding complications and no deaths. CONCLUSION: Although open necrosectomy remains the standard of care for the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscess, there is growing evidence that laparoscopic retroperitoneal debridement is feasible.

Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic fluid collections is often unsuccessful. Alternatively, open necrosectomy techniques are very morbid. We hypothesized that in selected cases, laparoscopic techniques could be used to facilitate percutaneous drainage of the residual particulate necrosectum and avoid a laparotomy. We report our experience with laparoscopic assisted retroperitoneal debridement as an adjunct to percutaneous drainage for patients with infected pancreatic necrosis. METHODS: Case studies were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed the course of six patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted debridement of infected pancreatic necrosis after failure of percutaneous drainage. With the drains and computed tomography (CT) scan used as a guide, laparoscopic debridement of the necrosectum was performed. RESULTS: Between November 1995 and December 1999, six patients were treated with this method. In four patients, laparoscopic assisted percutaneous drainage was successful. Two patients required open laparotomy. Complications included a self-limited enterocutaneous fistula and a small flank hernia. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This early, limited experience has demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopic assisted percutaneous drainage for infected pancreatic necrosis. With this technique, two-thirds of our patients avoided the morbidity of a laparotomy.

Pharyngeal pH measurements in patients with respiratory symptoms before and during proton pump inhibitor therapy.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngeal pH monitoring is a diagnostic tool used to identify Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an etiology of respiratory symptoms. We performed pharyngeal pH monitoring on 14 patients with respiratory symptoms thought to be induced by GERD. METHODS: Symptoms and pH monitoring (esophageal and pharyngeal) were assessed prior to and 3 months after the initiation of double-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy. RESULTS: Symptoms included cough, hoarseness, and throat clearing. Ten patients had at least one episode of pharyngeal reflux (PR+) and 4 patients had no pharyngeal reflux (PR-). Pharyngeal reflux episodes in PR+ patients decreased from 3.5 to 0.9 (P <0.05) per day with 8 of 10 (80%) patients having elimination or reduction of such episodes. Eight of 9 PR+ patients (89%) with suppressed pharyngeal reflux on medical therapy had resolution of respiratory symptoms. Three of 4 PR- patients (75%) had persistent symptoms on medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Proton pump inhibitor therapy improves clinical symptoms and decreases pharyngeal reflux episodes in patients with respiratory symptoms related to GERD. Direct measurement of pharyngeal pH is helpful in the identification of patients likely to respond to antireflux therapy.

Management and outcome of complications after laparoscopic antireflux operations.

HYPOTHESIS: Perioperative complications of laparoscopic antireflux operations are infrequent and treatable and do not cause permanent disability. DESIGN: Retrospective review of all patients with laparoscopic antireflux operations for the management and outcome of all complications. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: All 538 patients who underwent operation from January 20, 1993, through December 28, 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications were defined as any major or minor deviation from the standard postoperative clinical pathway. Minor complications did not require invasive treatment and were not expected to result in permanent disability. Major complications required invasive treatment or could result in permanent disability. The frequency of complications was also stratified into those that occurred during primary antireflux procedures and those that occurred during reoperations for previously failed procedures. RESULTS: Ninety-two complications occurred in 538 operations (17.1%). Sixty-eight patients (12.6%) experienced minor complications. Postoperative ileus was the most common complication (n = 37 [6.9%]), followed by pneumothorax (n = 13 [2.4%]) and urinary retention (n = 10 [1.9%]). Major complications were present in only 24 patients (4.5%) and occurred significantly more frequently after reoperations. Of these, dysphagia was the most frequent complication observed (n = 11 [2.0%]), followed by perforated viscus (n = 4 [0.7%]). Two patients (0.4%) died. All but 4 major complications resulted in full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications in laparoscopic antireflux surgery are rare, their treatment is straightforward, and permanent disability is uncommon. Complications occur twice as often during reoperations, highlighting the difficulty in performing these procedures. Although primary laparoscopic antireflux operations are performed by many general surgeons routinely, reoperations should be performed by a team experienced in laparoscopic esophageal surgery.

Pharyngeal pH monitoring in 222 patients with suspected laryngeal reflux.

To determine the existence of and characterize gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with symptoms of airway irritation, we monitored pharyngeal pH over a 24-hour period in 222 consecutive patients. Pharyngeal reflux was defined as a drop in pH to less than 4 at the pharyngeal sensor, which occurred simultaneously with acidification of the distal esophagus. Patients were divided into two groups: those with pharyngeal reflux (PR+) and those without (PR-). The Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t test were used to assess intergroup comparisons. Episodes of pharyngeal reflux (range 1 to 36, average 4.4) were identified in 90 PR+ patients (40%). No pharyngeal reflux was identified in the remaining 132 patients (PR-). Episodes of pharyngeal reflux were rapidly cleared (average duration 1.5 minutes), and occurred while in the upright position in 77 (86%) of 90 patients and while in the supine position in 11 (12%) of 90 patients. Twenty-three patients (25%) experienced symptoms in association with an episode of pharyngeal reflux. In the distal esophagus, the percentage of time the pH was below 4 during the upright position and the total percentage of time the pH was below 4 were greater in PR+ patients (6.4% and 5.8%, respectively) when compared to PR- patients (2.6% and 2.6%, respectively). Laryngoscopic findings did not distinguish PR+ from PR- patients. Pharyngeal reflux occurs most commonly in the upright position and can be identified in more than 40% of patients thought to have acid-induced laryngeal symptoms. Even though these episodes are short lived and rapidly cleared, symptoms occur concomitantly in 25% of patients with proven pharyngeal reflux. Patients with laryngeal symptoms and documented pharyngeal reflux have greater amounts of esophageal reflux when compared to patients with laryngeal symptoms and no demonstrable pharyngeal reflux.