Impact of Body Composition on Esophagogastric Junction Opening Measures: Discordant FLIP and Manometric Findings Are More Common With Increased Body Mass Index.

INTRODUCTION: Increased intra-abdominal pressure in patients with elevated body mass index (BMI) may affect measurements of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening. METHODS: Findings from adult patients who underwent both impedance planimetry with functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were compared by BMI. RESULTS: Among patients with no EGJ outflow obstruction on HRM, abnormal EGJ classifications on FLIP were more common among those with elevated than normal BMI (61.1% vs 31.6%, P = 0.037). DISCUSSION: Discordant results between FLIP and HRM on EGJ opening are more common in patients with elevated BMI. Body composition may impact EGJ function and measures on current testing modalities.

Distinct Clinical Physiologic Phenotypes of Patients With Laryngeal Symptoms Referred for Reflux Evaluation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Heterogeneous presentations and disease mechanisms among patients with laryngeal symptoms account for misdiagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), variations in testing, and suboptimal outcomes. We aimed to derive phenotypes of patients with laryngeal symptoms based on clinical and physiologic data and to compare characteristics across phenotypes. METHODS: A total of 302 adult patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms were prospectively enrolled at 3 centers between January 2018 to October 2020 (age 57.2 ± 15.2 years; 30% male; body mass index 27.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2). Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) was applied to 12 clinical and 11 physiologic variables collected in stable condition to derive phenotypic groups. RESULTS: DAPC identified 5 groups, with significant differences across symptoms, hiatal hernia size, and number of reflux events (P < .01). Group A had the greatest hiatal hernia size (3.1 ± 1.0 cm; P < .001) and reflux events (37.5 ± 51; P < .001), with frequent cough, laryngeal symptoms, heartburn, and regurgitation. Group B had the highest body mass index (28.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2; P < .001) and salivary pepsin (150 ± 157 ng/mL; P = .03), with frequent cough, laryngeal symptoms, globus, heartburn, and regurgitation. Group C frequently reported laryngeal symptoms (93%; P < .001), and had fewest esophageal symptoms (9.6%; P < .001) and reflux events (10.7 ± 11.0; P < .001). Group D commonly reported cough (88%; P < .001) and heartburn. Group E (18%) was oldest (62.9 ± 14.3 years; P < .001) and distinguished by highest integrated relaxation pressure. CONCLUSIONS: DAPC identified distinct clinicophysiologic phenotypes of patients with laryngeal symptoms referred for reflux evaluation: group A, LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia; group B, mild LPR/GERD; group C, no LPR/No GERD; group D, reflex cough; and group E, mixed/possible obstructive esophagogastric junction. Phenotypic differences may inform targeted clinical trials design and improve outcomes.

Eating and Psychiatric Disorders Are Independent Risk Factors for Rumination Syndrome.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether a history of eating disorders (EDs) or psychiatric disorders (PDs) are risk factors for rumination syndrome (RS). BACKGROUND: RS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by an effortless postprandial retrograde flow of ingested contents. Disorder of gut-brain interactions have been associated with psychiatric and behavioral comorbidities. No prior comparative study has assessed the relationship between RS and ED or PD. METHODS: This was a case-control study of adults with RS at a tertiary center in January 2013 to January 2018. Two age-matched/gender-matched controls per RS case were identified. The Fisher exact test (categorical)/Student t test (continuous) and forward stepwise logistic regression were performed for univariate and multivariable analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (24 cases/48 controls) were included. Baseline demographics and characteristics were similar between cases and controls. Among RS patients, 9 (37.5%) had a history of ED, including 3 (12.5%) anorexia nervosa and 4 (16.7%) bulimia nervosa; and 20 (83.3%) had a PD, including 9 (37.5%) anxiety and 7 (29.2%) depression. Prevalence of ED (37.5% vs. 4.2%, P=0.0002) and PD (83.3% vs. 50.0%, P=0.0062) were higher among RS patients than controls. Specifically, the risks of anorexia nervosa (16.7% vs. 0%, P=0.005) and bulimia nervosa (21.1% vs. 0%, P=0.001) were both increased in RS patients. On multivariable analysis, ED (adjusted odds ratio=16.4, P=0.0033) and PD (adjusted odds ratio=4.47, P=0.029) remained independent predictors for RS. CONCLUSIONS: A history of ED and PD were independent risk factors for RS. Abnormal eating behaviors and psychiatric comorbidities may contribute to the pathogenesis of RS. Evaluation of RS should include a detailed history for ED and PD.

Symptoms classically attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux correlate poorly with pharyngeal reflux events on multichannel intraluminal impedance testing.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is thought to be a common etiology of throat and airway symptoms. Diagnosis of LPR is challenging, given the variable symptomatology and response to therapy. Identifying symptoms that better correlate with LPR may inform management strategies. We aimed to examine the association between patient-reported symptoms and objectively identified LPR on ambulatory reflux monitoring. This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults with suspected LPR undergoing combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing (HEMII-pH) at a tertiary center. All patients completed standardized symptom surveys for presenting symptoms, reflux symptom index (RSI), and voice handicap index (VHI). LPR was defined as >1 full-column pharyngeal reflux event on HEMII-pH over 24 hours. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. A total of 133 patients were included (mean age = 55.9 years, 69.9% female). Of this 83 (62.4%) reported concomitant esophageal symptoms. RSI and VHI did not correlate with proximal esophageal or pharyngeal reflux events (Kendall's tau correlations P > 0.05), although the mean RSI was higher in the LPR group (21.1 ± 18.9 vs. 17.1 ± 8.3, P = 0.044). Cough, but not other laryngeal symptoms, was more common among patients with esophageal symptoms (58% vs. 36%, P = 0.014). Neither laryngeal symptoms nor esophageal symptoms of reflux predicted LPR on univariate or multivariable analyses (all P > 0.05). Neither laryngeal symptoms classically attributed to LPR nor typical esophageal symptoms correlated with pharyngeal reflux events on HEMII-pH. Clinical symptoms alone are not sufficient to make an LPR diagnosis. Broad evaluation for competing differential diagnoses and objective reflux monitoring should be considered in patients with suspected LPR symptoms.

Coexisting Abnormal Esophageal Body Motility Predicts Clinical Symptoms and Bolus Transit in Patients With Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction (EGJOO).

GOAL: The goal of this study was to compare the clinical presentations of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) with coexisting abnormal esophageal body motility (EBM) to isolated EGJOO. BACKGROUND: The clinical significance and management of EGJOO remain debated, as patients may have varied to no symptoms. The effect of coexisting abnormal EBM in EGJOO is unclear. We hypothesized that a concomitant EBM disorder is associated with clinical symptoms of EGJOO. STUDY: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults diagnosed with EGJOO on high-resolution impedance-manometry (HRIM) at 2 academic centers in March 2018 to September 2018. Patients with prior treatment for achalasia, foregut surgery, or evidence of obstruction were excluded. Subjects were divided into EGJOO with abnormal EBM per Chicago classification v3.0 and isolated EGJOO. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher-exact or Student t test (univariate) and logistic or linear regression (multivariate). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (72% women, age 61.1±10.7 y) were included. Thirty-one (37.8%) had abnormal EBM, including 16 (19.5%) ineffective esophageal motility and 15 (18.2%) hypercontractile esophagus. Esophageal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia) were more prevalent among those with abnormal EBM (90.3% vs. 64.7%, P=0.01). On logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and opioid use, abnormal EBM remained predictive of esophageal symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.51, P=0.007). On separate models constructed, HE was associated with chest pain (aOR 7.45, P=0.01) and regurgitation (aOR 4.06, P=0.046), while ineffective esophageal motility was predictive of heartburn (aOR 5.84, P=0.009) and decreased complete bolus transit (ß-coefficient -0.177, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Coexisting abnormal EBM is associated with esophageal symptoms and bolus transit in patients with EGJOO.

Prevalence and clinical significance of esophageal motility disorders in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Esophageal motor dysfunction may underlie impaired bolus/refluxate clearance in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). However, the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility and its correlation with reflux parameters and symptoms in LPR is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coexisting esophageal dysmotility among patients with suspected LPR. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 194 consecutive patients with LPR symptoms referred for high-resolution manometry (HRM) and combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH testing at a tertiary center in March 2018 to August 2019. Validated symptom surveys were prospectively collected at time of testing, including Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, dominant symptom intensity, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. HRM findings were categorized using Chicago Classification v3.0. RESULTS: Abnormal findings on HRM were identified in 84 (43.3%) patients, with ineffective esophageal motility (n = 60, 30.9%) as the most common diagnosis. A disorder of esophagogastric junction outflow or a major disorder of peristalsis was identified in 26 (13.4%) patients, including 2 (1%) with achalasia and 7 (3.6%) with jackhammer esophagus. Reflux burden (distal, proximal, or pharyngeal) on combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH testing did not differ across HRM findings. Patients reporting esophageal symptoms were more likely to have a primary motility disorder (odds ratio 2.34, P = 0.04). However, no significant differences in Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, or 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey were noted across HRM diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Esophageal motility disorders are prevalent among patients with LPR symptoms, including up to one in seven with esophagogastric junction outflow or major peristaltic disorder. Patients with abnormal motility more likely report esophageal symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of these coexisting conditions, particularly in those with refractory symptoms.

Routine Pouchoscopy Prior to Ileostomy Takedown May Not Be Necessary in Patients with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Creation of a J pouch is the gold standard surgical intervention in the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). Pouchoscopy prior to ileostomy takedown is commonly performed. We describe the frequency, indication, and findings on pouchoscopy, and determine if pouchoscopy affects rates of complications after takedown. METHODS: All UC or indeterminate inflammatory bowel disease patients with a J pouch were retrospectively evaluated from January 1994 to December 2014. Cases were defined as having routine (asymptomatic) pouchoscopy after pouch creation but before ileostomy takedown. Controls were defined as having no pouchoscopy or pouchoscopy on the same day as that of takedown. RESULTS: The study included 178 patients (81.5% cases, 18.5% controls). Fifty two percent of pouchoscopies were reported as normal. Common abnormal endoscopy findings included stricture (35%), pouchitis (7%), and cuffitis (0.7%). Length of stay during takedown hospitalization was shorter for cases than controls (3 vs. 5 days; p = 0.001), but neither short- nor long-term complications were statistically different between cases and controls. Abnormalities on pouchoscopy were not predictive for short-term complications (p = 0.73) or long-term complications (p = 0.55). Routine pouchoscopy did not delay takedown surgery in any of the included patients. CONCLUSIONS: Routine pouchoscopy may not be necessary prior to ileostomy takedown; its greatest utility is in patients with suspected pouch complications.

A multicenter experience of through-the-scope balloon-assisted enteroscopy in surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy poses challenges for deep enteroscopy. Current overtube-assisted methods have long procedure times and utilize endoscopes with smaller working channels that preclude use of standard accessories. A through-the-scope balloon-assisted enteroscopy (TTS-BAE) device uses standard endoscopes with a large working channel to allow metallic and plastic stent insertion. We aim to determine the efficacy and safety of TTS-BAE in patients with altered surgical anatomy. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study of TTS-BAE in altered anatomy patients at two USA and one German institution was performed between January 2013 and December 2014. Type of anatomy, procedure indication and duration, adverse events, and target, technical, and clinical success were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (mean age 54 years, Caucasian 81.6%, female 42.1%, mean BMI 25.4 kg/m2) underwent 38 TTS-BAE procedures. Thirty-two percent of cases had a prior attempt at conventional enteroscopy which failed to reach the target site. The target was successfully reached in 23 (60.5%) cases. Of the 23 cases that reached the intended target, 22 (95.7%) achieved technical success and 21 (91.3%) achieved clinical success. The median procedure time was 43 min. Target, technical, and clinical success rates for TTS-BAE-assisted ERCP (n = 31) were 58.1, 54.8 and 54.8%. Seven self-expandable metallic stents (five biliary, two jejunal) were attempted, and all successfully deployed. Adverse events occurred in 4 (10.4%) cases, including one luminal perforation. CONCLUSION: TTS-BAE is an alternative to overtube-assisted enteroscopy that is comparable in safety in patients with surgically altered anatomies. Technical success in the instances where the target had been reached was excellent. TTS-BAE confers an advantage over overtube-assisted enteroscopy as it can facilitate the deployment of self-expandable metallic stents in the biliary tree and deep small bowel.

Endoscopic management of bariatric surgical complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment against obesity as it results in significant weight reduction and a high rate of remission of obesity-related comorbidities. However, bariatric surgery is not uncommonly associated with complications and an endoscopic approach to management is preferred over surgical reintervention. This review illustrates the latest developments in the endoscopic management of bariatric surgical complications. RECENT FINDINGS: For successful management of complications, precipitating and perpetuating factors must be addressed in addition to directing therapy at the target pathology. Endoscopy is well tolerated even in the acute postoperative setting when performed carefully with CO2 insufflation. Chronic proximal staple-line leaks/fistulas frequently do not respond to primary closure with diversion therapy, and a new technique of stricturotomy has been reported to improve outcomes. Innovations in the field of transoral endoscopic instruments have led to the development of a single-session entirely internal endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by creating a gastrogastric anastomosis. SUMMARY: Endoscopy allows for early diagnosis and prompt institution of therapy and should, therefore, be the first-line intervention in the management of complications of bariatric surgery in patients who do not need urgent surgical intervention. Computed tomography-guided drainage may be necessary in patients with drainable fluid collections. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COG/A11.

The Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Proton Pump Inhibitor Use on the Risk of Repeat Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with increased incidence/recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of GERD and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on outcomes of AF catheter ablation remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between the presence of GERD and risk of repeat AF ablation, stratified by PPI therapy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF undergoing initial ablation in January 2011-September 2015. GERD was defined by endoscopic findings, objective reflux testing, or clinical symptoms. The association between GERD/PPI use and time to repeat ablation was evaluated by time-to-event analysis with censoring at the last clinic follow-up within 1 year. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-one subjects were included. Patients with GERD (n = 80) had a higher 1-year repeat ablation rate compared with those with no GERD (25% vs 11.3%, P = 0.0034). Stratifying by PPI use, patients with untreated GERD (37.5%) more likely needed repeat ablation compared with reflux-free (11.3%, P = 0.0003) and treated GERD (16.7%, P = 0.035) subjects. On multivariable Cox regression analyses, GERD was an independent risk factor of repeat ablation (hazard ratio [HR] 3.30, confidence interval [CI] 1.79-6.08, P = 0.0001). Specifically, untreated GERD was associated with earlier repeat ablation compared with no GERD (HR 4.02, CI 1.62-12.05, P = 0.0013). However, no significant difference in repeat ablation risk was noted between reflux-free and PPI-treated GERD groups. DISCUSSION: GERD was an independent predictor for risk of repeat AF ablation within 1 year, even after controlling for major cardiovascular comorbidities and confounders. PPI therapy modulated this risk, as repeat ablation-free survival for PPI-treated GERD was noninferior to reflux-free patients.

Higher obesity class is associated with more severe esophageal symptoms and reflux burden but not altered motor function or contractile reserve.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obesity often report esophageal symptoms, with abnormal reflux and esophageal motility suggested as potential mechanisms. However, prior studies showed varying results, often limited by study design/size and esophageal function/symptom measures utilized. We aimed to examine the relationship between obesity and objective esophageal function testing and patient-reported outcomes, utilizing prospective symptom, manometric and reflux monitoring data with impedance. METHODS: Adults referred for high-resolution impedance-manometry (HRiM) and multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) to evaluate esophageal symptoms were enrolled. Validated symptom and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) instruments were prospectively collected: GERDQ, reflux symptoms index (RSI), dominant symptom intensity (DSI, multiplied 5-point Likert scales for symptom frequency/severity), global symptom severity (GSS, 100-point visual analog scale), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) for HR-QOL. Esophageal function testing measures were compared across body mass index (BMI) categories and correlated with patient-reported outcomes. KEY RESULTS: Seven hundred and fifty four patients were included (Normal:281/Overweight:253/Class I obesity:137/Class II/III obesity:83). Reflux burden measures on MII-pH (acid exposure time, total reflux episodes, bolus exposure time), conclusive pathologic reflux (Lyon), and hiatal hernia were increased in higher obesity classes compared to normal BMI. Class II/III obesity was associated with more normal/hypercontractile swallows, less ineffective swallows, and better bolus transit on HRiM. BMI correlated positively with GERDQ/RSI/DSI/GSS, and negatively with physical component score (SF-12). Esophageal symptom severity and HR-QOL correlated strongly with MII-pH findings, but not HRiM measures. CONCLUSIONS/INFERENCES: Obesity is associated with increased esophageal symptom burden and worse physical HR-QOL, which correlate with higher acid/bolus reflux burden but not altered esophageal motility/transit/contractile reserve.

Impaired Proximal Esophageal Contractility Predicts Pharyngeal Reflux in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: The pathophysiology of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remains incompletely understood. Proximal esophageal motor dysfunction may impair bolus clearance, increasing the risk of pharyngeal refluxate exposure. We aimed to evaluate the association of proximal esophageal contractility with objective reflux metrics. METHODS: We evaluated adults with LPR symptoms undergoing high-resolution manometry (HRM) and combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing at a tertiary center between March 2018 and August 2019. Routine parameters per Chicago classification were obtained on HRM. Proximal esophageal contractility was evaluated using proximal contractile integral (PCI), which quantifies contractile pressure >20 mm Hg for the region spanning the distal margin of the upper esophageal sphincter and transition zone. Univariate (Kendall correlation and Student t test) and multivariable (general linear regression and logistic regression) analyses were performed. RESULTS: We enrolled 138 patients (66.7% women, mean age 57.1 years) in this study. Lower PCI was associated with an elevated risk of increased pharyngeal reflux (adjusted odds ratio 0.83 per 100 mm Hg-s-cm change in PCI, 95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.98), with a trend toward increased bolus exposure time and total reflux events, after multivariable adjustment. The relationship between PCI and pharyngeal reflux was strongest among participants without a primary motility disorder on HRM (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.85, P interaction = 0.04). Among continuously expressed reflux parameters, lower PCI was significantly associated with more distal acid reflux events (ß = -0.0094, P = 0.03) and total reflux events (ß = -0.0172, P = 0.05), after adjusting for confounders. DISCUSSION: Reduced proximal esophageal contractility as assessed by decreased PCI on HRM independently predicted increased pharyngeal reflux in patients with LPR symptoms, particularly among those without a coexisting motility disorder.

Initial Assessment, Risk Stratification, and Early Management of Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Inhospital mortality from nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding has improved with advances in medical and endoscopy therapy. Initial management includes resuscitation, hemodynamic monitoring, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and restrictive blood transfusion. Risk stratification scores help triage bleeding severity and provide prognosis. Upper endoscopy is recommended within 24 hours of presentation; select patients at lowest risk may be effectively treated as outpatients. Emergent endoscopy within 12 hours does not improve clinical outcomes, including mortality, rebleeding, or need for surgery, despite an increased use of endoscopic treatment. There may be a benefit to emergent endoscopy in patients with evidence of active bleeding.

Endoscopic Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications.

Obesity is a global epidemic that has significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and rising health care costs. In morbidly obese patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2, bariatric surgery is a grade A recommendation and is associated with up to 40% reduction in premature death. Increasingly, endoscopy is seen as a safer and more cost-effective approach to the management of weight loss surgery complications including gastrointestinal bleeding, development of anastomotic ulcers, staple-line leaks and fistulas, strictures, weight regain, bezoars, choledocholithiasis, and gastric band erosion and slippage. Many endoscopic interventions currently rely on a combination of specialized equipment, such as stents, suture systems, clips, and balloon dilators to successfully treat these issues. This article will present common postoperative complications in bariatric surgery, discuss the latest evidence for their endoscopic management, and offer future directions in the endoluminal therapy of obese patients.