Evaluation of the Nissen antireflux procedure by esophageal manometry and twenty-four hour pH monitoring

Additional fundophrenicopexia, after Nissen fundoplication, reduces postoperative dysphagia and re-operation rate in the long-term follow up

Background

Various technical modifications of Nissen fundoplication (NF) that aim to improve patients’ outcomes have been discussed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of division of the short gastric vessels (SGV) and the addition of a standardized fundophrenicopexia on the postoperative outcome after NF.

Methods

283 consecutive patients with GERD treated with NF were divided into four groups following consecutive time periods: with division of the SGV and without fundophrenicopexia (group A), with division of the SGV and with fundophrenicopexia (group B), without division of the SGV and with fundophrenicopexia (group C) and without division of the SGV and without fundophrenicopexia (group D). Postoperative contrast swallow, dysphagia scoring, GEDR-HRQL and proton pump inhibitor intake were evaluated. A comparative analysis of patients with division of the SGV and those without (161 A + B vs. 122 C + D), and patients with fundophrenicopexia and those without (78 A vs. 83 B and 49 C vs. 73 D) was performed.

Results

Fundophrenicopexia reduced postoperative dysphagia rates (0 group C vs. 5 group D, p = 0.021) in patients where the SGV were preserved and reoperation rates (1 group B vs. 7 group A, p = 0.017) in patients where the SGV were divided. There was no significant difference in the postoperative rates of heartburn relief, dysphagia, gas bloating syndrome, interventions, re-fundoplication and the GERD-HRQL score between groups A + B and C + D, respectively.

Conclusion

Standardized additional fundophrenicopexia in patients undergoing Nissen fundoplication significantly reduces postoperative dysphagia in patients without division of the SGV and reoperation rates in patients with division of the SGV. Division of the SGV has no influence on the postoperative outcome of NF.

Surgical Management of Barrett's Esophagus

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus can be a management challenge for the treating physician or surgeon. The goals of therapy include relief of reflux symptoms, induction of histologic regression, and prevention of progression of intestinal metaplasia to dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. Antireflux surgery is effective at achieving these end points, although ongoing follow-up and endoscopic surveillance are essential. In cases of dysplasia or early esophageal neoplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic resection and ablation have supplanted esophagectomy as the standard of care in most cases. Esophageal resection continues to have a role, however, in a minority of appropriately selected candidates.

Is the advanced age a contraindication to GERD laparoscopic surgery? Results of a long term follow-up

Background

In this prospective non randomized observational cohort study we have evaluated the influence of age on outcome of laparoscopic total fundoplication for GERD.

Methods

Six hundred and twenty consecutive patients underwent total laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD. Five hundred and twenty-four patients were younger than 65 years (YG), and 96 patients were 65 years or older (EG). The following parameters were considered in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation: presence, duration, and severity of GERD symptoms, presence of a hiatal hernia, manometric and 24 hour pH-monitoring data, duration of operation, incidence of complications and length of hospital stay.

Results

Elderly patients more often had atypical symptoms of GERD and at manometric evaluation had a higher rate of impaired esophageal peristalsis in comparison with younger patients. The duration of the operation was similar between the two groups. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was low and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups. An excellent outcome was observed in 93.0% of young patients and in 88.9% of elderly patients (p = NS).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients, warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable to younger patients.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: medical or surgical treatment?

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition with increasing prevalence worldwide. The disease encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and disorders from simple heartburn without esophagitis to erosive esophagitis with severe complications, such as esophageal strictures and intestinal metaplasia. Diagnosis is based mainly on ambulatory esophageal pH testing and endoscopy. There has been a long-standing debate about the best treatment approach for this troublesome disease. Methods and Results. Medical treatment with PPIs has an excellent efficacy in reversing the symptoms of GERD, but they should be taken for life, and long-term side effects do exist. However, patients who desire a permanent cure and have severe complications or cannot tolerate long-term treatment with PPIs are candidates for surgical treatment. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery achieves a significant symptom control, increased patient satisfaction, and complete withdrawal of antireflux medications, in the majority of patients. Conclusion. Surgical treatment should be reserved mainly for young patients seeking permanent results. However, the choice of the treatment schedule should be individualized for every patient. It is up to the patient, the physician and the surgeon to decide the best treatment option for individual cases.

[Hiatus hernia and recurrence : the Achilles heel of antireflux surgery?]

Long-term studies show good postoperative results after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, but still approximately 10% of patients suffer from new or recurrent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the majority of cases the symptoms are caused by morphological changes of the fundic wrap or are related to the hiatal closure. Closure of the esophageal hiatus is therefore becoming more and more the key point of antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to show the problems caused by the esophageal hiatus and to offer possible solutions. Therefore 1,201 laparoscopic antireflux procedures and 240 refundoplications performed in our department between 1993 and 2007 were analyzed with respect to morphologic reasons for failures and the corresponding symptoms. The most common morphological reason for complications after surgery was failure of the hiatal closure with consecutive intrathoracic migration of the fundic wrap, the so-called slipped Nissen. In the past the typical problems after open antireflux surgery were either that the wrap was too loose, a breakdown of the wrap or a so-called telescope phenomenon, all caused by failure of the fundic wrap and now a rarity since laparoscopic surgery. Even after repeated laparoscopic refundoplications the main problem was always the hiatus. This shows the importance of the crural closure and the necessity of a specific definition of size and form of the hiatus.The aim of this study was to initiate a discussion leading to a new definition of the hiatus with the focus on the "hiatal surface area" for a better basis for comparison of the published results of antireflux or hiatal surgery.

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disorder and the most frequent reason why infants are referred to the pediatric gastroenterologist, affecting as much as 30% of the pediatric population. Presenting features of GERD in infants and children are quite variable and follow patterns of gastrointestinal and extra-esophageal manifestations that vary between individual patients and may change according to age. Patients may be minimally symptomatic, or may exhibit severe esophagitis, bleeding, nutritional failure, or severe respiratory problems. GERD is also complex for the diagnostic techniques required to assess its repercussions or explain its origin. Although different abnormalities in motility variables, such as lower eso-phageal sphincter (LES) function, esophageal peristalsis and gastric motor activity can contribute to the development of GERD, the degree of esophageal acid exposure represents the key factor in its pathogenesis. Esophageal pH monitoring, based on both the detection of acid reflux episodes and the measurement of their frequency and duration, has been regarded as the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for diagnosing reflux disease. The aim of this paper is to give a concise review for the clinicians encountering this specific disease in infants and children.

Objective assessment of gastroesophageal reflux after extended Heller myotomy and total fundoplication for achalasia with the use of 24-hour combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH)

This study aims to evaluate by the use of 24-hour combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH) the efficacy of the Nissen fundoplication in controlling both acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients that underwent Heller myotomy for achalasia. It has been demonstrated that fundoplication prevents the pathologic acid GER after Heller myotomy, but no objective data exists on the efficacy of this antireflux surgery in controlling all types of reflux events. The study population consisted of 20 patients that underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Nissen fundoplication for achalasia. All patients were investigated with manometry and MII-pH. MII-pH showed no evidence of postoperative pathologic GER. The overall number of GER episodes was normal in both the upright and recumbent position. This reduction was obtained because of the postoperative control of both the acid and nonacid reflux episodes. The Nissen fundoplication adequately controls both acid and nonacid GER after extended Heller myotomy. Further controls with MII-pH are warranted to check at a longer follow-up for the efficacy of this antireflux procedure in achalasic patients.

Total fundoplication controls acid and nonacid reflux: evaluation by pre- and postoperative 24-h pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated that Nissen fundoplication controls acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Combined 24-h pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) allows detection of both acid and nonacid GER. Antireflux surgery is considered for any patient whose medical therapy is not efficient, particularly patients with nonacid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, fundoplication used to control nonacid reflux has not been reported to date.

METHODS

In this study, 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication had MII-pH both before and after the surgical procedure. The numbers of acid and nonacid GER episodes were calculated with the patient in both upright and recumbent positions.

RESULTS

The 24-h pH monitoring confirmed the postoperative reduction of exposure to acid (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, the total, acid, and nonacid numbers of GER episodes were reduced (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, MII-pH is feasible and well tolerated. It provides an objective means for evaluating the effectiveness of Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication in controlling both acid and nonacid GER.

Influence of esophageal motility on the outcome of laparoscopic total fundoplication

The aim of this study is to evaluate if esophageal dysmotility can influence the outcome of laparoscopic total fundoplication for gatro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The advent of laparoscopic fundoplication has greatly reduced the morbidity of antireflux surgery and by now, it should be considered the surgical treatment of choice for GERD. Some authors assert that total versus partial fundoplication should improve the rate of postoperative dysphagia or gas bloat syndrome, particularly in patients with esophageal dysmotility. From September 1992 to December 2005, 420 consecutive patients 171 male and 249 female, mean age 42.8 years (range 12-80) underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication. At manometric evaluation, we divided patients into two groups: group A (163/420; 38.8%) with impaired esophageal peristalsis (peristaltic waves with a pressure < 30 mmHg), and group B (257/420; 61.2%) without impaired peristalsis. We followed up clinically 406 out of 420 (96.7%) patients, 156/163 patients (95.7%) in group A and 250/257 patients (97.3%) in group B. An excellent outcome was observed in 143/156 (91.7%) group A patients and in 234/250 (93.6%) group B patients (P = NS). Both groups showed significant improvement in clinical symptom score with no statistically significant difference between patients with normal and impaired peristalsis. Thus, preoperative defective esophageal peristalsis is not a contraindication to total laparoscopic fundoplication.

Influence of age on outcome of total laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To demonstrate that age does not influence the choice of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We hypothesized that the outcome of total fundoplication in patients > 65 years is similar to that of patients aged ≤ 65 years.

METHODS: Four hundred and twenty consecutive patients underwent total laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD. Three hundred and fifty-five patients were younger than 65 years (group Y), and 65 patients were 65 years or older (group E). The following elements were considered: presence, duration, and severity of GERD symptoms; presence of a hiatal hernia; manometric evalu-ation, 24 h pH-monitoring data, duration of operation; incidence of complications; and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS: Elderly patients more often had atypical symptoms of GERD and at manometric evaluation had a higher rate of impaired esophageal peristalsis in compari-son with younger patients. A mild intensity of heartburn often leads physicians to underestimate the severity of erosive esophagitis. The duration of the operation was similar between the two groups. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was low and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups. An excellent outcome was observed in 92.9% young patients and 91.9% elderly patients.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients, warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable to younger patients.

Eletromanometria esofágica e pHmetria de 24 horas na avaliação pós-operatória da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica

RACIONAL: A operação de "short floppy Nissen" tem como objetivo tratar o refluxo gastroesofágico. Avaliações clínicas e endoscópicas de sua eficiência têm sido demonstradas por diferentes autores, porém estudos comparando pHmetria ácida de 24 horas com exames realizados no pré e pós-operatório têm sido pouco freqüentes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica no tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico não complicada através de estudo comparativo pré e pós-operatório de aspectos manométricos e pHmétricos. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove indivíduos com sintomas típicos de refluxo gastroesofágico submetidos a cirurgia de "short floppy Nissen" por laparoscopia foram estudados prospectiva e consecutivamente no período de março de 2002 a agosto de 2003. Realizou-se no período pré e pós-operatório, em um tempo mínimo de 3 meses, endoscopia digestiva alta, manometria esofágica e pHmetria ácida de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Dezoito (30,5%) doentes eram do sexo masculino e 41 (69,5%) do feminino, com idade média de 43,8 anos. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados manométricos, quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: localização do esfíncter inferior do esôfago em relação à borda nasal; extensão do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão de repouso do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão do corpo esofágico. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados pHmétricos quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: redução do número de refluxo ácidos totais; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em decúbito dorsal; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em posição ereta; fração de tempo de acidificação em minutos; índice de DeMeester. CONCLUSÕES: A eletromanometria e a pHmetria esofágicas mostraram melhora em cada um dos seus parâmetros com significância estatística entre os pacientes no período pré e pós-operatório de hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo, demonstrando a eficiência do procedimento operatório quando avaliado por esses exames.

The history of hiatal hernia surgery: from Bowditch to laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

This review addresses the historical evolution of hiatal hernia (HH) repair and reports in a chronological fashion the major milestones in HH surgery before the laparoscopic era.

METHODS

The medical literature and the collections of the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine were searched. Secondary references from all sources were studied. The senior author's experience and personal communications are also reported.

RESULTS

The first report of HH was published in 1853 by Bowditch. Rokitansky in 1855 demonstrated that esophagitis was due to gastroesophageal reflux, and Hirsch in 1900 diagnosed an HH using x-rays. Eppinger diagnosed an HH in a live patient, and Friedenwald and Feldman related the symptoms to the presence of an HH. In 1926, Akerlund proposed the term hiatus hernia and classified HH into the 3 types that we use today. The first elective surgical repair was reported in 1919 by Soresi. The physiologic link between HH and gastroesophageal reflux was made at the second half of the 20 century by Allison and Barrett. In the midst of a physiologic revolution, Nissen and Belsey developed their famous operations. In 1957, Collis published his innovative operation. Thal described his technique in 1965, and in 1967, Hill published his procedure. Many modifications of these procedures were published by Pearson and Henderson, Orringer and Sloan, Rossetti, Dor, and Toupet. Donahue and Demeester significantly improved Nissen's operation, and they were the first to truly understand its physiologic mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Hiatal hernia surgery has evolved from anatomic repair to physiological restoration.

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.

[Manometric evaluation of distal esophagus of rabbits submitted to open and laparoscopic fundoplication]

BACKGROUND

Total fundoplication used in gastroesophageal reflux treatment, may be performed according to two techniques: laparotomy and laparoscopy.

AIM

To study the lower esophageal sphincter in rabbits submitted to open and laparoscopic fundoplication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Electromanometry studies of esophagus were carried out in 40 male rabbits, through the pull trough technique and infusion of the catheters with distilled water. The pressure width (mm Hg) and the length (cm) of the lower esophageal sphincter were measured in basal conditions (moment 1). The 40 animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals, according to the following surgical procedure: group 1: open total fundoplication; group 2: median laparotomy and dissection of gastroesophageal junction; group 3: laparoscopy total fundoplication; group 4: pneumoperitonium and dissection of the gastroesophageal junction. In moment 2 (1 week after the surgery) the manometry of the esophagus was performed in every animals.

RESULTS

In groups 1 (open fundoplication) and 3, an increase of pressure width and length of the lower esophageal sphincter was observed. In groups 2 and 4, the pressure width and length of the lower esophageal sphincter presented no significant alteration.

CONCLUSIONS

The fundoplication affects the antireflux gastroesophagic barrier and it becomes more efficient, because the pressure and the length of the lower esophageal sphincter increased after the pos-operated step of the surgery. This effect was observed in the two studied techniques, the laparotomy and the laparoscopy.

Belching and bloating: facts and fantasy after antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

Fundoplication is commonly complicated by belching difficulty and abdominal bloating. Postoperative belching ability, however, is difficult to assess; subjective patient reporting is often used but may be unreliable. Manometric measurement of the gastro-oesophageal 'common cavity' is an objective marker of gastro-oesophageal gas reflux.

METHODS

Twenty patients who had undergone Nissen fundoplication and 11 healthy controls underwent oesophageal manometry at rest and during gastric distension for 10 min with 750 ml of gas.

RESULTS

Half of the patients reported an inability to belch; the other half reported varying degrees of belching difficulty, most of whom were rarely able to relieve bloating by belching. During gastric distension, none of the patients had transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation, while the controls had a median of 1 (range 0-1). Patients had fewer common cavities than controls; however, none of the belch urges experienced during gastric distension in patients was associated with a common cavity, compared with 48 per cent in controls.

CONCLUSION

After fundoplication, patients do not belch as a result of gastro-oesophageal gas reflux; rather it may be due to oesophagopharyngeal reflux of swallowed air. Subjective reporting of belching ability is inaccurate and manometric measurement of common cavities provides a better means of assessment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in asthma: effects of medical and surgical antireflux therapy on asthma control

OBJECTIVE

To critique the English-language reports describing the effects of medical and surgical antireflux therapy on respiratory symptoms and function in patients with asthma.

METHODS

The Medline computerized database (1959-1999) was searched, and all publications relating to both asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease were retrieved.

RESULTS

Seven of nine trials of histamine-receptor antagonists showed a treatment-related improvement in asthma symptoms, with half of the patients benefiting. Only one study identified a beneficial effect on objective measures of pulmonary function. Three of six trials of proton pump inhibitors documented improvement in asthma symptoms with treatment; benefit was seen in 25% of patients. Half of the studies reported improvement in pulmonary function, but the effect occurred in fewer than 15% of patients. In the one study that used optimal antisecretory therapy, asthma symptoms were improved in 67% of patients and pulmonary function was improved in 20%. Combined data from 5 pediatric and 14 adult studies of anti-reflux surgery indicated that almost 90% of children and 70% of adults had improvement in respiratory symptoms, with approximately one third experiencing improvements in objective measures of pulmonary function.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundoplication has been consistently shown to ameliorate reflux-induced asthma; results are superior to the published results of antisecretory therapy. Optimal medical therapy may offer similar results, but large studies providing support for this assertion are lacking.

Late results of paraoesophageal hiatus hernia repair with fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Most published reports on results of surgical treatment for paraoesophageal hiatus hernia have been based on patient questionnaires, and seldom included endoscopy or barium meal examinations.

METHODS

Eight pure and 14 mixed-type paraoesophageal hernias were evaluated a median of 37 (range 2-241) months after surgical repair. An antireflux procedure was done in 19 cases. Before operation all had endoscopy or barium meal (20 and 19 patients respectively); after operation 19 had endoscopy and 12 also had barium meal examination. Oesophageal 24 h pH monitoring was done in five cases before surgery, and in 11 afterwards.

RESULTS

Preoperative symptoms of reflux were reported by 18, and were often accompanied by dysphagia, postprandial vomiting or epigastric pain. Symptoms improved after operation, and 21 of the 22 patients were satisfied with the result. At follow-up examination, a recurrent hernia was found in eight of the 19 patients examined. Four of these hernias were sliding, two were mixed type and two purely paraoesophageal.

DISCUSSION

Recurrence of symptoms was associated with persistence of reflux rather than hernia recurrence. Concomitant antireflux procedure is recommended in all operations for mixed-type hiatus hernia, but it should also be considered for purely paraoesophageal hernia if reflux cannot be excluded before operation, or if retro-oesophageal dissection is needed.

Oesophageal function testing and antireflux surgery

Despite the increasing emphasis that is placed on both pH measurement and oesophageal manometry, there is little consensus about their usefulness in the clinical setting. These tests are far from infallible and it is difficult to support their universal application in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease. Nevertheless, these imperfect tests are useful in certain situations and clinicians must strive to use them intelligently for those most likely to benefit.

Laparoscopic 'physiological' antireflux procedure: preliminary results of a prospective symptomatic and objective study

The 'physiological' antireflux procedure has been shown to be as effective as Nissen fundoplication in reflux control, but with a significant reduction in the incidence of mechanical complications. This technique was attempted laparoscopically in 26 patients in a prospective study involving independent symptomatic, manometric and pH assessment performed before operation and at a mean of 5.5 months after operation. The procedure was successfully completed laparoscopically in 23 (88 per cent) patients. Mean hospital stay was 3.8 days and mean time to return to work 1.8 weeks. There was neither mortality nor reoperation; 91 per cent of patients obtained symptomatic relief (82 per cent Visick grade 1). There was no gas-bloat or inability to belch or vomit. All 14 patients who underwent objective testing had a normal oesophageal pH profile, the mean percentage total time that pH < 4 falling from 11.0 to 1.1 (P < 0.001). Lower oesophageal sphincter characteristics, including relaxation, were similar to control values. These preliminary results suggest symptomatic and objective results comparable to those following open surgery, but with the benefits of a shorter hospital stay and time off work. In addition to a lower incidence of mechanical complications, the relative ease of performance of this procedure confers an additional advantage over Nissen fundoplication when performed laparoscopically.

Fate of Nissen fundoplication after 20 years. A clinical, endoscopical, and functional analysis

Of 46 patients who had Nissen fundoplication for proved gastro-oesophageal reflux, 25 were available for follow up after a median of 20 years, 15 had died of unrelated causes, and six could not be traced. All 25 patients in the follow up study were personally interviewed: 21 consented to an endoscopy, 14 to 24 hour recording of oesophageal pH and manometry, and 15 to radionuclide transit test. Repeat fundoplication for recurrent reflux was performed in two cases during the study. Heartburn and regurgitation were significantly lessened (p < 0.005), but the incidence of dysphagia was slightly increased. Endoscopy showed six of 21 fundic wraps to be defective. Erosive oesophagitis was seen in two patients, and Barrett's oesophagus (histologically confirmed) in one of them and six other patients. Total reflux time was abnormal in four of 14 patients. No patient with an intact fundic wrap seen on endoscopy, only two of seven with Barrett's oesophagus, and one of four with abnormal reflux had oesophagitis. Fundoplication in itself did not affect oesophageal motility or transit, provided that the wrap was intact. It is concluded that Nissen fundoplication gave a reasonably good longterm effect in chronic reflux disease, with the stage of the fundic wrap as the main determinant of outcome.

A more physiological alternative to total fundoplication for the surgical correction of resistant gastro-oesophageal reflux

The incidence of mechanical complications associated with the Nissen fundoplication has prompted evaluation of an anti-reflux procedure designed to be simpler and more physiological, and encompassing a broader view of the many factors involved in the anti-reflux mechanism. Preliminary assessment of the first 100 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years showed symptomatic improvement in 96 per cent and complete relief in 85 per cent. A further 100 patients were studied using formal symptom scoring, endoscopy, manometry and pH monitoring performed before operation and 3 months after operation. Similar clinical results were accompanied by improvement in endoscopic oesophagitis in 95 per cent, complete healing in 74 per cent and restoration of the pH profile to physiological levels in 84 per cent. Troublesome mechanical complications comprised a 2 per cent incidence of dysphagia, but there was no gas bloat or inability to belch or vomit, which may relate to the restoration of lower oesophageal sphincter characteristics close to those of 30 asymptomatic controls. The procedure is simpler to perform than total fundoplication, is well tolerated and is applicable to patients with reflux stricture and impaired oesophageal body motility. The results of this study support the hypotheses that effective reflux control can be achieved without total fundoplication by attention to several factors of known relevance to the anti-reflux mechanism, and that restoration of characteristics of the lower oesophageal sphincter close to physiological levels results in a lower incidence of mechanical complications.

Comparative efficacy of acid reflux inhibition by drug therapy in reflux esophagitis

The advent of histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2-RA) has allowed the treatment of reflux esophagitis (RE) to be controlled over a relatively long term. The authors have experienced some cases resistant to H2-RA, but it was revealed that these cases can be successfully treated with proton pump inhibitors. It has been suggested that esophagogastric dysmotility can lead to RE. RE has been treated for many years by using GI-prokinetic agents, which theoretically inhibit acid reflux and improve esophageal acid clearance. In order to compare the effects on acid reflux of an H2-RA (famotidine), a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) and a GI-prokinetic agent (cisapride), we measured the 24-hour pH in the esophagus and stomach simultaneously, before and after treatment in 17 patients with RE. It was found that the proton pump inhibitor was the most effective drug for inhibiting esophageal acidification, followed by famotidine and then cisapride. Furthermore, we found that cisapride often actually exacerbated acid reflux. The differences in inhibitory effects on acidification allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the treatment of RE. It was concluded that the stronger the inhibitory effect of a drug on acid secretion, the more useful it was in the treatment of RE. The GI-prokinetic drug did not inhibit acid reflux as much as we had expected.

Intraoperative esophageal manometry and early postoperative esophageal pH monitoring in children

Intraoperative esophageal manometry has not been correlated with early postoperative extended esophageal pH monitoring (EEpHM) in children with gastroesophageal reflux. Twenty-seven children were studied with the following design: (1) abnormal preoperative EEpHM; (2) intraoperative measurement of lower esophageal high pressure zone (LEHPZ) pressure and length prior to and upon completion of an antireflux procedure; and (3) EEpHM seven to ten days postoperatively. Sixteen had a Nissen or modified Thal fundoplication and eleven a Boerema gastropexy. The postoperative EEpHM was normal in patients with fundoplication regardless of the increase in LEHPZ pressure (-4 to 36 mmHg) or length (0 to 2.5 cm). Four of the patients (36%) who had a gastropexy had abnormal EEpHM. The postoperative frequency of reflux was related inversely to the elevation of LEHPZ pressure (-3 to 39 mmHg), but not to the LEHPZ length (0 to 4.5 cm). Duration of reflux was independent of observed intraoperative manometric changes. In conclusion, early postoperative EEpHM in children having a gastropexy correlates with intraoperative increases in the LEHPZ pressure. There is no such correlation in children having a fundoplication procedure.

Effects of fundoplication on the antireflux mechanism

Forty patients with a diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease established by 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring were treated by a short 360 degrees fundoplication. Results of postoperative evaluation at 6 months were compared with those from 50 normal volunteers. The amount of gastro-oesophageal reflux at pH monitoring decreased significantly and was less than the reflux in the normal subjects. The pressure and the intra-abdominal length of the distal oesophageal high-pressure zone increased significantly. The pressure was similar to that in the normal subjects while a significantly longer intra-abdominal part of the high-pressure zone was created. The clinical results of the operation were evaluated in 38 patients by an independent gastro-enterologist, and were considered to be excellent in 22 patients, good in 13, fair in 2 and poor in 1 patient. The antireflux procedure provided good control of the gastro-oesophageal reflux in our patients by restoring the major components of the antireflux mechanism.

Reflux stricture of the oesophagus

Benign oesophageal stricture remains a common problem. Following accurate diagnosis, early treatment allows dilatation in the great majority of patients. Resection can frequently be avoided and in fit patients dilatation should be combined with an anti-reflux operation plus gastroplasty where necessary. Frail elderly patients may be managed by continued dilatation and medical means to reduce and combat the effects of reflux. Resection should now be necessary in only about 5 per cent of patients and colonic interposition offers good long-term results. It must be remembered that adenocarcinoma is a small but real risk in patients with reflux stricture.

[Reoperation following Nissen fundoplication]

The main causes of unsatisfactory results after Nissen fundoplication can usually be explained by tactical and technical mistakes. The fixation of the stomach to the diaphragm is one case of the development of pain syndrome, telescopic phenomenon and relative or complete dispersion of fundoplication with subsequent development of a recurrent reflux oesophagitis. The fundoplication should be done only in hospitals which have experience in oesophageal and gastric surgery. The collar of fundoplication should be formed with the two sides (the anterior and the posterior) of the stomach after extensive mobilisation of the cardia region. The operation includes the obligatory fixation of the collar to the oesophagus in order to avoid complications like pain syndrome, sliding of the collar and recurrent reflux oesophagitis.

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

The results of partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of persistent or recurrent oesophagitis after failed Nissen fundoplication in six patients were analysed. There were no postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications (pneumonia and atelectases, postoperative ileus) developed in three patients. The results were evaluated by clinical and endoscopic examination 1 to 3.5 years after the operation. Clear clinical and endoscopic improvement was observed in five of the six patients. In the remaining patient the procedure failed to prevent progression of the oesophagitis with development of a Barrett's oesophagus. The results suggest that a partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of persistent or recurrent oesophagitis after failed Nissen fundoplication.

Does age influence normal gastro-oesophageal reflux?

Prolonged oesophageal pH monitoring is being used increasingly to detect abnormal gastro-oesophageal reflux. To assess the influence of age on normal reflux patterns, a group of 13 young asymptomatic subjects (mean age 22 years) was compared with a group of 14 middle aged asymptomatic subjects (mean age 49 years). An ambulatory system using a radiotelemetry capsule and a portable receiving system was used, oesophageal pH being recorded for at least 16 hours during an overnight hospital stay under standardised conditions. There was no significant difference in the duration or frequency of reflux episodes as defined by pH less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, or as a fall in pH of more than two units. It is concluded that it is an acceptable practice to use young volunteers to establish normal values in reflux studies of young and middle aged patients.

Fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux

Ninety-two patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux submitted to fundoplication from 1979 to 1984 have been studied. Severity of symptoms pre- and postoperatively have been assessed using a symptom score. The mean pre-operative score was 5.39 out of 9. A standard procedure for the fundoplication was used, including a long (5 cm) wrap leaving the wrap in an intrathoracic position when it could not be brought completely into the abdomen. Vagotomy was added in 53 patients. Posterior gastropexy was used in 54 patients. There was a zero incidence of damage to the spleen and a zero mortality. The mean symptom score on follow up was 0.41 out of 9 with 90.5% patients having absent or minimal symptoms. However, only 68% remained satisfied with their overall results. The incidence of sequelae related to the procedure itself including gas bloat (19.6%), dumping (7.6%) diarrhoea (6.5%) and development of gastric ulcer (2.2%) explained this discrepancy. The addition of vagotomy did not improve the results but added its complications especially dumping and diarrhoea. There were no differences in clinical results whether the fundoplication had been left in the chest or in the abdomen but there were two hazardous complications of the intrathoracic fundoplication including a perforated gastric fundus and a gastric ulcer in the thoracic part of the stomach. Posterior gastropexy conferred no benefit to the results. Measures which might improve results include: avoidance of vagotomy, intrathoracic fundoplication and gastropexy; shortening the wrap; and the use of a 50-60 F dilator in the oesophagus during the wrap.

Total fundoplication with or without gastroplasty for gastroesophageal reflux: comparative study

The results of clinical, radiographic, manometric, and pH-metric studies of two groups of patients with reflux esophagitis treated by total (Nissen) fundoplication with or without a Collis esophagus-lengthening gastroplasty were compared. On postoperative follow-up, clinical recurrence of gastrophageal reflux was found in 5 of the 76 patients in the Nissen group, whereas none of the 46 patients in the Collis-Nissen group had reflux. A dramatic reduction in the clinical score was observed for all patients, and postoperative clinical morbidity was similar in both groups. Postoperative radiographic recurrence of hiatal hernia was found in 11 of 60 patients in the Nissen group, but not in any of the patients in the Collis-Nissen group. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly increased after operation in both groups (p less than 0.05). The postoperative "common cavity test" and acid reflux test were positive in 9% of the patients having Nissen fundoplication alone and 11% of those having the Collis-Nissen procedure; in the latter group, both tests were positive in only 1 asymptomatic patient. These results demonstrate that the standard Nissen repair is a good surgical technique for management of uncomplicated reflux esophagitis and that the Collis-Nissen procedure is the most effective method of surgical repair for almost all patients with complicated reflux esophagitis.

Properly conducted fundoplication reverses histologic evidence of esophagitis

Little is known about the fate of histologic changes of esophagitis following an antireflux procedure. In a widely quoted paper (Gastroenterology 1979; 76:1393), initial healing of esophagitis was reported, but it was noted that normal biopsies reversed to abnormal in a small number of patients who were followed for up to 69 months. The authors studied esophageal histology in 21 patients undergoing a Nissen fundoplication by a standardized technique. All patients underwent biopsy after operation from 5 to 96 months (mean, 39 months). Nineteen of 21 patients had esophagitis typified by leukocytic infiltration shown on preoperative biopsy. Only two patients had these changes after operation, and one subsequently returned to normal. No patient had evidence of worsening of his esophageal mucosa over time, but several persisted with epithelial changes that included basal cell hyperplasia and papillary elevation. The authors conclude that the Nissen fundoplication, when performed by a standardized technique, leads to reversal of histologic evidence of esophagitis, even for follow-up periods of 96 months, and that the symptomatic status of a patient correlates well with the histologic level of esophagitis.

Barrett's esophagus: a review

Barrett's esophagus may be defined as a columnar epithelium-lined distal esophagus. As a frequently recognized complication of gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett's esophagus has become a diagnosis of general clinical concern. Factors governing the development of this complication in patients with gastroesophageal reflux are unknown but may be congenitally determined in part. When symptoms are present, they are due to the complications of reflux, such as esophagitis, stricture, ulcer, or bleeding. Barrett's esophagus may be suspected on the basis of results of a barium meal test, endoscopy, or isotope scanning. Iodine staining at endoscopy or manometrically guided biopsy helps to localize the abnormal mucosal segment. The diagnosis is proved by biopsy. The columnar epithelium of Barrett's esophagus has a malignant predisposition, and, once the diagnosis is made, periodic endoscopy, with biopsy and cytologic study, is indicated. The treatment of Barrett's esophagus is directed toward objective cessation of gastroesophageal reflux. In refractory cases, antireflux surgery improves symptoms and complications from reflux, but the columnar epithelium generally persists along with its malignant potential. It is not known whether effective antireflux treatment will lower the incidence of adenocarcinoma.

Effectiveness of Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in children as measured by 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring

Intraesophageal 24-hr pH monitoring was performed on each of six children with severe symptomatic GER both before and after (mean, 10.1 mo.) fundoplication. The frequency and duration of reflux as measured by esophageal pH below 4.0 was less following fundoplication than in control patients (p less than 0.01). The 24-hr esophageal pH correlates more closely with GER than does measurement of the LESP. The duration to be the best available test which correlates with detection of reflux and correction following fundoplication. The Nissen fundoplication appears to effectively prevent GER.

New concepts and methods in the study and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

This paper reviews progress in the use of 24-hour distal esophageal pH monitoring in the study of gastroesophageal reflux. This technique records acid exposure as numbers of reflux episodes and time required by the esophagus to return this acid juice to the stomach. These data afford an opportunity to conceptualize the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease in relation to physiologic activities such as alimentation, sleep, and postural change. This knowledge will enable the clinician to critically focus attention on important issues of patient management and therapy as they relate to the pathophysiology of this disease.

Evaluation of elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid form tablets on gastroesophageal reflux

To ascertain how elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets affect gastroesophageal reflux, we used prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring in 55 symptomatic patients. Acid exposure was separated into reflux frequency and esophageal acid clearance time and recorded during the day in the upright posture and recumbent at night. Values before and during each therapy were compared to physiologic reflux in 15 asymptomatic controls. Ten patients slept with the head of the bed elevated and had a 67% improvement in the acid clearance time (P less than 0.025); however, the frequency of reflux episodes remained unchanged. Twelve patients given 25 mg of bethanechol 4 times a day had a 50% decrease in recumbent acid exposure only (P less than 0.05), due to a trend towards decreased reflux episodes and acid clearance in time. Bethanechol combined with head of bed elevation in 19 other patients decreased both reflux frequency (30%) and acid clearance time (53%, all P less than 0.05). Antacid foam tablets failed to significantly diminish acid exposure. Nocturnal reflux responded the best to those therapies tested.

Gastroesophageal reflux: medical and surgical management

The assessment of gastroesophageal reflux requires a carefully taken history and appropriate selection of the relevant diagnostic tests from among the many such tests available. Gastroesophageal reflux is generally produced by an imbalance between the intragastric pressure on the one hand and the degree of competence of the lower esophageal sphincter on the other. Medical management incorporates measures designed to promote gastric emptying, augment the resting tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, and favorably alter the nature of the refluxed material by dietary and pharmacological means. The surgical techniques commonly applied for the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux aim to restore an intraabdominal segment of esophagus and to augment sphincter competence by either a partial or complete fundoplication. Comparison of results obtained with various operations is difficult, as assessment is often imprecise, subjective, and partisan. Development of a uniform method of postoperative assessment, free from observed bias, would be a major advance.

Nissen hiatal hernia repair: problems of recurrence and continued symptoms

The standard Nissen operation is the most effective method of reflux control. However, the procedure can result in continuance of symptoms, particularly dysphagia, which presents considerable diagnostic difficulty. Experience gained in the management of 17 patients with continued recurrent symptoms following standard Nissen repair has allowed more specific definition of the nature of these problems. The anatomical defect has been categorized as follows: (1) tight repair (tight fundoplication or tight diaphragmatic repair); (2) anatomical recurrence with and without reflux; and (3) intussusception recurrence. Each patient has been evaluated by history, manometry, pH reflux, acid perfusion, radiology, and endoscopy. At the time of corrective operation, the previous repair was carefully dissected to allow confirmation of the type of defect. Correlation is made between symptoms, investigative findings, and the anatomical problem at operation.

[Reflux esophagitis: operative method in adults: fundoplication (author's transl)]

When the indications for fundoplication are correctly applied and followed, the standard anterior wall method has been proved both clinically and experimentally to be the best antireflux operation; it offers excellent immediate and long-term results. It is debatable whether it should be combined with a vagotomy when the peptic element is excessive, for while this approach is undisputed in the presence of an ulcerated draining path, it calls for important considerations in its manner of execution. Gastropexy alone is an inadequate solution in all its technical modifications: We reserve it as the operation of choice for cases of paraesophageal volvulus of the stomach.

The combination of proximal gastric vagotomy with a rotational posterior gastropexy for duodenal ulcer

Preoperative oesophageal reflux symptoms have been controlled and the emergence of such symptoms de novo prevented in duodenal ulcer patients by combining proximal gastric vagotomy with a rotational posterior gastropexy. Fifty-two patients having such operations are compared with 46 patients treated by proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) alone. The two groups match for age, sex and weight but there were more grade 3 refluxers in the group having rotational posterior gastropexy (28) than among those having proximal gastric vagotomy alone (5).

Six out of 28 patients in the PGV group who did not have preoperative regurgitation symptoms developed acid brash postoperatively on a 1–6½-year follow-up as against none of 17 patients in the other group. One year follow-up was complete in 94 cases and 57 had a 3·–6½-year follow-up. The 95 per cent confidence limits for cure of grade 3 reflux symptoms by the combined PGV and gastropexy operation were 44·7–88·7 for heartburn and 57·8–97·5 for regurgitation. Postoperative dysphagia can be minimized by attention to a few details during performance of the simple gastropexy procedure.

A pentagastrin-glucose pH monitoring test has been devised for this study. When the mean duration of reflux episodes during the 1 h after pentagastrin and the 1 h after 200 ml of 20 per cent glucose is plotted against the number of such episodes, the differences indicate that PGV impairs whilst PGV and gastropexy improves function at the gastro-oesophageal junction. Faber's peak acid output (PAO1) discriminant (Faber et al., 1975) was first used to define positive insulin tests in males. Such positive cases have been reported as having a 50 per cent chance of developing recurrent ulceration. We found that 9 out of 31 patients in the PGV group were positive at 1 year as against 2 out of 28 patients having the combined operation (P&lt;0·05). We have now applied Maybury's criterion (Maybury et al., 1977) of PAO1 adjusted for height to our results. Significant differences between the two operations were only evident after a curve derived from Maybury's data was increased by 50 per cent and then applied to our results. Nine out of 36 of the PGV group as against 1 out of 36 of the PGV and gastropexy group were positive by this test (P&lt;0·01). Addition of such a procedure to PGV may reduce the ulcer recurrence rate after PGV alone.

Esophageal epithelial response to gastroesophageal reflux. A quantitative study

Exposure of the distal esophageal mucosa to acid gastric juice was quantitated by 24-hr pH monitoring in 100 individuals and was correlated with morphologic data derived from esophageal biopsies. The degree of acid exposure to the distal esophagus correlated directly with increases in both relative and absolute length of the subepithelial papillae and to relative basal zone hyperplasia. Both papillary length and basal zone hyperplasia decreased after antireflux surgery had reduced acid exposure to normal. Reflux in the recumbent position resulted in prolonged exposure of the mucosa to acid because of poor acid clearing from the esophagus. This caused longer papillae than did upright reflux, where there were more frequent reflux episodes, but with rapid acid clearance. The presence of a hiatal hernia was associated with longer papillae, lower DES pressure, increased reflux frequency, and prolonged recumbent acid clearance. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring correlated better with papillary length than did symptoms or other clinical measures of gastroesophageal reflux.

Gastro-oesophageal acid reflux in patients with symptomatic hiatus hernia and effect of a modified Belsey MK IV repair on acid reflux

Twelve-hour continuous recording of pH at the distal end of the oesophagus was carried out in 59 patients with sliding hiatus hernia and symptoms suggestive of gastro-oesophageal reflux, and the results were compared with those obtained in normal subjects. Mean duration of pH less than or equal to 2.3, pH less than or equal to 3, pH less than or equal to 4 and pH less than or equal to 5, expressed in percentages of the total time of recording, was longer in patients than in normal subjects. There was no difference in mean number of reflux episodes between patients and normal subjects. The clearest separation between the two groups was obtained by the variable 'duration of pH less than or equal to 5'. Irrespective of the variable used, the results did not seem to be related to the degree of severity of the symptoms. Individual sensitivity of the oesophageal mucosa, the content of bilious components in the refluxed material, and the semi-quantitative character of the investigation may, in part, account for the results. Furthermore, the same investigation was carried out before and three months after a modified Belsey MK IV repair in 39 patients with hiatus hernia and symptoms indicating surgical treatment. The operation was followed by a reduction in the tendency to acid reflux, probably as a result of an increase in the competence of the gastro-oesophageal region.