Pressure dynamics of the esophagogastric junction at rest and during inspiratory maneuvers after Nissen fundoplication.

Low sphincter pressure and inability of the crural diaphragm to elevate it at the esophagogastric junction are important pathophysiological mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The object of this study was to depict how Nissen fundoplication changed the resting and inspiratory pressures of the anti-reflux barrier. We selected 14 patients (eight males; mean age 42.7 years; mean body mass index 27.8) for surgery. They answered symptoms questionnaires and underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM) before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication. We used a standard manometric protocol (resting and liquid swallows) and assessment of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressure metrics during standardized forced inspiratory maneuvers against increasing loads (Threshold Maneuvers). We used the Wilcoxon test for comparison of pre and postoperative data. After fundoplication, heartburn and regurgitation scores diminished remarkably (from 4.5 and 2, respectively, to zero; P = 0.002 and P = 0.0005, respective medians). Also, the median expiratory EGJ pressure had a significant increase from 8.1 to 18.1 mmHg (P = 0.002), while mean respiratory pressure and EGJ contractility integral (EGJ-CI) increased without statistical significance (P = 0.064 and P = 0.06, respectively). Axial EGJ displacement was lower after fundoplication. The EGJ relaxation pressure (P = 0.001), the mean distal esophageal intrabolus pressure (P = 0.01) and the distal latency (P = 0.017) increased after fundoplication. There was a reduction in the contraction front velocity (P = 0.043). During evaluation with standardized inspiratory maneuvers, the inspiratory EGJ pressures (under loads of 12, 24, 36 and 48 cmH2O) were lower after surgery for all loads (median for load 12 cmH2O: 145.6 vs. 102.7 mmHg; P = 0.004). Fundoplication and hiatal closure increased the expiratory EGJ pressure and promoted a great GERD symptom relief. The surgery seemed to overcompensate a reduced EGJ mobility and inspiratory pressure.

ACCURACY OF ELASTOGRAPHY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF REDUCTION IN LIVER STEATOSIS AND FIBROSIS IN THE EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis is found in most obese patients and has a strong association with metabolic syndrome. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy are the two techniques of bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery have regression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis due to a reduction in body mass index and changes in incretin hormones. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the acuity of elastography in the regression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy 2 months after surgery. METHODS: Patients in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery underwent an anthropometric evaluation and hepatic elastography to quantify fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. Two months after surgery, the same evaluation was performed again. RESULTS: All 17 patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Out of this, nine underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and eight underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group had lower fibrosis levels postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p=0.029, p<0.05). As for steatosis, patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower postoperative values (p=0.01, p<0.05). There was also a reduction in fibrosis postoperatively in the sleeve gastrectomy group compared to preoperatively (p=0.037, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elastography accurately demonstrated decreased hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the early postoperative period of bariatric surgery. Moreover, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are suitable surgical methods to improve hepatic steatosis and fibrosis within 2 months postoperatively.

Accuracy of elastography in the assessment of reduction in liver steatosis and fibrosis in the early postoperative period after bariatric surgery / Acuidade da elastografia na avaliação da redução da esteatose e fibrose hepáticas no pós-operatório precoce pós cirurgia bariátrica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis is found in most obese patients and has a strong association with metabolic syndrome. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy are the two techniques of bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery have regression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis due to a reduction in body mass index and changes in incretin hormones. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the acuity of elastography in the regression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy 2 months after surgery. METHODS: Patients in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery underwent an anthropometric evaluation and hepatic elastography to quantify fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. Two months after surgery, the same evaluation was performed again. RESULTS: All 17 patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Out of this, nine underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and eight underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group had lower fibrosis levels postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p=0.029, p<0.05). As for steatosis, patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower postoperative values (p=0.01, p<0.05). There was also a reduction in fibrosis postoperatively in the sleeve gastrectomy group compared to preoperatively (p=0.037, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elastography accurately demonstrated decreased hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the early postoperative period of bariatric surgery. Moreover, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are suitable surgical methods to improve hepatic steatosis and fibrosis within 2 months postoperatively.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A esteatose hepática não alcoólica é encontrada na maioria dos pacientes com obesidade e tem forte associação com a síndrome metabólica. O bypass gástrico em Y de Roux e a gastrectomia vertical são as duas técnicas de cirurgia bariátrica. Pacientes que são submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica tem regressão da esteatose hepática não alcoólica devido a redução do índice de massa corpórea e mudanças dos hormônios incretínicos. OBJETIVOS: analisar a acuidade da elastografia na regressão da esteatose e fibrose hepáticas em pacientes obesos submetidos a bypass gástrico em Y de Roux e gastrectomia vertical dois meses após a cirurgia. MÉTODOS: Pacientes em pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica e elastografia hepática para quantificação de fibrose e esteatose hepática. Dois meses após a cirurgia, a mesma avaliação foi realizada novamente. RESULTADOS: Dezessete pacientes preencheram todos os critérios de inclusão no estudo. Nove foram submetidos a gastrectomia vertical e 8 a bypass gástrico em Y de Roux. O grupo bypass gástrico em Y de Roux apresentou níveis de fibrose mais baixos no pós-operatório em comparação com o pré-operatório, (p=0,029, p<0,05). Quanto à esteatose, os pacientes que realizaram bypass gástrico em Y de Roux apresentaram valores menores no pós-operatório (p=0,01, p<0,05). No grupo gastrectomia vertical, também houve redução da fibrose no pós-operatório em relação ao pré-operatório (p=0,037, p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A elastografia mostrou acuidade para demonstrar diminuição da esteatose e fibrose hepáticas, no pós-operatório precoce de cirurgia bariátrica. Além disso, bypass gástrico em Y de Roux e gastrectomia vertical são métodos cirúrgicos adequados para melhorar a esteatose e fibrose hepática em um período de 2 meses de pós-operatório.

Colectomia eletiva laparoscópica esquerda para a doença diverticular: estudo monocêntrico sobre 205 pacientes consecutivos / Elective laparoscopic left colectomy for diverticular disease: a monocentric study on 205 consecutive patients

RACIONAL: O aumento da prevalência de doença diverticular tornou o seu manuseio mais adequado uma questão de debate constante. Especialmente para os casos de diverticulite, progresso considerável tem sido feito em termos de diagnóstico e tratamento. A ressecção cirúrgica do cólon envolvido é a única maneira de erradicar definitivamente essa condição e, portanto, a colectomia laparoscópica eletiva surgiu como uma opção segura e interessante entre as várias formas de tratamento. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados das colectomias laparoscópicas esquerdas para a doença diverticular realizadas durante um período de 17 anos em uma única instituição. MÉTODOS: Entre abril de 1990 e maio de 2007, um total de 205 colectomias consecutivas esquerdas laparoscópicas foram revistas retrospectivamente. Os dados obtidos incluíram o pré-operatório, indicações para a operação, os dados cirúrgicos, complicações e seguimento. Análises estatísticas univariada e multivariada foram realizadas em um esforço para identificar os fatores de risco e efeitos adversos na série. RESULTADOS: As indicações foram diverticulite aguda (80 por cento) não-complicada, diverticulite aguda ou crônica complicada (18,05 por cento) e sangramento na doença diverticular (1,95 por cento). A taxa de conversão foi de 5,85 por cento (12 casos). A mediana do tempo operatório foi de 180 minutos (100-420), com internação hospitalar de 7 (5-44) dias. O comprimento médio do espécime ressecado foi 29,12 centímetros. A maioria dos casos (88,3 por cento) teve curso pós-operatório normal, mas complicações ocorreram em 24 (11,7 por cento) pacientes. Em ordem de frequência foram: íleo paralítico (n = 6), coleções pélvica (n = 4), obstruções intestinais (n = 4) e fístulas (n = 2), entre outros. Re-operação foi necessária em oito casos e houve um óbito (0,48 por cento). O seguimento mediano foi de 26,5 (1-156) meses, com resultado satisfatório em 179 (87,32 por cento) dos pacientes. Em 18 (8,78 por cento) casos...

BACKGROUND: The increased prevalence of diverticular disease has made its most appropriate management a matter of constant debate. Especially for the cases of diverticulitis, considerable progress has been made in terms of diagnosis and management. The surgical resection of the involved colon is the only means of definitely eradicate this condition and so, the elective laparoscopic colectomy has emerged as a safe and interesting choice among the options of treatment. AIM: To analyze the outcomes of the laparoscopic left colectomy for diverticular disease performed over a 17-year period at a single institution. METHODS: Between April 1990 and May 2007, a total of 205 consecutive left laparoscopic colectomies were retrospectively reviewed. Data obtained included the pre-operative work-up, indications for surgery, operative results, complications and follow-up. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed in an effort to identity risk factors for adverse outcomes in the series. RESULTS: Indications were for non-complicated acute diverticulitis (80 percent), acute or chronic complicated diverticulitis (18.05 percent) and bleeding diverticular disease (1.95 percent). The conversion rate was 5.85 percent (12 cases). The median operative time was 180 (100-420) min with a hospital stay of 7 (5-44) days. The mean length of the resected specimen was 29.12 (+8.2) cm. Most cases (88.3 percent) had an unremarkable postoperative course but complications occurred in 24 (11.7 percent) patients. In order of frequency, these were: paralytic ileus (n=6), pelvic collections (n=4), bowel obstructions (n=4) and fistulas (n=2), among others. A re-operation was necessary in eight cases and there was one death (0.48 percent). Median follow-up was 26.5 (1-156) months with a satisfying result seen in 179 (87.32 percent) of the patients. In 18 (8.78 percent) cases, persistent symptoms of functional colonic disorders were noted. There were 7 (3.41 percent)...