Gastrointestinal Conditions: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects more than 20% of adults. Risk factors include older age, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction is a primary cause. Classic symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation. With classic symptoms, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be prescribed without further testing; PPIs should be taken on an empty stomach. Patients with atypical symptoms and those not benefiting from management should undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and potentially pH and impedance testing to confirm GERD or identify other conditions. This is important because GERD increases risk of esophageal erosions/stricture, Barrett esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, a large percentage of adults taking PPIs have no clear indication for treatment, and PPIs and other antisecretory therapy should be tapered off if possible. Of note, vonoprazan, a new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has shown superiority to PPIs. In addition to pharmacotherapy, lifestyle changes are indicated, including losing weight if overweight, not lying down after meals, and ceasing tobacco use. Procedural interventions, including fundoplication and magnetic sphincter augmentation, can be considered for patients wishing to discontinue drugs or with symptoms unresponsive to PPIs. Procedural interventions are effective for the first 1 to 3 years, but effectiveness decreases over time.

Management of Paraesophageal Hernias.

Paraesophageal hernias are classified according to the altered anatomic relationships between the gastroesophageal junction or stomach and the diaphragmatic hiatus. Herniation of these structures into the mediastinum may produce common complaints such as reflux, chest pain, and dysphagia. The elective repair of these hernias is well tolerated and significantly improves quality of life among patients with symptomatic disease. The hallmarks of a quality repair include the circumferential mobilization of the esophagus to generate 3 cm of tension-free intra-abdominal length and the performance of a fundoplication.

Pediatric nutritional surgery and its implications: results from a unicentric retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Existing guidelines provide weak recommendations on the surgical management of nutritional problems in children. The objective was to design a management pathway to address the best nutritional surgery (NS) procedure in a given patient. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of children treated at our department from January 2015 to December 2019. The sample was divided into two groups according to presence or absence of neurological impairment (NI). Patients with NI (Group 1) were classified in three subgroups based on presenting symptoms: A-Dysphagia without gastroesophageal reflux (GER); B-GER with or without dysphagia; C-Symptoms associated with a delayed gastric emptying. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients were included, 111 with NI. One-hundred-twenty-eight patients underwent only one procedure. Complications and mortality were superior in Group 1. In subgroup A, isolated gastrostomy was the first NS in all patients. In subgroup B most of patients were subjected to a Nissen fundoplication, while in 5 cases total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) was the first intervention. Considering the entire sample, 92.3% patients who underwent a TEGD did not require further procedures. CONCLUSION: NS encompasses various procedures depending on presenting symptoms and neurological status. A management flowchart for these patients is proposed.

Functional results after hiatal repair and gastropexy without fundoplication in patients with paraoesophageal hernia.

PURPOSE: Paraoesophageal hernias (PEH) are associated with a high complication rate and often occur in elderly and fragile patients. Surgical gastropexy without fundoplication is an accepted alternative procedure; however, outcomes and functional results are rarely described. Our study aims to evaluate short-term outcomes and the long-term quality of life after gastropexy as treatment for PEH. METHODS: Single center cohort analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent gastropexy for PEH without fundoplication. Postoperative outcomes and functional results were retrospectively collected. Reflux symptoms developed postoperatively were reported using the validated quality of life questionnaire: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Qestionnaire (GERD-HRQL). RESULTS: Thirty patients (median age: 72 years (65-80)) were included, 40% classified as ASA III. Main PEH symptoms were reflux (63%), abdominal/thoracic pain (47%), pyrosis (33%), anorexia (30%), and food blockage (26%). Twenty-six laparoscopies were performed (86%). Major complications (III-IVb) occurred in 9 patients (30%). Seven patients (23%) had PEH recurrence, all re-operated, performing a new gastropexy. Median follow-up was 38 (17-50) months. Twenty-two patients (75%) reported symptoms resolution with median GERD-HRQL scale of 4 (1-6). 72% (n = 21) reported operation satisfaction. GERD-HRQL was comparable between patients who were re-operated for recurrence and others: 5 (2-19) versus 3 (0-6), p = 0.100. CONCLUSION: Gastropexy without fundoplication was performed by laparoscopy in most cases with acceptable complications rates. Two-thirds of patients reported symptoms resolution, and long-term quality-of-live associated to reflux symptoms is good. Although the rate of PEH recurrence requiring a new re-intervention remained increased (23%), it does not seem to affect long-term functional results.

Repair of type II paraesophageal hernia with Nissen fundoplication in a patient with von Willebrand disease and spondylolisthesis - a clinical case report.

Hiatal hernias continue to be fairly common in clinical practice. However, the variety of different symptoms presented by patients may hinder establishing the ultimate diagnosis. Nevertheless, currently, the diagnosis of hiatal hernia can be easily established, based on barium swallow radiography. We would like to present a clinical case report of a patient with complex medical history, including von Willebrand disease, degenerative spinal disease, and chronic sinusitis, who was finally diagnosed with hiatal hernia and treated with a standard laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Our case focuses on the significance of comorbidities on patients' symptoms, which sometimes may mislead the therapeutic process.

Lessons learned from revision procedures: a case series pleading for reinforcement of the anterior hiatus in recurrent hiatal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Hiatal Hernia (HH) is a common structural defect of the diaphragm. Laparoscopic repair with suturing of the hiatal pillars followed by fundoplication has become standard practice. In an attempt to lower HH recurrence rates, mesh reinforcement, commonly located at the posterior site of the esophageal hiatus, has been used. However, effectiveness of posterior mesh augmentation is still up to debate. There is a lack of understanding of the mechanism of recurrence requiring further investigation. We investigated the anatomic location of HH recurrences in an attempt to assess why HH recurrence rates remain high despite various attempts with mesh reinforcement. METHODS: A retrospective case series of prospectively collected data from patients with hiatal hernia repair between 2012 and 2020 was performed. In total, 54 patients with a recurrent hiatal hernia operation were included in the study. Video clips from the revision procedure were analyzed by a surgical registrar and senior surgeon to assess the anatomic location of recurrent HH. For the assessment, the esophageal hiatus was divided into four equal quadrants. Additionally, patient demographics, hiatal hernia characteristics, and operation details were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 54 patients were included. The median time between primary repair and revision procedure was 25 months (IQR 13-95, range 0-250). The left-anterior quadrant was involved in 43 patients (80%), the right-anterior quadrant in 21 patients (39%), the left-posterior quadrant in 21 patients (39%), and the right-posterior quadrant in 10 patients (19%). CONCLUSION: In this study, hiatal hernia recurrences occured most commonly at the left-anterior quadrant of the hiatus, however, posterior recurrences were not uncommon. Based on our results, we hypothesize that both posterior and anterior hiatal reinforcement might be a suitable solution to lower the recurrence rate of hiatal hernia. A randomized controlled trial using a circular, bio-absorbable mesh has been initiated to test our hypothesis.

A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial of Primary One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: With FundoRing or Nissen Fundoplications vs. without Fundoplication for the Treatment of Obesity and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background and Objectives: Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are steadily increasing world weight and antireflux surgery must be performed simultaneously with bariatric surgery in obese patients. The purpose of this study is to compare bariatric and antireflux results after OAGB with different methods of fundoplication using the excluded stomach and without fundoplication. Materials and methods: This open-label, randomized, parallel three-arm trial was conducted from March 2019 and December 2021. All patients underwent laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass and suture cruroplasty, and then had a follow-up at 24 months. Group 1 of patients had fundoplication FundoRing using the excluded stomach (FundoRingOAGB); Group 2, with Nissen fundoplication using the excluded stomach (NissenOAGB); and Group 3, without fundoplication (OAGB). We studied changes in BMI, GERD symptoms (GERD-HRQL), and the VISICK score. Results: Of 219 participants screened, 150 were randomly allocated to 3 groups: FundoRingOAGB group (n = 50), NissenOAGB group (n = 50), and OAGB group (n = 50). At post-treatment month 24, BMI changes were as follows: from 40.7 ± 5.9 (31-53) to 24.3 ± 2.8 (19-29) kg/m2 in FundoRingOAGB group; from 39.9 ± 5.3 (32-54) to 26.3 ± 2.9 (23-32) kg/m2 in Nissen group; and from 40.9 ± 6.2 (32-56) to 28.5 ± 3.9 (25-34) kg/m2 in OAGB group. The mean pre-operative GERD-HRQL heartburn score improved post-op in FundoRingOAGB group from 20.6 ± 2.24 (19.96, 21.23) to 0.44 ± 0.73 (0.23, 0,64); in NissenOAGB group from 21.34 ± 2.43 (20.64, 22.03) to 1.14 ± 1.4 (0.74, 1.53); and in OAGB group 20.5 ± 2.17 (19.9, 21.25) to 2.12 ± 1.36 (1.73, 2.5). GERD-HRQL total scores were from pre-op 25.2 ± 2.7 (24.4, 25.9) to 4.34 ± 1.3 (3.96, 4.7) post-op in FundoRingOAGB group; 24.8 ± 2.93 (24, 25.67) pre-op to 5.42 ± 1.7 (4.9, 5.9) in the NissenOAGB group; and from 21.46 ± 2.7 (20.7, 22.2) to 7.44 ± 2.7 (6.6, 8.2) in the OAGB group. The mean VISICK score improved from 3.64 ± 0.94 (3.7, 3.9) to 1.48 ± 1.26 (1.12, 1.84) in FundoRingOAGB, from 3.42 ± 0.97 (3.1, 3,7) to 2.5 ± 1.46 (2.06, 2.9) in NissenOAGB group and from 3.38 ± 0.88 (3.1, 3,69) to 2.96 ± 1.19 (2.62, 3.2) in OAGB group. Conclusions: Antireflux and bariatric results of FundoRingOAGB are better than using the NissenOAGB method and significantly better than OAGB without the use of fundoplication.

Enhanced recovery after surgery may mitigate the risks associated with robotic-assisted fundoplication in lung transplant patients.

INTRODUCTION: A history of lung transplantation is a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication. We wanted to determine whether enhanced recovery after a robotic-assisted surgery program would mitigate these risks. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgery database for patients who underwent elective antireflux procedures from 1/2018 to 2/2021 under the enhanced recovery after surgery program using robotic assistance. We identified the patient and surgical characteristics, morbidity, length of stay, and 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS: Among 386 patients who underwent barrier creation, 41 had previously undergone a lung transplant, either bilateral (n = 28) or single (n = 13). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (9.8% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.27), median hospital length of stay (1 d vs. 1 d, p = 0.28), or 30-day readmission (7.3% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.46). Bivariate analysis showed that older age (p = 0.03), history of DVT/PE (p < 0.001), history of cerebrovascular events (p = 0.03), opioid dependence (p = 0.02), neurocognitive dysfunction (p < 0.001), and dependent functional status (p = 0.02) were associated with postoperative complications. However, lung transplantation was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (p = 0.28). DISCUSSION: The risk of surgical complications in patients with a history of lung transplantation may be mitigated by the combination of ERAS and minimally invasive surgery such as robot-assisted surgery.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic cardia peripheral tissue scar formation (ECSF) for the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment is increasingly used for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD). Unlike the mechanism of conventional surgical fundoplication, gastroesophageal junction ligation, anti-reflux mucosal intervention, and radiofrequency ablation have extremely similar anti-reflux mechanisms; hence, we collectively refer to them as endoscopic cardia peripheral tissue scar formation (ECSF). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of ECSF in treating rGERD. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline, China Knowledge Network, and Wanfang, to ensure a systematic approach for data collection between January 2011 and July 2023. Forest plots were used to summarize and combine the GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL), gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire score, and DeMeester scores, acid exposure time, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophagitis, proton pump inhibitors use, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: This study comprised 37 studies, including 1732 patients. After ECSF, significant improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life score (mean difference [MD] = 18.27 95% CI: 14.81-21.74), gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire score (MD = 4.85 95% CI: 3.96-5.75), DeMeester score (MD = 42.34, 95% CI: 31.37-53.30), acid exposure time (MD = 7.98, 95% CI: 6.03-9.92), and lower esophageal sphincter pressure was observed (MD = -5.01, 95% CI: -8.39 to 1.62). The incidence of serious adverse effects after ECSF was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.9%-1.2%), and postoperatively, 67.4% (95% CI: 66.4%-68.2%) of patients could discontinue proton pump inhibitor-like drugs, and the treatment outcome was observed to be satisfactory in over 80% of the patients. Subgroup analyses of the various procedures showed that all 3 types improved several objective or subjective patient indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current meta-analysis, we conclude that rGERD can be safely and effectively treated with ECSF as an endoscopic procedure.

A decade of experience with minimally invasive anti-reflux operations: robot vs. LESS.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of robotic systems for anti-reflux operations prompted this study to evaluate and compare the efficacy of robotic and Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site (LESS) approaches. METHODS: From 2012, 228 robotic fundoplication and 518 LESS fundoplication patients were prospectively followed, analyzing perioperative metrics. Data are presented as median (mean ± SD); significance at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Patients undergoing a robotic vs. LESS fundoplication were 67 (64 ± 13.7) vs. 61 (59 ± 15.1) years-old with BMIs of 25 (25 ± 3.2) vs. 26 (25 ± 3.9) kg/m2 (p = 0.001 and 1.00, respectively). 72% of patients who underwent the robotic approach had a previous abdominal operation(s) vs 44% who underwent the LESS approach (p = 0.0001). 38% vs. 8% had a re-operative fundoplication (p = 0.0001), 59% vs. 45% had a type IV hiatal hernia (p = 0.0004). Operative duration was 160 (176 ± 76.7) vs. 130 (135 ± 50.5) min (p = 0.0001). There were 0 (robotic) vs. 5 (LESS) conversions to a different approach (p = 0.33). 5 Patients vs. 3 patients experienced postoperative complications (p = 0.06), and length of stay (LOS) was 1 (2 ± 2.6) vs. 1 (1 ± 3.2) days (p = 0.0001). Patient symptomatic dysphagia preoperatively for the robotic vs. LESS approach was scored as 2 (2.4 ± 1.9) vs. 1 (1.9 ± 1.6). Postoperatively, symptomatic dysphagia was scored as 1 (1.5 ± 1.6) vs. 1 (1.7 ± 1.7). The change in these scores was - 1 (- 1 ± 2.2) vs. 0 (- 0.5 ± 2.2) (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Despite longer operative times and LOS in older patients, the robotic approach is efficient in undertaking very difficult operations, including patients with type IV or recurrent hiatal hernias. Furthermore, preoperative anti-reflux operations were more likely to be undertaken with the robotic approach than the LESS approach. The patient's postoperative symptomatic dysphagia improved relatively more than after the LESS approach. The vast majority of patients who underwent the LESS approach enjoyed improved cosmesis, thus, making LESS a stronger candidate for more routine operations. Despite patient selection bias, the robotic and LESS approaches to anti-reflux operations are safe, efficacious, and should be situationally utilized.

Perioperative outcomes of the surgical management of achalasia in two tertiary Cameroonian hospitals: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a rare esophageal disease with potentially lethal complications. Knowledge of the outcomes of the different surgical treatment modalities for achalasia by Heller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) helps to choose the safest and most effective option. However, data on the management of achalsia using a Heller myotomy is limited in Africa. Thus, our aim was to determine the perioperative morbidity, mortality and short-term functional outcomes of HCM in Cameroon. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cohort study throughout a 10-year chart review of patients who underwent HCM for achalasia and were followed up postoperatively for at least three months at two tertiary health centers in Cameroon. We analyzed demographic data, preoperative clinical and imaging data, treatment details, and outcomes at three to twelve months after HCM using the Eckardt score. RESULTS: We enrolled 29 patients with achalasia having a mean age of 24 ± 16 years and predominantly females (M/F of 1/3.8). The mean symptom duration was 51 ± 20 months. In 80% of cases, the diagnosis was made through a conventional x-ray contrast imaging or "barium swallow test" (93%) and/or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (86%). The gold standard diagnostic method via esophageal manometry was unavailable. Preoperatievly, all patients had symptoms suggestive of an active achalasia. HCM was performed via laparotomy in 75% as opposed to 25% laparoscopic HCM procedures. Dor's anterior partial fundoplication was the main anti-reflux procedure performed (59%). Mucosal perforations were the only intraoperative complications in eight patients (2 during laparoscopy vs. 6 during laparotomy; p > 0.5) and were managed successfully by simple sutures. Postoperative complications were non-severe and occurred in 10% of patients all operated via laparotomy. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 7 ± 3 days for laparotomy vs. 5 ± 2 days for laparoscopy; p > 0.5. The perioperative mortality rate was nil. Overall, the short-term postoperative functional outcome was rated excellent; average Eckardt score of 1.5 ± 0.5 (vs. preoperative Eckardt Score of 9 ± 1; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Achalasia is diagnosed late in this resource-limited setting. HCM yields satisfactory outcomes, especially via laparoscopic management. An improvement in diagnostic esophageal manometry and mini-invasive surgical infrastructure and the required surgical training/skills are needed for optimal achalasia care.

A systematic review of Sandifer syndrome in children with severe gastroesophageal reflux.

PURPOSE: Sandifer syndrome (SS), which combines gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and a neurological or psychiatric disorder, is an uncommon condition that often takes a long time to diagnosis. We aimed to systematically review available papers regarding SS. METHODS: After presenting our two cases of SS, we systematically reviewed articles published in MEDILINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 54 reported cases and 2 of our own cases. Our results showed that all cases achieved symptom improvement with appropriate treatment for GER. Notably, 19 of the 56 cases exhibited anatomical anomalies, such as hiatal hernia and malrotation. Significantly more patients with than without anatomical anomalies required surgery (p < 0.001). However, 23 of the 29 patients without anatomical anomalies (79%) achieved symptom improvement without surgery. Patients who did not undergo surgery had a median (interquartile range) duration to symptom resolution of 1 (1-1) month. CONCLUSION: The primary care providers should keep SS in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abnormal posturing and no apparent neuromuscular disorders. Fundoplication may be effective especially for patients with anatomical anomalies or those whose symptoms do not improve after more than 1 month with nonsurgical treatment.

A Multidisciplinary Minimally Invasive Approach Is Necessary for the Contemporary Management of Esophageal Diverticula.

Background: Esophageal diverticula were traditionally treated with open surgery, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Management has shifted to minimally invasive approaches with several advantages. We examine outcomes in patients with esophageal diverticula treated with minimally invasive techniques by a multidisciplinary surgical team at a single center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed for patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for esophageal diverticula at our institution from June 2010 to December 2022. Primary outcomes were 30-day morbidity and mortality rates. Secondary outcomes were symptom resolution, length of stay (LOS), readmission, and need for reintervention. Results: A total of 28 patients were identified. Twelve patients had pharyngeal diverticula, 7 patients had midesophageal diverticula, and 9 patients had epiphrenic diverticula. Thirty-day morbidity and readmission rates were 10.7% (3 patients), 1 pharyngeal (sepsis), 1 midesophageal (refractory nausea), and 1 epiphrenic (poor oral intake). There were no esophageal leaks. Average LOS was 2.3 days, with the pharyngeal group experiencing a significantly shorter LOS (1.3 days versus 3.4 days for midesophageal, P < .01 versus 2.8 days for epiphrenic, P < .05). Symptom resolution after initial operation was 78.6%. Reintervention rate was 17.9%, and symptom resolution after reintervention was 100%. There were no mortalities. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that esophageal diverticula can be repaired safely and efficiently when performed by a multidisciplinary team utilizing advanced minimally invasive endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. We advocate for the management of this rare condition at a high-volume center with extensive experience in foregut surgery.

Short term safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation vs minimally invasive fundoplication: an ACS-NSQIP analysis.

PURPOSE: Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) is an FDA-approved anti-reflux procedure with comparable outcomes to fundoplication. However, most data regarding its use are limited to single or small multicenter studies which may limit the generalizability of its efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing MSA vs fundoplication in a national database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2017-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Registry was utilized to evaluate patients undergoing MSA or fundoplication. Patients requiring Collis gastroplasty, paraesophageal hernia repair, and emergency cases, were excluded. Patient outcomes included overall complication rates, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 7,882 patients underwent MSA (n = 597) or fundoplication (n = 7285). MSA patients were younger (51 vs 57, p < 0.001), and more often male (49.6 vs 34.3%, p < 0.001). While patients undergoing MSA experienced similar rates of reoperation (1.0 vs 2.0%, p = 0.095), they experienced fewer readmissions (2.2 vs 4.7%, p = 0.005), complications (0.6 vs 4.0%, p < 0.001), shorter mean (SD) hospital length of stay(days) (0.4 ± 4.3 vs 1.8 ± 4.6, p < 0.001) and operative time(min) (80.8 ± 36.1 vs 118.7 ± 63.7, p < 0.001). Mortality was similar between groups (0 vs 0.3%, p = 0.175). On multivariable analysis, MSA was independently associated with reduced postoperative complications (OR 0.23, CI 0.08 to 0.61, p = 0.002), readmissions (OR 0.53, CI 0.30 to 0.94, p = 0.02), operative time (RC - 36.56, CI - 41.62 to - 31.49. p < 0.001) and length of stay (RC - 1.22, CI - 1.61 to - 0.84 p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this national database study, compared to fundoplication MSA was associated with reduced postoperative complications, fewer readmissions, and shorter operative time and hospital length of stay. While randomized trials are lacking between MSA and fundoplication, both institutional and national database studies continue to support the use of MSA as a safe anti-reflux operation.

Validity and reliability evidence support task-specific metrics for laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR) is a complex operation requiring advanced surgical training. Surgical simulation offers a potential solution for learning complex operations without the need for high surgical volume. Our goal is to develop a virtual reality (VR) simulator for LHHR; however, data supporting task-specific metrics for this procedure are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess validity and reliability evidence of task-specific metrics for the fundoplication phase of LHHR. METHODS: In phase I, structured interviews with expert foregut surgeons were conducted to develop task-specific metrics (TSM). In phase II, participants with varying levels of surgical expertise performed a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure on a porcine stomach explant. Video recordings were independently assessed by two blinded graders using global and TSM. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess interrater reliability (IRR). Performance scores were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the association between global and TSM. RESULTS: Phase I of the study consisted of 12 interviews with expert foregut surgeons. Phase II engaged 31 surgery residents, a fellow, and 6 attendings in the simulation. Phase II results showed high IRR for both global (ICC = 0.84, p < 0.001) and TSM (ICC = 0.75, p < 0.001). Significant between-group differences were detected for both global (χ2 = 24.01, p < 0.001) and TSM (χ2 = 18.4, p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in performance between the three groups for both metrics (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between the global and TSM (rs = 0.86, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We developed task-specific metrics for LHHR and using a fundoplication model, we documented significant reliability and validity evidence. We anticipate that these LHHR task-specific metrics will be useful in our planned VR simulator.

Effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy plus fundoplication versus sleeve gastrectomy alone for treatment of patients with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a widely performed bariatric surgery, but it is associated with an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in the long term. The addition of fundoplication to laparoscopic SG may improve lower oesophageal sphincter function and reduce postoperative GERD. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of SG plus fundoplication (SG + F) versus SG alone for the treatment of patients with severe obesity (≥35 kg/m2). SETTING: Meta-analysis. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched from inception until January 2023. Studies were included if they compared outcomes of SG + F versus SG in patients with severe obesity (≥35 kg/m2). The primary outcome was remission of GERD postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of excess weight loss, percentage of total weight loss, postoperative complication rate, operative time, and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 5 studies with 539 subjects (212 SG + F and 327 SG alone) were included. The mean preoperative body mass index was 42.6 kg/m2. SG + F achieved higher remission of GERD compared with laparoscopic SG (odds ratio [OR] = 13.13; 95% CI, 3.54-48.73; I2 = 0%). However, the percentage of total weight loss was lower in the SG + F group (mean difference [MD] = -2.75, 95% CI, -4.28 to -1.23; I2 = 0%), whereas there was no difference in the percentage of excess weight loss (MD = -0.64; 95% CI, -20.62-19.34; I2 = 83%). There were higher postoperative complications in SG + F (OR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.12-5.87; I2 = 0%) as well. There was no difference in operative time or length of stay between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: SG + F achieved better GERD remission but is associated with lesser weight loss and increased postoperative complications compared with SG alone. Further studies are required to ascertain the overall clinical benefit of SG + F for patients with severe obesity.

Quantifying Perioperative Risks for Antireflux and Hiatus Hernia Surgery: A Multicenter Cohort Study of 4301 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Using a comprehensive Australian cohort, we quantified the incidence and determined the independent predictors of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with antireflux and hiatus hernia surgeries. In addition, we performed an in-depth analysis to understand the complication profiles associated with each independent risk factor. BACKGROUND: Predicting perioperative risks for fundoplication and hiatus hernia repair will inform treatment decision-making, hospital resource allocation, and benchmarking. However, available risk calculators do not account for hernia anatomy or technical aspects of surgery in estimating perioperative risk. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all elective antireflux and hiatus hernia surgeries in 36 Australian hospitals over 10 years. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of intraoperative and postoperative complications accounting for patient, surgical, anatomic, and perioperative factors. RESULTS: A total of 4301 surgeries were analyzed. Of these, 1569 (36.5%) were large/giant hernias and 292 (6.8%) were revisional procedures. The incidence rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications were 12.6% and 13.3%, respectively. The Charlson Comorbidity Index, hernia size, revisional surgery, and baseline anticoagulant usage independently predicted both intraoperative and postoperative complications. These risk factors were associated with their own complication profiles. Finally, using risk matrices, we visualized the cumulative impact of these 4 risk factors on the development of intraoperative, overall postoperative, and major postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study has improved our understanding of perioperative morbidity associated with antireflux and hiatus hernia surgery. Our findings group patients along a spectrum of perioperative risks that inform care at an individual and institutional level.

Fundoplication at the time of paraesophageal hernia repair may not reduce postoperative reflux.

Hiatal hernias are observed in approximately 15% to 20% of the population in Western society. Most patients are diagnosed with a sliding-type hiatal hernia, of which gastroesophageal reflux is the predominant driving symptom. Surgical repair of these types of hernias often involves a wrap procedure during the index operation as standard of care. For type 2, 3, and 4 hernias, also known as paraesophageal hernias (PEHs), the symptom complexes vary and often involve symptoms other than reflux, including dysphagia, anemia, shortness of breath, and chest pain. We sought to evaluate whether patients who underwent PEH repair without fundoplication reported different rates of postoperative symptoms compared with those who did.