More beads, more peristaltic reserve, better outcomes: factors predicting postoperative dysphagia after magnetic sphincter augmentation

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.

MAGNETIC SPHINCTER AUGMENTATION DEVICE FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: EFFECTIVE, BUT POSTOPERATIVE DYSPHAGIA AND RISK OF EROSION SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

Magnetic ring (MSA) implantation in the esophagus is an alternative surgical procedure to fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

A systematic literature review of articles on MSA was performed using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) database between 2008 and 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) across all studies.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies comprising 4,663 patients with MSA were analysed. Mean follow-up was 27.3 (7-108) months. The weighted pooled proportion of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction were 93% (95%CI 83-98%) and 85% (95%CI 78-90%), respectively. The mean DeMeester score (pre-MSA: 34.6 vs. post-MSA: 8.9, p=0.03) and GERD-HRQL score (pre-MSA: 25.8 vs. post-MSA: 4.4, p<0.0001) improved significantly after MSA. The proportion of patients taking proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) decreased from 92.8 to 12.4% (p<0.0001). The weighted pooled proportions of dysphagia, endoscopic dilatation and gas-related symptoms were 18, 13, and 3%, respectively. Esophageal erosion occurred in 1% of patients, but its risk significantly increased for every year of MSA use (odds ratio - OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.77, p=0.004). Device removal was needed in 4% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although MSA is a very effective treatment modality for GERD, postoperative dysphagia is common and the risk of esophageal erosion increases over time. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety of MSA placement in patients with GERD.

Need for frequent dilations after magnetic sphincter augmentation: an assessment of associated factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is the most common complaint after magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA), with nearly one-third of patients requiring at least one dilation following MSA. A subset of patients require frequent dilations, but there is a paucity of data on the characteristics of this population. This study aimed to identify predictors of the need for frequent dilations within the first year after implant and to assess these patients' outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent MSA over an 8-year period. Frequent dilations were defined as 2 or more dilations within 1 year of surgery. Patients completed baseline and 1-year postoperative GERD-HRQL questionnaires and objective physiology testing. Baseline demographic, clinical characteristics, and objective testing data were compared between patients who did and did not require frequent dilations.

RESULTS

A total of 697 (62.7% female) patients underwent MSA, with 62 (8.9%) patients requiring frequent dilation. At a mean (SD) of 12.3 (3.4) months follow-up, the frequent dilation group had higher median GERD-HRQL total scores (21.0 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001), PPI use (20.8% vs.10.1%, p = 0.023), dissatisfaction (46.7% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001), and device removal (25.8% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001) rates. Acid normalization was comparable (p = 0.997). Independent predictors of frequent dilation included preoperative odynophagia (OR 2.85; p = 0.001), IRP > 15 mmHg (OR 2.88; p = 0.006), and > 30% incomplete bolus clearance (OR 1.94; p = 0.004). At a mean (SD) of 15.7 (10.7) months, 28 (45.1%) patients underwent device removal after frequent dilation. Independent predictors of device removal after frequent dilation within 5 years of surgery were preoperative odynophagia (OR 7.18; p = 0.042), LES resting pressure > 45 mmHg (OR 28.5; p = 0.005), and ≥ 10% failed swallows (OR 23.5; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The need for frequent dilations after MSA is a marker for poor symptom control, dissatisfaction, and device removal. Patients with preoperative odynophagia, high LES pressures, and poor esophageal motility should be counseled of their risk for these poor outcomes.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation and high-resolution manometry: impact of biomechanical properties on esophageal motility and clinical significance for selection and outcomes

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA)was introduced as an alternative to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). This reproducible, outpatient procedure addresses the etiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease by implanting a ring of magnetic beads across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). MSA is designed to resist effacement of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and, similar to LNF, results in restoration of anti-reflux barrier competency by increasing overall length, intraabdominal length and resting pressure of the sphincter. However, the novel use of magnets to augment the physiology of the LES poses unique challenges to the physiology of the EGJ and esophagus. These impacts are best revealed through manometry. The degree of restrictive forces at the EGJ, as measured by intrabolus pressure and integrated relaxation pressure, is higher after MSA compared with LNF. In addition, contrary to the LNF, which retains neurohormonal relaxation capability during deglutition, the magnetic forces remain constant until forcibly opened. Therefore, the burden of overcoming EJG resistance is placed solely on the esophageal body contractile force, as measured by distal contractile integral and distal esophageal amplitude. The main utility of preoperative manometry is in determining whether a patient's esophagus has sufficient contractility or peristaltic reserve to adapt to the challenge of an MSA. Manometric thresholds predictive of MSA outcomes deviate from those used to define named Chicago Classification motility disorders. Therefore, individual preoperative manometric characteristics should be analyzed to aid in risk stratification and patient selection prior to MSA.

The role of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment pathway: the gastroenterology perspective

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a surgical intervention for well-characterized gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the esophagogastric junction barrier is augmented using a bracelet of magnetized titanium beads. MSA could be an attractive option for patients with documented GERD who wish to avoid long-term pharmacologic therapy or whose symptoms are not adequately managed with lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy. The 'ideal' MSA patient is one with prominent regurgitation, without dysphagia or esophageal motor dysfunction, with objective evidence of GERD on upper endoscopy and/or ambulatory reflux monitoring. Appropriate candidates with significant hiatus hernia may pursue MSA with concomitant hiatus hernia repair. The increasing adoption of MSA in the GERD treatment pathway reflects research that shows benefits in long-term outcomes and healthcare costs compared with other established therapies in appropriate clinical settings.

Real-world evidence with magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a scoping review

Background

The burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high, with up to 30% of the Western population reporting reflux-related symptoms with or without hiatal hernia. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a standardized laparoscopic procedure for patients who are dissatisfied with medical therapy and for those with early-stage disease who would not usually be considered ideal candidates for fundoplication. The MSA device is manufactured in different sizes and is designed to augment the physiologic barrier to reflux by magnetic force.

Methods

An extensive scoping review was performed to provide a map of current evidence with respect to MSA, to identify gaps in knowledge, and to make recommendations for future research. All the authors contributed to the literature search in PubMed and Web of Science and contributed to summarizing the evidence.

Results

Magnetic sphincter augmentation, especially in combination with crural repair, is effective in reducing GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitor use, and esophageal acid exposure, and in improving patients’ quality of life. Safety issues such as device erosion or migration have been rare and not associated with mortality. The MSA device can be removed laparoscopically if necessary, thereby preserving the option of fundoplication or other therapies in the future. Contraindication to scanning in high-power Tesla magnetic resonance systems remains a potential limitation of the MSA procedure. High-resolution manometry and functional lumen imaging probes appear to be promising tools to predict procedural outcomes by improving reflux control and reducing the incidence of dysphagia.

Conclusion

A consensus on acquisition and interpretation of high-resolution manometry and impedance planimetry data is needed to gain better understanding of physiology, to improve patient selection, and to pave the way for a personalized surgical approach in antireflux surgery.

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using RUBINA™ technology: preliminary experience in two pediatric surgery centers

Background

Recently, we reported the feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to identify extrahepatic biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in pediatric patients. This paper aimed to describe the use of a new technology, RUBINA™, to perform intra-operative ICG fluorescent cholangiography (FC) in pediatric LC.

Methods

During the last year, ICG-FC was performed during LC using the new technology RUBINA™ in two pediatric surgery units. The ICG dosage was 0.35 mg/Kg and the median timing of administration was 15.6 h prior to surgery. Patient baseline, intra-operative details, rate of biliary anatomy identification, utilization ease, and surgical outcomes were assessed.

Results

Thirteen patients (11 girls), with median age at surgery of 12.9 years, underwent LC using the new RUBINA™ technology. Six patients (46.1%) had associated comorbidities and five (38.5%) were practicing drug therapy. Pre-operative workup included ultrasound (n = 13) and cholangio-MRI (n = 5), excluding biliary and/or vascular anatomical anomalies. One patient needed conversion to open surgery and was excluded from the study. The median operative time was 96.9 min (range 55–180). Technical failure of intra-operative ICG-NIRF visualization occurred in 2/12 patients (16.7%). In the other cases, ICG-NIRF allowed to identify biliary/vascular anatomic anomalies in 4/12 (33.3%), including Moynihan's hump of the right hepatic artery (n = 1), supravescicular bile duct (n = 1), and short cystic duct (n = 2). No allergic or adverse reactions to ICG, post-operative complications, or reoperations were reported.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience suggested that the new RUBINA™ technology was very effective to perform ICG-FC during LC in pediatric patients. The advantages of this technology include the possibility to overlay the ICG-NIRF data onto the standard white light image and provide surgeons a constant fluorescence imaging of the target anatomy to assess position of critical biliary structures or presence of anatomical anomalies and safely perform the operation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-021-08596-7.

The role of magnetic sphincter augmentation in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) has been designed as a less disruptive and more standardized laparoscopic surgical procedure than fundoplication for patients with early stage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We analyzed the more recent literature in search of updates regarding indications, technique, perioperative management, and long-term outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the years, the procedure of MSA has evolved to including full hiatus repair rather than relying on the preservation of the phreno-esophageal ligament. Restoring the mechanical synergy between the lower esophageal sphincter and the crural diaphragm has the potential to further enhance the antireflux barrier. The adoption of this approach has led to expand the indications from early stage disease to different scenarios including patients with high esophageal acid exposure, atypical symptoms, large hiatal hernias, Barrett's esophagus, postbariatric surgery, and previously failed fundoplication.

SUMMARY

MSA has a favorable side-effect profile and is highly effective in reducing typical reflux symptoms, medication dependency, and esophageal acid exposure. Excellent outcomes have been confirmed over a 12-year follow-up, indicating that the operation has the potential to prevent GERD progression. Further studies are needed to confirm the cost-effectiveness of this procedure in patients with more advanced disease-stage and prior gastric surgery. A randomized control trial comparing MSA with fundoplication could raise the level of evidence and the strength of recommendation.

[Alternative Surgical Anti-Reflux Procedures]

Patient satisfaction when treated with acid-suppressing medication for chronic GERD disease is less than 70%. Surgical standardisation, centralisation, improved awareness of patient selection and new surgical methods have stimulated interest in surgical reflux therapy in recent years. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) seems to be a safe alternative to laparoscopic fundoplication, with reported complication rates of 0.1% and reoperation rates of 3.4% and is also effective (GERD-HRQL improvement from 19.9 to 4.1, p = 0.001 as well PPI cessation and pH normalisation in 79 and 89% of patients, respectively). Electric sphincter augmentation shows promising short-term results in small patient cohorts (92% symptomatic improvement). However, randomised controlled studies comparing these new techniques to the "gold standard" of laparoscopic fundoplication are still missing.