Magnetic sphincter augmentation: paradigm change or just another device in the surgeon's toolbox?

The common denominator for virtually all episodes of gastroesophageal reflux in health and disease is the loss of the barrier that confines the distal esophagus to the stomach. Factors important in maintaining the function of the barrier are its pressure, length and position. In early reflux disease, overeating, gastric distention and delayed gastric emptying led to a transient loss of the barrier. A permanent loss of the barrier occurs from inflammatory injury to the muscle allowing free flow of gastric juice into the esophageal body. Corrective therapy requires augmentation or restoration of the barrier referred to more commonly as the lower esophageal sphincter.

Effect of Increased Intra-abdominal Pressure on the Esophagogastric Junction: A Systematic Review.

With the advent of high-resolution esophageal manometry, it is recognized that the antireflux barrier receives a contribution from both the lower esophageal sphincter (intrinsic sphincter) and the muscle of the crural diaphragm (extrinsic sphincter). Further, an increased intra-abdominal pressure is a major force responsible for an adaptive response of a competent sphincter or the disruption of the esophagogastric junction resulting in gastroesophageal reflux, especially in the presence of a hiatal hernia. This review describes how the pressure dynamics in the lower esophageal sphincter were discovered and measured over time and how this has influenced the development of antireflux surgery.

Propensity score-matched comparison between open and minimal invasive hybrid esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the outcome between patients who had an open and those who had a hybrid esophagectomy for T1 or T3 esophageal adenocarcinoma (eAC). No clear data are available concerning this question based on T-category. METHODS: Two groups of patients with esophagectomy and high intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy for eAC were analyzed: hybrid (laparoscopy + right thoracotomy) (n = 835) and open (laparotomy + right thoracotomy) (n = 188). Outcome criteria were 30- and 90-day mortality, R0-resection rate (R0), number of resected lymph nodes (rLNs), and 5-year survival rate (5y-SR). For each type of surgery, three patient groups were analyzed: pT1-carcinoma (group-1), cT3Nx and neoadjuvant chemoradiation (group-2), and pT3N0-3 without neoadjuvant therapy (group-3). The comparison was based on a propensity score matching in relation of 1:2 for open versus hybrid. RESULTS: In group-1 (38 open vs 76 hybrid) R0-resection (100%), 30-day mortality (0%), 90-day mortality (2.6% vs 0%), and rLNs (median 29.5 vs 28.5) were not significantly different. The pN0-rate was 76% in the open and 92% in the hybrid group (p = 0.036). Accordingly, the 5y-SR was 69% and 87% (p = 0.016), but the prognosis of the subgroups pT1pN0 or pT1pN+ was not significantly different between open or hybrid. In group-2 (68 open vs 135 hybrid) R0-resection (97%), 30-day (0% vs 0.7%) and 90-day (4%) mortality, rLNs (28.5 vs 26), and 5y-SR (36% vs 41%) were not significantly different. In group-3 (37 open vs 75 hybrid) R0, postoperative mortality, rLNs, and 5y-SR were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: In a propensity score-matched comparison of patients with an open or hybrid esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma the quality of oncologic resection, postoperative mortality and prognosis are not different.

Clinical Significance of Esophageal Outflow Resistance Imposed by a Nissen Fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Attention has been focused on the amplitude of esophageal body contraction to avoid persistent dysphagia after a Nissen fundoplication. The current recommended level is a contraction amplitude in the distal third of esophagus above the fifth percentile. We hypothesized that a more physiologic approach is to measure outflow resistance imposed by a fundoplication, which needs to be overcome by the esophageal contraction amplitude. STUDY DESIGN: The esophageal outflow resistance, as reflected by the intra-bolus pressure (iBP) measured 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), was measured in 53 normal subjects and 37 reflux patients with normal esophageal contraction amplitude, before and after a standardized Nissen fundoplication. All were free of postoperative dysphagia. A test population of 100 patients who had a Nissen fundoplication was used to validate the threshold of outflow resistance to avoid persistent postoperative dysphagia. RESULTS: The mean (SD) amplitude of the iBP in normal subjects was 6.8 (3.7) mmHg and in patients before fundoplication was 3.6 (7.0) mmHg (p = 0.003). After Nissen fundoplication, the mean (SD) amplitude of the iBP increased to 12.0 (3.2) mmHg (p < 0.0001 vs normal subjects or preoperative values). The 95th percentile value for iBP after a Nissen fundoplication was 20.0 mmHg and was exceeded by esophageal contraction in all patients in the validation population, and 97% of these patients were free of persistent postoperative dysphagia at a median 50-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Nissen fundoplication increases the outflow resistance of the esophagus and should be constructed to avoid an iBP > 20 mmHg. Patients whose distal third esophageal contraction amplitude is >20 mmHg have a minimal risk of dysphagia after a tension-free Nissen fundoplication.

Proposed approach to the challenging management of progressive gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who are taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been reported by several investigators, leading to concerns that PPI therapy does not address all aspects of the disease. Patients who are at risk of progression need to be identified early in the course of their disease in order to receive preventive treatment. A review of the literature on GERD progression to Barrett's esophagus and the associated physiological and pathological changes was performed and risk factors for progression were identified. In addition, a potential approach to the prevention of progression is discussed. Current evidence shows that GERD can progress; however, patients at risk of progression may not be identified early enough for it to be prevented. Biopsies of the squamocolumnar junction that show microscopic intestinalization of metaplastic cardiac mucosa in endoscopically normal patients are predictive of future visible Barrett's esophagus, and an indicator of GERD progression. Such changes can be identified only through biopsy, which is not currently recommended for endoscopically normal patients. GERD treatment should aim to prevent progression. We propose that endoscopically normal patients who partially respond or do not respond to PPI therapy undergo routine biopsies at the squamocolumnar junction to identify histological changes that may predict future progression. This will allow earlier intervention, aimed at preventing Barrett's esophagus.

Emerging Concepts for the Endoscopic Management of Superficial Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic therapy has revolutionized the treatment of Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma by allowing preservation of the esophagus in many patients who would previously have had an esophagectomy. This paradigm shift initially occurred at high-volume centers in North America and Europe but now is becoming mainstream therapy. There is a lack of uniform guidelines and algorithms for the management of these patients. Our aim was to review important concepts and pitfalls in the endoscopic management of superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A small group colloquium consisting of gastroenterologists, surgeons, and pathologists reviewed published data and discussed personal and institutional experiences with endotherapy for HGD and superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: The group reviewed data and provided recommendations and management algorithms for seven areas pertaining to endoscopic therapy for Barrett's HGD and superficial adenocarcinoma: (1) patient selection and evaluation; (2) imaging and biopsy techniques; (3) devices; (4) indications for resection versus ablation; (5) ER specimen handling, processing, and pathologic evaluation; (6) patient care and follow-up after endoscopic therapy; and (7) complications of endoscopic therapy and treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy is preferred over esophagectomy for most patients with HGD or intramucosal adenocarcinoma, and may be applicable to select patients with submucosal tumors. Clear guidelines and management algorithms will aid physicians and centers embarking on endoscopic therapy and enable a standardized approach to the management of these patients that is applicable internationally.

Rat Reflux Model of Esophageal Cancer and Its Implication in Human Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The epidemiologic shift in esophageal cancer from squamous cell carcinoma to esophageal adenocarcinoma coincided with popularization of proton pump inhibitors and has focused attention on gastroesophageal reflux disease as a causative factor in this shift. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the rat reflux model in an effort to elucidate this phenomenon. METHODS: An extensive online literature review (PubMed) was carried out to identify all seminal contributions to the study of esophageal adenocarcinoma using the rat reflux model. RESULTS: The rat reflux model is a validated reproducible model for the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Esophageal reflux of an admixture of gastric acid and duodenal juice induces Barrett's esophagus followed by adenocarcinoma. A high-pH environment created by surgical gastrectomy or proton pump inhibitor therapy in combination with a high-fat diet seems to potentiate the development of Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma. Early surgical intervention to prevent reflux reduces the progression toward esophageal adenocarcinoma. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nitrate-trapping agents reduce the incidence of tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS: As in the rat so also in humans, reflux of an admixture of gastric acid and duodenal juice in a high-pH environment induces the development of Barrett's esophagus followed by esophageal adenocarcinoma. This has led to the hypothesis that to prevent Barrett's esophagus and subsequent esophageal adenocarcinoma in humans, the reflux of an admixture of acid and bile must be controlled before the development of Barrett's esophagus by methods other than acid-suppression therapy.

Intraoperative Assessment of Perfusion of the Gastric Graft and Correlation With Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate laser-assisted fluorescent-dye angiography (LAA) to assess perfusion in the gastric graft and to correlate perfusion with subsequent anastomotic leak. BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks are a major source of morbidity after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up (GPU). In large part, they occur as a consequence of poor perfusion in the gastric graft. METHODS: Real-time intraoperative perfusion was assessed using LAA before bringing the graft up through the mediastinum. When there was a transition from rapid and bright to slow and less robust perfusion, this site was marked with a suture. The location of the anastomosis relative to the suture was noted and the outcome of the anastomosis ascertained by retrospective record review. RESULTS: Intraoperative LAA was used to assess graft perfusion in 150 consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy with planned GPU reconstruction. An esophagogastric anastomosis was performed in 144 patients. A leak was found in 24 patients (16.7%) and were significantly less likely when the anastomosis was placed in an area of good perfusion compared with when the anastomosis was placed in an area of less robust perfusion by LAA (2% vs 45%, P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis perfusion at the site of the anastomosis was the only significant factor associated with a leak. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative real-time assessment of perfusion with LAA correlated with the likelihood of an anastomotic leak and confirmed the critical relationship between good perfusion and anastomotic healing. The use of LAA may contribute to reduced anastomotic morbidity.

The University of Chicago contribution to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications: a tribute to David B. Skinner 1935-2003.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the contributions from the University of Chicago under the leadership of Dr David B. Skinner to the understanding of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications. BACKGROUND: The invention of the esophagoscope confirmed that GERD was a premorbid condition. The medical world was divided between those who believed in a morphological lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and those who did not. Those who did not believe attempted to rearrange the anatomy of the foregut organs to stop reflux with minimal success. The discovery of the LES focused attention on the sphincter as the main deterrent to reflux and the hope that measurement of a low LES pressure would mark the presence of GERD. This turned out not to be so. In July 1973, with this history of confusion, Dr Skinner at the age of 36 assumed the chair of surgery at the University of Chicago. METHODS: The publications of the University of Chicago's esophageal group were collected from private and public (PubMed) databases, reviewed, and seminal contributions selected. RESULTS: Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring led to the understanding of the LES, its contribution to GERD, and the complication of Barrett's esophagus. The relationship of Barrett's to adenocarcinoma was clarified. The rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma led to contributions in the staging of esophageal cancer and its treatment with an en bloc resection. CONCLUSIONS: Ten years after the death of Dr Skinner, we can appreciate the monumental contributions to benign and malignant esophageal disease under his leadership.

Long-term quality of life and alimentary satisfaction after esophagectomy with colon interposition.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcome after colon interposition for esophageal reconstruction is not well documented. Our objective was to assess quality of life and alimentary satisfaction 10 or more years after colon interposition. METHODS: Patients who had an esophagectomy that was reconstructed using a colon interposition before April 2003 were identified. Symptoms, alimentary satisfaction, and quality of life were assessed by telephone interview and questionnaires. RESULTS: We identified 79 surviving patients, and follow-up was obtained in 63 (80%). The indication for esophagectomy was cancer in 45 patients and benign disease in 18. Vagal-sparing esophagectomy was performed in 48% of patients, en bloc in 44%, and transhiatal in 8%. Median follow-up was 13 years (range, 10 to 38 years). The median Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score was 3 of 4 and results from the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND Corp, Santa Monica, CA) were at or above the published normal means in all categories. Most patients were free of dysphagia (89%), regurgitation (84%), and heartburn (84%). The most common postprandial symptom was early satiety (40%). The body mass index was within normal reference ranges in 90% of patients. Follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 30 patients at a median of 6 years showed no Barrett's metaplasia in the residual esophagus. Seven patients had a reoperation for colon redundancy. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term alimentary satisfaction and quality of life were excellent after colon interposition. Most patients were free of dysphagia and few needed revision for redundancy. These results should encourage the use of a colon interposition in patients expected to survive long-term after esophagectomy.

Laparoscopic wedge fundectomy for collis gastroplasty creation in patients with a foreshortened esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of a laparoscopic wedge-fundectomy Collis gastroplasty for a short esophagus during fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair. BACKGROUND: The Collis gastroplasty provides a surgical solution for a foreshortened esophagus but has been associated with postoperative dysphagia and esophagitis. METHODS: We identified 150 patients who underwent a Collis gastroplasty from 1998 to 2012, and of these, 85 patients underwent laparoscopic procedures using the wedge-fundectomy technique. RESULTS: The median age of the 85 patients (42 men/43 women) was 66 years (range, 37-84 years). A Nissen fundoplication was added to the Collis gastroplasty in 56 patients (66%) and a Toupet fundoplication in 29 patients. No patient had a staple line leak or abscess, and the median hospital stay was 3.5 days (interquartile range, 3-4.5 days). At a median follow-up of 12 months, 93% of patients were free of heartburn. Dysphagia was significantly less common after surgery (preoperative: 58% vs postoperative: 16%; P < 0.0001). New-onset dysphagia developed in only 2 patients. An upper endoscopy was performed in 54 patients at a median of 6 months after surgery, and erosions above the fundoplication were seen in 6 patients (11%). A small (1-2 cm) recurrent hernia was seen in 2 patients (2.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic wedge-fundectomy Collis gastroplasty can be performed safely and is associated with a low prevalence of new-onset dysphagia and esophagitis. The addition of a Collis gastroplasty to an antireflux operation is an effective strategy in patients with short esophagus, and its more liberal use is encouraged.

Alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life 10 or more years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life ≥10 years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. METHODS: Patients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric pull-up before 2003 were interviewed regarding their alimentary function and completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life and RAND short-form, 36-item, questionnaires. RESULTS: We identified 67 long-term survivors after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. Of these, 40 were located, and all agreed to participate. The median age was 75 years, and the median follow-up period was 12 years (interquartile range, 10-19). Most patients (88%) had no dysphagia, 90% were able to eat ≥3 meals/day, and 93% finished ≥50% of a typical meal. The mean alimentary comfort rating was 9 of 10. Dumping, diarrhea ≥3 times/day, or regurgitation occurred in 33% of patients. Six patients (15%) had aspiration episodes requiring hospitalization. The median weight loss after surgery was 26 lbs, and the current median body mass index was 25 kg/m(2). Only 2 patients were underweight (body mass index, <18.5 kg/m(2)). The median Gastrointestinal Quality of Life score was 2.9 of 4. The RAND scores were at the population mean in 1 category (physical function) and above the normal mean in the remaining 7 categories. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term nutritional status, quality of life, and satisfaction with eating were excellent after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Gastrointestinal side effects were common, but serious complications such as aspiration were uncommon. Pessimism regarding the long-term ability to enjoy a meal and live with a good quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.

Preoperative diagnostic workup before antireflux surgery: an evidence and experience-based consensus of the Esophageal Diagnostic Advisory Panel.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very prevalent disorder. Medical therapy improves symptoms in some but not all patients. Antireflux surgery is an excellent option for patients with persistent symptoms such as regurgitation, as well as for those with complete symptomatic resolution on acid-suppressive therapy. However, proper patient selection is critical to achieve excellent outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A panel of experts was assembled to review data and personal experience with regard to appropriate preoperative evaluation for antireflux surgery and to construct an evidence and experience-based consensus that has practical application. RESULTS: The presence of reflux symptoms alone is not sufficient to support a diagnosis of GERD before antireflux surgery. Esophageal objective testing is required to physiologically and anatomically evaluate the presence and severity of GERD in all patients being considered for surgical intervention. It is critical to document the presence of abnormal distal esophageal acid exposure, especially when antireflux surgery is considered, and reflux-related symptoms should be severe enough to outweigh the potential side effects of fundoplication. Each testing modality has a specific role in the diagnosis and workup of GERD, and no single test alone can provide the entire clinical picture. Results of testing are combined to document the presence and extent of the disease and assist in planning the operative approach. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, upper endoscopy, barium esophagram, pH testing, and manometry are required for preoperative workup for antireflux surgery. Additional studies with long-term follow-up are required to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic benefit of new technologies, such as oropharyngeal pH testing, multichannel intraluminal impedance, and hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance, in the context of patient selection for antireflux surgery.

LINX(®) Reflux Management System in chronic gastroesophageal reflux: a novel effective technology for restoring the natural barrier to reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from incompetency of the lower esophageal sphincter that allows the contents of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus, the airways, and the mouth. The disease affects about 10% of the western population and has a profound negative impact on quality of life. The majority of patients are successfully treated with proton-pump inhibitors, but up to 40% have incomplete relief of symptoms even after dose adjustment. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the surgical gold standard, but is largely underused because of the level of technical difficulty and the prevalence of side effects. These factors have contributed to the propensity of patients to continue with medical therapy despite inadequate symptom control and complications of the disease. As a consequence, a significant 'therapy gap' in the treatment of GERD remains evident in current clinical practice. The LINX(®) Reflux Management System (Torax Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is designed to provide a permanent solution to GERD by augmenting the sphincter barrier with a standardized, reproducible laparoscopic procedure that does not alter gastric anatomy and is easily reversible. Two single-group trials confirmed that a magnetic device designed to augment the lower esophageal sphincter can be safely and effectively implanted using a standard laparoscopic approach. The device decreased esophageal acid exposure, improved reflux symptoms and quality of life, and allowed cessation of proton-pump inhibitors in the majority of patients.