Prediction, prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy: An update.

Achalasia cardia, the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder, is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation. The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation (PD), Heller's myotomy, and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia. Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques. While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent, the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications. Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors, diagnostic methodologies, preventative strategies, and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM. This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux, potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk, and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Butterfly Wings Effect on High Resolution Manometry in A Patient with Esophageal Achalasia.

A 57-year-old man presented with dysphagia in solids and liquids deteriorating in the last months and weight loss of 3 kg. A thoracic CT revealed a limit dilatation of the lower esophagus with food residue. An upper endoscopy was performed revealing bubble content and a contraction of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). A barium esophagogram demonstrated deceleration of esophageal emptying and a bird beak sign indicative of esophageal achalasia (Figure A). High resolution esophageal manometry was performed to evaluate the subtype of achalasia. The catheter could not be intubated into the stomach because of LES spasticity, it folded back cephalad at this level, producing a mirror image, the characteristic "butterfly wings" appearance of a folded manometry catheter (Figure B).

The interplay between alterations in esophageal microbiota associated with Th17 immune response and impaired LC20 phosphorylation in achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder with an unknown etiology. We aimed to determine the pathogenesis of achalasia by studying alterations in esophageal smooth muscle contraction and the associated inflammatory response, and evaluate the role of esophageal microbiota in achalasia development. METHODS: We analyzed esophageal mucosa and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) samples, obtained from patients with type II achalasia who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy. Esophageal conditioned media obtained from patients were transferred into the mouse esophagus to determine whether the esophageal intraluminal environment is associated with achalasia. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of 20-kDa myosin light chains (LC20) was phosphorylated in LES from the control group under resting and stimulated conditions, whereas less than 10% of LC20 phosphorylation was detected in achalasia under all conditions. The hypophosphorylation of LC20 in achalasia was associated with the downregulation of the myosin phosphatase-inhibitor protein CPI-17. Th17-related cytokines, including IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-23A, were significantly upregulated in achalasia. α-Diversity index of esophageal microbiota and the proportion of several microbes, including Actinomyces and Dialister, increased in achalasia. Actinomyces levels positively correlated with IL-23A levels, whereas Dialister levels were positively associated with IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 levels. Esophageal IL-17F levels increased in mice after oral administration of the conditioned media. CONCLUSIONS: In LES of patients with achalasia, hypophosphorylation of LC20, a possible cause of impaired contractility, was associated with CPI-17 downregulation and an increased Th17-related immune response. The esophageal intraluminal environment, represented by the esophageal microbiota, could be associated with the development and exacerbation of achalasia.

Successful Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using Open Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumor.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are subepithelial tumors that are difficult to remove endoscopically, particularly when located just beyond the pylorus. This paper reports a case of a successful endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using open gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for a remnant duodenal NET detected after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). A 67-year-old male presented with a 5 mm remnant duodenal NET close to the pylorus after EMR for a duodenal polypoid lesion performed four months earlier. Duodenal ESD was performed under conscious sedation using I-type and IT II knives. The tumor adhered to the fibrotic tissue, and the submucosal cushion was insufficient. Open gastric POEM was performed concurrently during ESD, resulting in the complete resection of the NET. This case suggests that while challenging, open gastric POEM can serve as a valuable technique for endoscopic resection in cases of early gastric cancer or duodenal masses located around the pylorus.

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.

Early-onset esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with achalasia: A case report.

RATIONALE: Individuals afflicted with achalasia of the cardia (AC) are more susceptible to the development of esophageal cancer (EC). However, the presence of esophageal retention obscured observation, making it difficult to detect EC early, which leads to misdiagnosis and poor prognosis in AC patients with EC. Besides, the persistence of high-risk factors may have contributed to the rapid progression of EC shortly after per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Therefore, it is imperative to alert clinicians to this extremely rare and instructive early-onset cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 67-year-old male who developed dysphagia 3 years ago without obvious causes, with intermittent onset and aggravating trend, accompanied by weight loss. He usually eats high-temperature foods and pickled foods, and has a family history of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS: The patient was initially diagnosed with AC 2 years ago and subsequently underwent POEM surgery. One year after surgery, he was found to have mid-upper EC during follow-up and underwent partial esophagectomy in time. OUTCOMES: The patient's symptoms have significantly improved with weight gain, and he is still adhering to regular follow-up and endoscopic examination. LESSONS: In rare cases, EC develops early in patients with achalasia after POEM surgery. To avoid missed diagnosis, a comprehensive examination to improve the accuracy to diagnose achalasia and identify possible early-onset cancer is very important in clinical practice. Especially for patients with AC who have a family history of EC or other high-risk factors may develop EC early after POEM surgery. Therefore, regular endoscopic follow-up after POEM surgery is essential.

Esophageal body adaptation to Nissen fundoplication: Increased esophagogastric outflow resistance yields delayed and sustained peristaltic contractions without increased amplitude.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) competency after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is well established, yet esophageal body physiology data are limited. We aimed to describe the impact of LNF on whole esophagus physiology using standard and novel manometric characteristics. METHODS: A cohort of patients with an intact fundoplication without herniation and no postoperative dysphagia were selected and underwent esophageal manometry at one-year after surgery. Pre- and post-operative manometry files were reanalyzed using standard and novel manometric characteristics and compared. KEY RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included in this study. At 16.1 (8.7) months LNF increased LES overall and abdominal length and resting pressure (p < 0.0001). Outflow resistance (IRP) increased [5.8 (3-11) to 11.1 (9-15), p < 0.0001] with a 95th percentile of 20 mmHg in this cohort of dysphagia-free patients. Distal contractile integral (DCI) also increased [1177.0 (667-2139) to 1321.1 (783-2895), p = 0.002], yet contractile amplitude was unchanged (p = 0.158). There were direct correlations between pre- and post-operative DCI [R: 0.727 (0.62-0.81), p < 0.0001] and postoperative DCI and postoperative IRP [R: 0.347 (0.16-0.51), p = 0.0006]. Contractile front velocity [3.5 (3-4) to 3.2 (3-4), p = 0.0013] was slower, while distal latency [6.7 (6-8) to 7.4 (7-9), p < 0.0001], the interval from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation [4.0 (4-5) to 4.4 (4-5), p = 0.0002], and the interval from swallow onset to point when the peristaltic wave meets the LES [9.4 (8-10) to 10.3 (9-12), p < 0.0001] were longer. Esophageal length [21.9 (19-24) to 23.2 (21-25), p < 0.0001] and transition zone (TZ) length [2.2 (1-3) to 2.5 (1-4), p = 0.004] were longer. Bolus clearance was inversely correlated with TZ length (p = 0.0002) and time from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation (p < 0.0001). Bolus clearance and UES characteristics were unchanged (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Increased outflow resistance after LNF required an increased DCI. However, this increased contractile vigor was achieved through sustained, not stronger, peristaltic contractions. Increased esophageal length was associated with increased TZ and delayed initiation of smooth muscle contractions.

[SURGICAL TREATMENT VERSUS ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR ACHALASIA IN THE MODERN ERA].

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a disorder of esophageal motility characterized by absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and abnormal peristalsis of the esophagus during swallowing. The etiology is divided into primary idiopathic achalasia and secondary achalasia and classified into 3 subtypes based on manometric evaluation, according to the Chicago 4.0 classification. The goal of the therapy is symptomatic improvement and prevention of late complications. While there are several endoscopic therapies, the gold standard therapy is laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Since its debut in 2008, per-oral-endoscopic-myotomy (POEM) became an accepted treatment for achalasia with non-inferior short term outcomes compared to Heller myotomy. In the following review, we will explore the indications, guidelines, and controversies in the modern treatment of achalsia, focusing on the Heller myotomy versus POEM.

Direct diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of thoracic esophageal diverticula: technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an alternative to surgery for the management of symptomatic thoracic esophageal diverticula. Conventionally, this requires proximal tunnel formation but a direct approach may simplify the technique. Herein, we report the outcomes of direct diverticular-POEM (DD-POEM). METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective observational study evaluating DD-POEM. This involved a direct approach to the diverticulum. Success was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3 without the need for reintervention. RESULTS: 10 patients underwent DD-POEM (median age 72 years; interquartile range [IQR] 14.3; male 60 % [n = 6]). Median diverticulum size was 40 mm (IQR 7.5) and median location was 35 cm from the incisors (IQR 8.3). Five patients (50 %) had an underlying dysmotility disorder. The median procedure duration was 60 minutes (IQR 28.8). There were no adverse events. The median hospital stay was 1 day (IQR 0.75). The pre-procedure median Eckardt score of 6 (IQR 4) significantly improved to 0 (IQR 0.75; P < 0.001) at a median follow-up of 14.5 months (IQR 13.8). Success was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: DD-POEM was a safe technique for the management of thoracic esophageal diverticula. Owing to its simplicity and excellent performance it should be further evaluated for the treatment of this disorder.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Pediatric Patients with Achalasia up to 12 Years of Age: A Pilot Study in a Single-Center Experience in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for achalasia; its indication has expanded from adults to children. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative efficacy and antireflex status of POEM in young children with achalasia aged 12 years or younger. PATIENTS: AND METHODS: Pediatric patients with achalasia aged 18 years or younger who underwent POEM in our hospital between 2016 and 2021 were included and divided into two age groups: group A (≤ 12 years) and group B (13-18 years). The success rate (Eckardt score ≤ 3), endoscopic reflux findings, and antiacid use at 1 year postoperatively were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Ten patients (four boys and six girls; Chicago classification type I: five, type II: four, and unclassified: one) were included. Mean age and preoperative Eckardt scores in groups A (n = 4) and B (n = 6) were 9.2 ± 3.0 versus 15.6 ± 0.6 years (p = 0.001) and 5.5 ± 3.9 versus 7.2 ± 3.7 (p = 0.509), respectively, and mean operative time and myotomy length were 51.3 ± 16.6 versus 52.5 ± 13.2 minutes (p = 0.898) and 10.8 ± 4.6 versus 9.8 ± 3.2 cm (p = 0.720), respectively. The 1-year success rate was 100% in both groups. Mild esophagitis (Los Angeles classification B) was endoscopically found in one patient in each group (16.7 vs. 25.0%, p = 0.714), and antiacid use was required in three patients (group A, two; group B, one; 50.0 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.500). CONCLUSION: The success rate of POEM within 1 year in young children with achalasia aged 12 years or younger was equal to that in adolescent patients. However, young children tended to require antiacids 1 year postoperatively; therefore, long-term follow-up is necessary.