Partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of persistent or recurrent oesophagitis after Nissen fundoplication

Safety and efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as revisional bariatric surgery after failed anti-reflux surgery: a systematic review

This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on weight loss and anti-reflux outcomes when used as a revisional bariatric surgical procedure after failed anti-reflux surgery. A systematic literature search next to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed for articles published by 30 Mar 2022. After examining 416 papers, 23 studies were included (n = 874 patients). Primary anti-reflux surgery included mainly Nissen fundoplication (16 studies). Reasons for revisional surgery included predominantly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (reported by 18 studies), obesity (reported by 6 studies), and hiatal hernia (reported by 6 studies). Interval to surgical revision was 5.58 ± 2.46 years (range, 1.5-9.4 yr). Upper endoscopy at revision was performed for all patients; esophageal manometry and pH monitoring were reported in 6 and 4 studies, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) at revision was 37.56 ± 5.02 kg/m2 (range, 31.4-44 kg/m2). Mean excess weight loss was 69.74% reported by 12 studies. Delta BMI reported by 7 studies was 10.41 kg/m2. The rate of perioperative complications was 16.7%, including mostly stenosis, leakage, ventral hernia, and small bowel obstruction. Mean improvement rate of GERD was 92.62% with a mean follow-up of 25.64 ± 16.59 months reported in 20 studies. RYGB seems to be an efficient surgical treatment option in failed anti-reflux procedures, but should be performed in experienced centers for selected patients, since the rate of perioperative and long-term complications must be minimized. Cooperation between bariatric and reflux surgeons is essential to offer patients with obesity and GERD the best long-term outcome.

Management of Recurrent Paraesophageal Hernia

Introduction: Recurrent paraesophageal hernias (rPEH) represent a clinical and surgical challenge. Even with a relatively high incidence, most of them are minimally symptomatic, and the need for reoperation is low. For those patients who are candidates for surgery, laparoscopic revision is a feasible and safe technique although there are other treatment options available. Methods: This article provides an overview of the definition, mechanisms of recurrence, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and indications for treatment of rPEH, as well as an overview of the surgical management options and a description of the technical principles of the repair and/or resection. Results: Surgeons should consider multiple factors when deciding the appropriate treatment of patients with rPEH, and all of them require a complete and comprehensive evaluation. The surgical options need to be individualized and include a redo PEH repair and revisional fundoplication, a partial or total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, or an esophagectomy. There are key steps during the surgical repair that contribute to a successful operation and also auxiliary techniques that can improve postoperative outcomes. After laparoscopic redo most patients have improvement of their symptoms and an acceptable rate of perioperative complications when they are performed by experienced foregut surgeons. In obese patients with rPEH, bariatric surgery can be the best treatment option. Conclusions: Laparoscopic reoperative management should be considered in symptomatic patients who are not controlled with maximal nonoperative therapy, after a thorough work-up and appropriate counseling. In cases with multiple hernia repairs, it is important to consider alternative operations.

The impact of previous fundoplication on laparoscopic gastric bypass outcomes: a case-control evaluation

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbid condition in morbidly obese gastric bypass candidates. Unfortunately, some patients who ultimately present for bariatric surgery have previously undergone Nissen fundoplication for GERD. Many surgeons consider previous fundoplication to be a relative contraindication to subsequent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) due to increased technical complexity and risk. We sought to compare the perioperative and long-term outcomes of a cohort of patients who had first undergone fundoplication and ultimately chose to later pursue LRYGB for morbid obesity (revision) to matched control patients.

METHODS

Data were obtained from our prospectively maintained bariatric surgery database. Patients who underwent laparoscopic takedown of a previous fundoplication and conversion to LRYGB were compared to control patients who underwent primary LRYGB. For every revision patient, two control subjects were randomly selected from the database after matching for preoperative body mass index and year of surgery.

RESULTS

From July 2002 to April 2011, 14 patients underwent laparoscopic takedown of a previous Nissen fundoplication and then underwent LRYGB. During the same interval, 673 patients underwent LRYGB as a primary procedure for obesity from which 28 were selected as controls. There were no conversions to open laparotomy in any patient. Subjects were similar demographically. Operating time and duration of hospital stay were significantly longer in revision patients. Complications were more frequent in revisions (36% revisions vs. 7% controls, P = 0.03). Excess weight loss 1-year after surgery was excellent in both groups and did not differ (69% revision vs. 69.6% controls, P = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Although associated with longer operating times, longer duration of hospital stay, and complications, LRYGB after fundoplication is feasible and safe. Long-term weight loss outcomes are similar to those seen following primary LRYGB. Previous fundoplication is not a contraindication to LRYGB.

Inversed Y cardioplasty plus a truncal vagotomy-antrectomy and a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy performed in patients with stricture of the esophagogastric junction after a failed cardiomyotomy or endoscopic procedure in patients with achalasia of the esophagus

Laparoscopic anterior cardiomyotomy in addition to anterior Dor's fundoplication is the procedure of choice for achalasia of the esophagus with approximately 95% success rate. Redo cardiomyotomy is complicated and associated with rerecurrence of dysphagia. Twelve patients with failed redo myotomy were clinically evaluated with radiology, endoscopy, and manometry in whom achalasia type III or IV was confirmed. We propose as treatment for these selected cases an inversed Y cardioplasty + truncal vagotomy, a partial distal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in order to facilitate esophageal emptying and avoid the appearance of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux as a side effect of this procedure. One patient was reoperated on in order to enlarge the cardioplasty. Disappearance of dysphagia was confirmed in all patients. Three patients presented reflux symptoms and were treated with 20 mg of Omeprazole 20 twice/day. No food retention, erosive esophagitis, or Barrett's esophagus were observed. The mean resting pressure decreased from 24.9 +/- 8.5 mm Hg to 7.5 +/- 2.5 mm Hg (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, esophageal diameter decreased significantly after a 5-year follow-up. This procedure could be an option for treating patients in which repeated Heller operations have failed.

Roux-en-Y reconstruction for failed fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Redo fundoplication has acceptable outcomes in patients with failed previous fundoplications. However, a subset of patients require Roux-en-Y (RNY) reconstruction for symptom relief.

AIM

The aim of this study was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of RNY reconstruction for failed fundoplications.

METHOD

Retrospective review of data on patients who underwent short-limb RNY gastrojejunostomy (GJ) or esophagojejunostomy (EJ) between the years 2005 and 2007 was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients underwent RNY reconstructions. Fourteen (64%) patients had one, six (27%) patients had two, and 2 (9%) patients had three previous anti-reflux procedures. RNY GJ was performed in 18 patients and EJ in four patients. Gastrectomy was performed in 13 of these patients. Seven patients (32%) had ten major or minor complications within the 30-day postoperative period, without any mortality observed. At a mean follow-up of 23 months, completed in 21 of these patients (95%), the average heartburn score was 0.38 (range, 0-2). The average regurgitation score was 0.23 (range, 0 to2) and the average dysphagia score was 0.7 (range, 0-2). The mean postoperative BMI was 25.4 compared to a preoperative BMI of 31.

CONCLUSION

RNY reconstruction with GJ or EJ for failed anti-reflux procedures is a safe, valid surgical option in difficult situations, where a redo fundoplication is either non-feasible or expected to fail. However, it is associated with higher morbidity.

Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy for intractable gastroesophageal reflux after antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

Intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after prior antireflux operation presents a difficult challenge. Our objective was to investigate the role of Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy (RNYNEJ) in the management of intractable reflux symptoms after prior antireflux surgery.

METHODS

Between June 2000 and October 2005, 25 patients with GERD after antireflux surgery underwent RNYNEJ. The endpoints evaluated were improvement in GERD symptoms using the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) scale, overall patient satisfaction, overall patient weight loss, and improvement of comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

There were 4 men and 21 women (mean age 51 years; range, 35 to 74). Seventy two percent had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Forty-four percent had more than one antireflux surgery and 40% had a previous Collis gastroplasty. The perioperative mortality was 0%. Six patients (24%) developed major postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak (n = 2) and Roux-limb obstruction (n = 1). The median length of stay was 6 days. Eighty percent of the patients reported satisfaction at mean follow-up time of 16.5 months. Their BMI reduced from 35.8 to 27.7 (p < 0.001). Seventy three percent of comorbid conditions were improved and the GERD HRQL score improved from 29.9 to 7.3 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The RNYNEJ for persistent GERD after prior antireflux surgery is technically challenging with significant morbidity. However, the majority of the patients reported satisfaction with significant improvement in symptoms. Many patients had associated benefits of weight loss and improvement in comorbid conditions. Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy should be considered as an important option for the treatment of intractable GERD after prior antireflux surgery, particularly in the obese.

Gastrectomy as a remedial operation for failed fundoplication

The decision for, and choice of, a remedial antireflux procedure after a failed fundoplication is a challenging clinical problem. Success depends upon many factors including the primary symptom responsible for failure, the severity of underlying anatomic and physiologic defects, and the number and type of previous remedial attempts. Satisfactory outcomes after reoperative fundoplication have been reported to be as low as 50%. Consequently, the ideal treatment option is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of gastrectomy as a remedial antireflux procedure for patients with a failed fundoplication. The study population consisted of 37 patients who underwent either gastrectomy (n = 12) with Roux-en-Y reconstruction or refundoplication (n = 25) between 1997-2005. Average age, M/F ratio, and preoperative BMI were not significantly different between the two groups. Outcome measures included perioperative morbidity, relief of primary and secondary symptoms, and the patients' overall assessment of outcome. Mean follow up was 3.5 and 3.3 years in the gastrectomy and refundoplication groups, respectively (p = 0.43). Gastrectomy patients had a higher prevalence of endoscopic complications of GERD (58% vs 4%, p = 0.006) and of multiple prior fundoplications than those having refundoplication (75% vs 24%, p = 0.004). Mean symptom severity scores were improved significantly by both gastrectomy and refundoplication, but were not significantly different from each other. Complete relief of the primary symptom was significantly greater after gastrectomy (89% vs 50%, p = 0.044). Overall patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (p = 0.22). In-hospital morbidity was higher after gastrectomy than after refundoplication (67% vs 20%, p = 0.007) and new onset dumping developed in two gastrectomy patients. In select patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and multiple previous fundoplications, primary symptom resolution occurs significantly more often after gastrectomy than after repeat fundoplication. Gastrectomy, however, is associated with higher morbidity. Gastrectomy is an acceptable treatment option for recurrent symptoms particularly when another attempt at fundoplication is ill advised, such as in the setting of multiple prior fundoplications or failed Collis gastroplasty.

Nonesophageal side-effects after antireflux surgery plus acid-suppression duodenal diversion surgery in patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus*

During the last years we have employed acid-suppression duodenal diversion procedures (truncal vagotomy-partial gastrectomy plus Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) in addition to antireflux surgery in order to treat all the pathophysiological factors involved in the genesis of Barrett's esophagus. We have observed very good results concerning the clinical and objective control of GERD at the long-term follow up after this procedure. However, it could be associated with other nonesophageal symptoms or side-effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, dumping, weight loss and anastomotic ulcers) after this operation. In this prospective study 73 patients were assessed using a careful clinical questionnaire asking regarding these complications at the early (< 6 months) and late (> 6 months) follow-up (average of 32.4 months). In the early postoperative period, diarrhea was present in 64% (19% considered severe 10-90 days after surgery), dumping in 41% and loss of weight in 71% of cases. Diarrhea occurred daily in 47.7% in the early postoperative period, but only in 16% of cases after 1 year. Shortly after surgery, steatorrea was observed in 9% of cases and responded well to medical treatment. Severe diarrhea or dumping was rare (5% of cases). These symptoms improved significantly after 1 year with medical management (45%, 20% and 30%, respectively) and 42% of patients regained their normal body weight. Only two patients presented anastomotic ulcers and were treated satisfactory with proton pump inhibitors. Revisional surgery was indicated in two patients with severe dumping syndrome. Most side-effects identified by this study were mild and diminished 1 year after operation.

Results of surgical treatment for recurrent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux

The rate of recurrence of reflux esophagitis after classic antireflux surgery (fundoplication) is 10-15%. This rate is different in patients with esophagitis with and without Barrett's esophagus. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings in 104 patients with postoperative recurrent reflux esophagitis, determining the results of repeat antireflux surgery or an acid suppression-bile diversion procedure. Repeat fundoplication was performed in 26 patients, and truncal vagotomy, antrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in 78 patients. Esophagectomy as a third operation was performed in seven patients. After repeat antireflux surgery, endoscopic evaluation demonstrated improvement of esophagitis in a small proportion of patients. Barrett's esophagus remained unchanged, and no regression of ulcer or stricture was observed. These complications improved significantly after acid suppression-bile diversion surgery. Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was present in 55.8% after initial surgery and in 23% after reoperation. Acid reflux, initially present in 94.6% of patients, was also observed in 93.6% after fundoplication, 68.8% after redo fundoplication, and 16.6% after treatment with the acid suppression-bile diversion technique. A positive Bilitec test was present in 78% of patients before the operation and 56.6% after the repeat operation, and was negative after bile diversion surgery. Among 13 patients (50%) submitted to repeat surgery alone, esophagectomy as a third operation was necessary as a result of severe non-dilatable stricture in seven patients. Our conclusions are that repeat antireflux surgery alone failed to improve Barrett's esophagus complications and that the best results were obtained in patients submitted to acid suppression-bile diversion surgery.

Early and late results of the acid suppression and duodenal diversion operation in patients with barrett's esophagus: analysis of 210 cases

The usual surgical treatment for patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a classic Nissen fundoplication or posterior gastropexy with cardial calibration. However, some surgical reports as well as our experience suggest that the rate of failure of the Nissen fundoplication or Hill's posterior gastropexy in patients with BE is significantly higher than in those with reflux esophagitis without BE, probably due in part to the persistence of duodenal reflux into the esophagus. Our aim was to determine the late subjective and objective results of an operation consisting in "acid suppression" (vagotomy-partial gastrectomy) and "duodenal diversion" (Roux-en-Y anastomosis) as a primary surgical procedure for patients with BE. Altogether, 210 patients were subjected to this technique. It consisted in a primary operation in 142 patients and revision surgery in 68. They underwent complete clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, histologic, and manometric studies. In some cases 24-hour pH studies, Bilitec studies, gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion evaluations were performed. There were two deaths (0.95%), and postoperative morbidity was low (5.3%). The late mean follow-up (58 months) for 146 patients who completed a follow-up longer than 24 months showed Visick I and II grades in 91.1% of the cases. In 14.9% of the cases 24-hour pH monitoring showed excessive acid reflux 1 year after surgery. No dysplasia or adenocarcinoma has appeared up to now. Functional studies showed significant alleviation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence, with abolition of duodenal reflux into the esophagus. Gastric emptying of solids was normal, and basal and peak gastric acid output remained at a low level 8 to 10 years after surgery. In patients with BE, with severe damage of the LES and esophageal peristalsis, the "suppression diversion" operation completely abolishes the reflux of injurious components of the refluxate and improves sphincter competence. This effect is permanent and avoids the appearance of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma.

Roux-en-Y long limb diversion as the first option for patients who have Barrett's esophagus

In summary, vagotomy plus antrectomy and the Roux-en-Y procedure is based on the following points: (a) patients who have BE show several foregut abnormalities, including incompetent lower esophageal sphincter, impairment in the esophageal clearance, severe gastroesophageal acid reflux, and frequent duodenoesophageal reflux; (b) late results of classic antireflux procedure in BE are poor with a high recurrence rate owing to a progressive loosening of the wrap; (c) the esophageal damage is produced by the injurious component of the refluxate; and (d) among patients who underwent classic antireflux surgery, a certain proportion developed dysplasia or even adenocarcinoma in the follow-up. The authors have observed that the simple correction of the valve is not enough in many cases, because it does not abolish the gastroesophageal reflux but only diminishes it. In patients who have BE and therefore have impaired esophageal clearance, few reflux episodes can maintain or even induce more damage. With the reduction diversion antireflux procedure, the quality of the corrected valve is secondary, and the main goal is to avoid the reflux of injurious components of the refluxate instead of the refluxate itself, which is almost always impossible. Late results support this hypothesis, and the authors propose this surgical procedure as an alternative treatment in patients who have complicated BE or in patients who have long-segment BE. Among patients who have gastroesophageal reflux and intestinal metaplasia of the cardia or with a noncomplicated short-segment BE, laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the authors' first choice, and only the late objective evaluation of surgical treatment demonstrates which surgical technique is the more adequate to a particular patient who has BE.

Failure of antireflux surgery: causes and management strategies

BACKGROUND

With wider use of laparoscopic antireflux surgery, failed antireflux procedures are likely to become more common.

METHODS

The causes of failure, management strategies, and outcome were analyzed in a consecutive series of 105 patients with failed antireflux procedures.

RESULTS

Recurrent reflux was the most common primary symptom for referral (44.7%), followed by dysphagia (32.3%), and a combination of dysphagia and reflux (15.2%). The reasons for failure were disruption of the initial antireflux procedure (46%), a displaced repair (23%), a too-tight or too-long fundoplication (10%), an unrecognized motor disorder (9%), a paraesophageal or axial herniation (6%), or gastric denervation (6%). Revisional surgery was required in 71 patients, and 34 patients were managed conservatively. Intraoperative assessment during reoperation showed that technical errors during the initial procedure were responsible for failure in 40 of 71 patients. With an individual therapeutic approach, good results were achieved in 86% of patients undergoing revisional surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Technical factors and inappropriate patient selection are the most common reasons for failure of antireflux surgery. An individual therapeutic approach based on an exact analysis of the reasons for failure of the initial procedure is essential for the successful management of these patients.

[Hiatal hernia and reflux disease--long-term results following fundoplication and consequences in therapeutic failures]

10 to 20 years (median 15.1 years) after fundoplication for primary reflux disease 257 patients were questioned about their symptoms. Data of 163 patients could be analyzed.

RESULTS

21.4% of the patients have persistent or recurrent reflux symptoms, about half of them (9.8%) need medical treatment. Adverse side-effects of the fundoplication are frequent: dysphagia in 28.2%, gas-bloat in 50.3%. Using the Visick criteria for classification we found Visick grade I and II for 75.5%, grade III for 17.2%, and IV for 7.4%. Diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in case of failed reflux control are discussed.