Factors Associated With Achalasia Treatment Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effect of per-oral endoscopic myotomy by achalasia subtype as measured by impedance planimetry

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder with three subtypes based on manometry that can treated with per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). With the advent of impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP®), we hypothesized the three achalasia subtypes would have different pre-POEM EndoFLIP® diameter and distensibility index (DI) measurements but would be similar after POEM.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases by a single surgeon-endoscopist team from 04/07/2017 to 08/28/2023. Patients with a diagnosis of achalasia were stratified into type 1, 2, or 3 based on pre-POEM manometry. Patient characteristics, Eckardt scores, and pre-and-post-POEM diameter and DI were compared by subtype with descriptive, univariate, and multivariable linear regression statistics.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 9(14.1%) had Type 1, 36(56.3%) had Type 2, and 19(29.7%) had Type 3. There were no differences between Types with respect to median pre-POEM Eckardt scores (9[IQR:7-9) vs. 8[IQR:6-9] vs. 7[IQR:5-8], p = 0.148), median post-POEM Eckardt scores (0[IQR:0-1] vs. 0[IQR:0-0] vs. 0[IQR0-0.5], p = 0.112). EndoFLIP® data revealed variation in median pre-POEM diameter and DI between Subtypes (6.9[IQR:6-8.5] vs. 5.5[IQR:5-6.8] vs. 5[IQR:5-6.1], p = 0.025 and 1.8[IQR:1.3-3.2] vs. 0.9[IQR:0.6-1.6] vs. 0.6[IQR:0.5-0.8], p = 0.003, respectively), but not in the change in diameter or DI post-POEM (5.1[IQR:4.3-5.9] vs. 5.1[IQR:4.1-7.1] vs. 5.9[IQR:5-6.4], p = 0.217 and 3.9[IQR:2.5-4.7] vs. 3.4[IQR:2.4-4.7] vs. 2.7[IQR:2.3-3.7], p = 0.461, respectively). However, after adjusting for potentially confounding factors, pre- or post-POEM diameter and DI did not demonstrate statistically significant differences among subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Achalasia subtypes did not demonstrate different pre-POEM diameters or DI as measured by EndoFLIP® nor are there differences after POEM completion. While achalasia subtypes may have slightly different pathophysiology based on manometry findings, similar pre- and post-POEM impedance planimetry findings, along with similar Eckardt scores, support the use of POEM in the treatment of any achalasia subtype.

Pneumatic dilation for achalasia in the "POEM era": Still a valuable ally

Endoscopic treatments such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and pneumatic dilation (PD) are commonly used to treat achalasia. Although POEM has gained popularity due to its high efficacy, the technique is more complex and may be associated with a higher risk of long-term complications compared to PD. This narrative review will focus on efficacy and safety of PD and POEM, and their suitability for different patient populations. While evidence suggests that POEM may be preferred for type III achalasia, PD remains a valuable alternative for patients with a straight, non-dilated esophagus, who prioritize the preservation of anatomical integrity and a lower risk of post-procedural gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While PD carries a non negligibile risk of perforation, it has an excellent safety profile in terms of GERD and is minimally likely to cause permanent esophageal deformation. PD can be repeated with minimal risks to maintain symptom relief, whereas reversing permanent anatomical modifications related to POEM is difficult. The choice of treatment for achalasia should be patient-tailored, considering benefits and drawbacks of each intervention. The importance of personalized approach in the "POEM era" is highlighted, emphasizing the reasons why PD should still be considered a valuable option in the therapeutic armamentarium for achalasia. Areas requiring further research will be also outlined.

Malaysian joint societies' consensus recommendations on diagnosis and management of disorders of esophagogastric junction outflow

Disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow, including achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction, are motility disorders characterized by inadequate relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter with or without impaired esophageal peristalsis. Current guidelines are technical and less practical in the Asia-Pacific region, and there are still massive challenges in timely diagnosis and managing these disorders effectively. Therefore, a Malaysian joint societies' task force has developed a consensus on disorders of EGJ outflow based on the latest evidence, while taking into consideration the practical relevance of local and regional context and resources. Twenty-one statements were established after a series of meetings and extensive review of literatures. The Delphi method was used in the consensus voting process. This consensus focuses on the definition, diagnostic investigations, the aims of treatment outcome, non-surgical or surgical treatment options, management of treatment failure or relapse, and the management of complications. This consensus advocates the use of high-resolution esophageal manometry for diagnosis of disorders of EGJ outflow. Myotomy, via either endoscopy or laparoscopy, is the preferred treatment option, while pneumatic dilatation can serve as a secondary option. Evaluation and management of complications including post-procedural reflux and cancer surveillance are recommended.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia after Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia following bariatric surgery is a rare phenomenon with diverse potential physiopathological origins.

AIMS

This article aims to explore the hypothetical physiopathological connection between bariatric surgery and the subsequent onset of achalasia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review was conducted to identify studies reporting cases of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) after bariatric procedures and detailing the outcomes in terms of the technical and clinical success. Additionally, a case of a successful POEM performed on a patient two years after undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is presented.

RESULTS

The selection criteria yielded eight studies encompassing 40 patients treated with POEM for achalasia after bariatric surgery: 34 after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 6 after LSG. The studies reported an overall technical success rate of 97.5%, with clinical success achieved in 85% of cases. Adverse events were minimal, with only one case of esophageal leak treated endoscopically. However, a postprocedural symptomatic evaluation was notably lacking in most of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Achalasia poses a considerable challenge within the bariatric surgery population. POEM has emerged as a technically viable and safe intervention for this patient demographic, providing an effective treatment option where surgical alternatives for achalasia are limited. Our findings highlight the promising outcomes of POEM in these patients, but the existing data remain limited. Hence, prospective studies are needed to elucidate the optimal pre-surgical assessment and timing of endoscopic procedures for optimizing outcomes.

Safety of Pneumatic Dilation in Older Adults with Achalasia: An International Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Pneumatic dilation (PD) is an effective first line treatment option for many patients with achalasia. PD use may be limited in adults with achalasia who are older than 65 because of concern for adverse events (AE), and less efficacious therapies are often utilized. We explored the periprocedural safety profile of PD in older adults.

METHODS

An international real world cross-sectional study of patients undergoing PD between 2006-2020 in two tertiary centers. Thirty-day AEs were compared between older adults (65 and older) with achalasia and younger patients.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients underwent 319 PDs. In 319 PDs, 18 (5.7%) complications occurred: 6 (1.9%) perforations and 12 (3.8%) emergency department referrals with benign (non-perforation) chest pain, of which 9 (2.8%) were hospitalized. No bleeding or death occurred within 30 days. Perforation rates were similar in both age groups and across achalasia subtypes. Advanced age was protective of benign chest pain complications in univariate analysis, and the limited number of AEs precluded multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of PD in older adults is at least comparable to that of younger patients and should be offered as an option for definitive therapy for older patients with achalasia. Our results may affect informed consent discussions.

Surgical approaches for achalasia and obesity: a systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Synchronous and metachronous presentations of achalasia and obesity are increasingly common. There is limited data to guide the combined or staged surgical approaches to these conditions.

METHODS

A systematic review (MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) and patient-level meta-analysis of published cases were performed to examine the most effective surgical approach for patients with synchronous or metachronous presentations of achalasia and obesity.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies with 93 patients were reviewed. Eighteen patients underwent concurrent achalasia and bariatric surgery, with the most common (n = 12, 72.2%) being laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This combination achieved 68.9% excess weight loss and 100% remission of achalasia (mean follow-up: 3 years). Seven (6 RYGB, 1 biliopancreatic diversion) patients had bariatric surgery following achalasia surgery. Of these, all 6 RYGBs had satisfactory bariatric outcomes, with complete remission of their achalasia (mean follow-up: 1.8 years). Sixty-eight patients underwent myotomy following bariatric surgery; the majority (n = 55, 80.9%) were following RYGB. In this scenario, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) achieved higher treatment success than LHM (n = 33 of 35, 94.3% vs. n = 14 of 20, 70.0%, p = 0.021). Moreover, conversion to RYGB following a restrictive bariatric procedure during achalasia surgery was also associated with higher achalasia treatment success.

CONCLUSION

In patients with concurrent achalasia and obesity, LHM and RYGB achieved good outcomes for both pathologies. For those with weight gain post-achalasia surgery, RYGB provided satisfactory weight loss, without adversely affecting achalasia symptoms. For those with achalasia after bariatric surgery, POEM and conversion to RYGB produced greater treatment success.

Long-term Outcome of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the mid and long-term outcomes of POEM in esophageal motility disorders.

METHODS

Literature search was performed in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases, and Google scholar from January 2010 to May 2021. The primary objective of the study was the clinical success (Eckardt score ≤3 or <4) at mid-term (30 to 60 mo) and long-term (>60 mo) follow-up after POEM. Secondary objectives included post-POEM gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as evaluated by symptoms, increased esophageal acid exposure, and reflux esophagitis.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 3591 patients were included in the review. Subtypes of motility disorders were type I (27%), type II (54.5%), type III (10.7%), distal esophageal spasm/Jackhammer esophagus (2%), and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (17.5%). Pooled mean follow-up duration was 48.9 months (95% CI, 40.02-57.75). Pooled rate of clinical success at mid-term follow-up was 87% (95% CI, 81-91; I2 , 86%) and long-term was 84% (95% CI, 76-89; I2 , 47%). In nonachalasia motility disorders (esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, distal esophageal spasm, and Jackhammer esophagus), pooled rate of clinical success was 77% (95% CI, 65-85; I2 , 0%). GER as estimated by symptoms was 23% (95% CI, 19-27; I2 , 74%), erosive esophagitis was 27% (95% CI, 18-38%; I2 , 91%), and increased esophageal acid exposure was 41% (95% CI, 30-52; I2 , 88%).

CONCLUSION

POEM is a durable treatment option in cases with achalasia. One-fourth of patients suffer from erosive GER in the long-term and success rates are lower in nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Achalasia and Achalasia-Like Syndromes: Insights From HRM and FLIP

High-resolution manometry, Chicago Classification v4.0, the functional lumen imaging probe, Panometry, and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are all now integral parts of the landscape for managing achalasia or, more precisely, achalasia-like syndromes. This narrative review examines the impact of these innovations on the management of achalasia-like syndromes. High-resolution manometry was the disruptive technology that prompted the paradigm shift to thinking of motility disorders as patterns of obstructive physiology involving the esophagogastric junction and/or the distal esophagus rather than as siloed entities. An early observation was that the cardinal feature of achalasia-impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation-can occur in several subtypes: without peristalsis, with pan-esophageal pressurization, with premature (spastic) distal esophageal contractions, or even with preserved peristalsis (esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction). Furthermore, there being no biomarker for achalasia, no manometric pattern is perfectly sensitive or specific for 'achalasia' and there is also no 'gold standard' for the diagnosis. Consequently, complimentary physiological testing with a timed barium esophagram or functional lumen imaging probe are employed both to improve the detection of patients likely to respond to treatments for 'achalasia' and to characterize other syndromes also likely to benefit from achalasia therapies. These findings have become particularly relevant with the development of a minimally invasive technique for performing a tailored esophageal myotomy, POEM. Now and in the future, optimal achalasia management is to render treatment in a phenotype-specific manner, that is, POEM calibrated in a patient-specific manner for obstructive physiology including the distal esophagus and more conservative strategies such as a short POEM or pneumatic dilation for obstructive physiology limited to the lower esophageal sphincter.

Risk factors for clinical failure of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia

The recent development of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been a game changer in the management of patients with achalasia. However, approximately 1 in 10 patients will not experience clinical success. The aim of this mini-review is to describe the current state of knowledge about the risk factors associated with POEM failure for the treatment of achalasia. Suspected risk factors are detailed into pre-, intra-, and post-procedural factors and put into perspective. Pre-procedural factors have been described, such as pre-treatment Eckardt score, previous treatments for achalasia, sigmoid type esophagus, significant esophageal dilatation, non-type II achalasia, young age and long duration of symptoms. An intra-procedural factor, mucosal injury during POEM, has also been associated with POEM failure. The occurrence of post-POEM GERD was identified as a controversial post-procedural factor associated with failure. The presumed mechanisms of POEM failure are incomplete myotomy or ineffective LES disruption, as confirmed by high-resolution manometry. However, when manometry confirms a significant decrease in LES pressure, it is likely that either impaired peristalsis or a morphologic abnormality such as extreme esophageal dilatation or severe tortuosity, which are not treated by POEM, should be suspected. Notably, a recently described adverse effect of POEM is the formation of a pseudo-diverticulum at the site of the myotomy (blown out myotomy). We finally stress the importance of performing a complete workup in case of POEM failure as different mechanisms of POEM failure should lead to different management.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus pneumatic dilation in treatment-naive patients with achalasia: 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

2-year follow-up data from our randomised controlled trial showed that peroral endoscopic myotomy is associated with a significantly higher efficacy than pneumatic dilation as initial treatment of therapy-naive patients with achalasia. Here we report therapeutic success rates in patients treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy compared with pneumatic dilation at the 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in six hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and the USA. Adults aged 18-80 years with newly diagnosed symptomatic achalasia (based on an Eckardt score >3) were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to peroral endoscopic myotomy or pneumatic dilation using web-based randomisation with a random block size of 8 and stratification according to site. Randomisation concealment for treatment type was double blind until official study enrolment. Treatment was unmasked because of the different technical approach of each procedure. Patients in the pneumatic dilation group were dilated with a single series of 30-35 mm balloons. The need for subsequent dilations in the pneumatic dilation group, and the need for dilation after initial treatment in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group, was considered treatment failure. The primary outcome was therapeutic success (Eckardt score ≤3 in the absence of severe treatment-related complications and no need for retreatment). Analysis of the primary outcome was by modified intention to treat, including all patients randomly assigned to a group, excluding those patients who did not receive treatment or were lost to follow-up. Safety was assessed in all included patients. This study is registered at the Dutch Trial Registry, NTR3593, and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 21, 2012, and July 20, 2015, 182 patients were assessed for eligibility, 133 of whom were included in the study and randomly assigned to peroral endoscopic myotomy (n=67) or pneumatic dilation (n=66). 5-year follow-up data were available for 62 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group and 63 patients in the pneumatic dilation group. 50 (81%) patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group had treatment success at 5 years, compared with 25 (40%) in the pneumatic dilation group, an adjusted absolute difference of 41% (95% CI 25-57; p<0·0001). Reasons for failure were no initial effect of treatment (one patient in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group vs 12 patients in the pneumatic dilation group) and recurrent symptoms causing treatment failure (11 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group [seven patients between 2 and 5 years] vs 25 patients in the pneumatic dilation group [nine patients between 2 and 5 years]); one patient in the pneumatic dilation group had treatment failure due to an adverse event. Proton-pump inhibitor use (mostly daily) was significantly higher after peroral endoscopic myotomy than after pneumatic dilation among patients still in clinical remission (23 [46%] of 50 patients vs three [13%] of 24 patients; p=0·008). 5-year follow-up endoscopy of patients still in clinical remission showed reflux oesophagitis in 14 (33%) of 42 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group (12 [29%] grade A or B, two [5%] grade C or D) and two (13%) of 16 patients in the pneumatic dilation group (two [13%] grade A or B, none grade C or D; p=0·19). No intervention-related serious adverse events occurred between 2 and 5 years after treatment. The following non-intervention-related serious adverse events occurred between 2 and 5 years: a stroke (one [2%]) in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group; and death due to a melanoma (one [2%]) and dementia (one [2%]) in the pneumatic dilation group.

INTERPRETATION

Based on this study, peroral endoscopic myotomy should be proposed as an initial treatment option for patients with achalasia. Although our study has shown that peroral endoscopic myotomy has greater long-term efficacy with a low risk of major treatment-related complications, this should not lead to abandonment of pneumatic dilation from clinical practice. Ideally, all treatment options should be discussed with treatment-naive patients with achalasia and a shared decision should be made.

FUNDING

Fonds NutsOhra and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

The Role of Fundoplication after Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy in Reducing Postoperative Symptoms in Patients with Achalasia: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) is considered the standard surgical approach in patients newly diagnosed with achalasia worldwide. However, proceeding to fundoplication after LHM remains controversial due to the observed postoperative symptoms, including dysphagia and regurgitation. This study was conducted to compare the postoperatively experienced regurgitation and dysphagia between those undergoing LHM with fundoplication and those with mere LHM. Methods: This four-year controlled clinical trial was performed on adult patients with esophageal type two achalasia, referring to the Shariati Hospital, who gave their written informed consent to enroll. The diagnosis of achalasia was confirmed using manometric assessments. The control group underwent LHM with fundoplication, while the cases received LHM without fundoplication. The validated Achalasia Patients Questionnaire was used for assessing the experienced symptoms pre- and postoperatively. Also, esophagography was used to investigate the alterations of the symptoms pre- and postoperatively. Results: A total of 48 patients were evaluated. 23 were assigned to the case group, while 25 were considered the controls (male to female ratio: 25 to 23). The mean age of the patients was 36.94 years, and the average disease duration was 6.22 years. Cases and controls were matched demographically. There was no statistically significant difference between the cases and controls regarding postoperative active or passive regurgitation or dysphagia to either solids or fluids. Also, the mean score of total clinical symptoms after the surgery was not significantly different between cases and controls. Lastly, esophagography revealed significant improvement regarding all the symptoms postoperatively (P=0.001); however, no statistically significant difference existed in this regard between cases and controls. Conclusion: Our results indicate no significant difference regarding the postoperative achalasia-related symptoms, namely regurgitation and dysphagia, between those patients undergoing LHM with and without fundoplication. However, further studies are required to thoroughly investigate the effects of various fundoplication techniques in relation to all achalasia-related symptoms to confirm these results.

A Comparative Assessment of the Diagnosis of Swallowing Impairment and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Canines and Humans

Swallowing impairment is a highly prevalent and clinically significant problem affecting people and dogs. There are myriad causes of swallowing impairment of which gastroesophageal reflux is the most common in both species. Similarities in anatomy and physiology between humans and canines results in analogous swallowing disorders including cricopharyngeus muscle achalasia, esophageal achalasia, hiatal herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux with secondary esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility. Accordingly, the diagnostic approach to human and canine patients with swallowing impairment is similar. Diagnostic procedures such as swallowing fluoroscopy, high-resolution manometry, pH/impedance monitoring, and endolumenal functional luminal imaging probe can be performed in both species; however, nasofacial conformation, increased esophageal length, and the difficulty of completing several of these procedures in awake dogs are inherent challenges that need to be considered. Human patients can convey their symptoms and respond to verbal cues, whereas veterinarians must rely on clinical histories narrated by pet owners followed by comprehensive physical examination and observation of the animal eating different food consistencies and drinking water. Dogs may also be unwilling to drink or eat in the hospital setting and may be resistant to physical restraint during diagnostic procedures. Despite the species differences and diagnostic challenges, dogs are a natural animal model for many oropharyngeal and esophageal disorders affecting people, which presents a tremendous opportunity for shared learnings. This manuscript reviews the comparative aspects of esophageal anatomy and physiology between humans and canines, summarizes the diagnostic assessment of swallowing impairment in both species, and discusses future considerations for collaborative medicine and translational research.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia developing after vertical banded gastroplasty with asymptomatic gastro-gastric fistula

Video 1At preoperative esophagram, a typical bird's beak image is shown at the gastroesophageal junction. A gastro-gastric fistula, opening from cardia to fundus, is also shown. A scope fitted with a distal clear cap is introduced. At the cardia, we see the proximal opening of the fistula. Here, we see the gastric fundus. As we go down, the gastric pouch is regular, and further down we reach the pylorus. In the retroflexed view, we recognize the neo-pylorus and the distal opening of the fistula. After submucosal injection on the anterior wall of the esophagus, a longitudinal mucosal incision is made. Submucosal tunnelling is performed using the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique. The gastroesophageal junction is reached, as confirmed by the finding of typical spindle veins. Here, we show submucosal tunnelling across the cardia, extending 2 cm into the gastric pouch. No obstacles from past surgery are encountered. Correct extension of the tunnel down into the cardia is also confirmed by visualizing a blue cushion. Dissection of a circular layer (of the muscularis) is performed and carried into the cardia. Submucosal tunnel is smoothy performed with no issues related to past surgery. Here, we demonstrate myotomy being carried into the gastric pouch across the cardia. We can see the more complex organization of muscular fibers. Again, no obstacles from past surgery are encountered. Myotomy is then completed along the entire length of the submucosal tunnel. Clip closure of the mucosal incision is eventually performed.

Pneumatic dilation for esophageal achalasia: patient selection and perspectives

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Treatment is palliative, aimed at decreasing the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Pneumatic dilation (PD) is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia. Several other invasive and minimally invasive treatment modalities, such as Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM) and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), also have a comparable safety and efficacy profile to PD. The current review focuses on the indications, contraindications, techniques, and outcomes of PD in various patient populations and its comparison to LHM and POEM. This review also provides relevant information to help endoscopists identify those patients who will benefit the most from PD.

A New Preparation Method for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Patients with Achalasia Can Effectively Reduce the Esophageal Residual Contents: A Comparative Retrospective Study

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 65 achalasia patients who underwent POEM from June 2017 to October 2021. Based on the preoperative diet strategies, patients were divided into carbonated beverage group (n = 48) and control group (n = 17). Demographic and clinical data, duration of preoperative endoscopy, quality of esophagus cleansing, and patient satisfaction on preoperative procedure were collected and compared. In the current study, we established the quality of esophagus cleansing: Grade A, no remnants or only liquid or frothy discharge; Grade B, a little amount of solid content remained; and Grade C, a large amount of solid content remained.

Results

There were 41 Grade A, 6 Grade B, and 1 Grade C patients in the carbonated beverage group, while there were 8 Grade A, 6 Grade B, and 3 Grade C patients in the control group (p value = 0.001). The esophagus cleansing degrees were significantly ameliorated after drinking carbonated beverages in all the three subtypes of achalasia according to the degree of dilatation. The mean duration of preoperative endoscopy was 6.54 ± 2.250 minutes in the carbonated beverage group and 10.27 ± 4.788 minutes in the control group (p value = 0.010). The score of patient satisfaction concerning the procedure before the POEM in the carbonated beverage group was 4.5 ± 0.652, while the score in the control group was 4.35 ± 0.702 (p value = 0.436). In the multivariate analysis, patient satisfaction was significantly associated with male (odds ratio 0.296, 95% CI: 0.097-0.905, p value = 0.033).

Conclusions

Drinking carbonated beverages reduce the duration of preoperative endoscopy and ameliorate the esophagus cleansing degrees without impairing patient satisfaction.

Graded pneumatic dilation in subtype I and II achalasia: long-term experience in a single center

Background

The efficacy of pneumatic dilation (PD) in the management of achalasia has yielded variable results. The availability of high-resolution manometry led to the identification of 3 clinically relevant subtypes of achalasia, revealing the poor efficacy of PD in subtype III. Furthermore, PD showed a lower response rate in patients with subtype III compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy. This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term efficacy, safety profile and side effects of PD with a "graded approach" in subtypes I and II achalasia.

Methods

We enrolled 141 patients (male 67, mean age=66±16.26 years) with achalasia (n=27 subtype I, n=74 subtype II and n=40 subtype III) between January 2010 and July 2020 at St. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy. We analyzed the data of patients with subtypes I and II, who underwent a graded-protocol PD. Short- and long-term clinical efficacy, complications and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were recorded.

Results

One month after graded protocol PD, 100% subtype I and 96.2% subtype II achalasia patients showed clinical remission. The PD procedure was completed without major complications in all patients. In the long-term follow up (median time: 56 months), 95.5% subtype I and 90% subtype II achalasia patients had an Eckardt score ≤3. GERD occurred in 27.7% of all patients.

Conclusion

A graded-protocol PD applied in the appropriate achalasia subtypes was shown to be a safe and highly effective approach, in both the short- and long-term.

Beyond the Eckardt Score: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures in Esophageal Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and summarize their role in assessing undifferentiated dysphagia and common esophageal disorders, including achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Given the subjective nature of swallowing disorders, accurate diagnoses often rely on capturing the patient experience. As a result, the number of PROMs used to characterize esophageal symptoms is increasing with a recent particular emphasis on EoE. Overall, esophageal-focused PROMs are used to interpret patient symptoms and quality of life, diagnosis, and symptom changes over time. There are limitations with each instrument, including factors affecting validity, reliability, accessibility, patient participation, and logistical implementation. PROM instruments can be helpful tools in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders. Instruments should be chosen based on factors such as target population and setting, including research, clinical, and quality improvement efforts. Future research should address how best to implement PROMs and integrate the obtained data with patient care.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy: 10-year outcomes from a large, single-center U.S. series with high follow-up completion and comprehensive analysis of long-term efficacy, safety, objective GERD, and endoscopic functional luminal assessment

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is becoming the treatment of choice for achalasia. Data beyond 3 years are emerging but are limited. We herein report our 10-year experience, focusing on long-term efficacy and safety including the prevalence, management, and sequelae of postoperative reflux.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study.

RESULTS

Six hundred ten consecutive patients received POEM from October 2009 to October 2019, 160 for type 1 achalasia (26.2%), 307 for type II (50.3%), 93 for type III (15.6%), 25 for untyped achalasia (4.1%), and 23 for nonachalasia disorders (3.8%). Two hundred ninety-two patients (47.9%) had prior treatment(s). There was no aborted POEM. Median operation time was 54 minutes. Accidental mucosotomies occurred in 64 patients (10.5%) and clinically significant adverse events in 21 patients (3.4%). No adverse events led to death, surgery, interventional radiology interventions/drains, or altered functional status. At a median follow-up of 30 months, 29 failures occurred, defined as postoperative Eckardt score >3 or need for additional treatment. The Kaplan-Meier clinical success estimates at years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were 98%, 96%, 96%, 94%, 92%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. These are highly accurate estimates because only 13 patients (2%) were missing follow-up assessments. One hundred twenty-five patients (20.5%) had reflux symptoms more than once per week. At a median of 4 months, the pH study was completed in 406 patients (66.6%) and was positive in 232 (57.1%), and endoscopy was completed in 438 patients (71.8%) and showed reflux esophagitis in 218 (49.8%), mostly mild.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is exceptionally safe and highly effective on long-term follow-up, with >90% clinical success at ≥5 years.

The Number of Interstitial Cells of Cajal Differs Among Different Subtypes of Achalasia and is Related to Patients' Prognosis

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder with heterogeneous manometric subtypes and prognosis, characterized by degeneration of the esophageal myenteric plexus, and reduction in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). This study aimed to explore the histopathologic characteristics of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle from patients with achalasia with different subtypes and different prognosis.

METHODS

We examined specimens of LES muscle from 122 patients with achalasia who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy and from 10 control patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess inflammation infiltration, fibrosis, and atrophy. Specific immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify ICCs and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).

RESULTS

The number of ICCs in patients with type I achalasia was significantly lower than that in patients with type II achalasia, followed by that in control patients (type I vs type II vs control group= 0.4 vs 1.2 vs 9.5; P < 0.001). The number of nNOS-positive cells was significantly lower in patients with achalasia than that in control patients (type I vs type II vs control group = 0.0 vs 0.0 vs 8.0; P < 0.001). Nonrecurrent group had significantly more ICCs than recurrent group (type I: nonrecurrent vs recurrent = 1.0 vs 0.1; P = 0.010; type II: nonrecurrent vs recurrent = 2.0 vs 0.4; P = 0.004).

DISCUSSION

ICCs and nNOS-positive cells reduced significantly in LES muscle of patients with achalasia. The number of ICCs differed among different achalasia subtypes and was related to patients' clinical prognosis.

Diagnosis and Management of Achalasia: Updates of the Last Two Years

Achalasia is a rare neurodegenerative disorder causing dysphagia and is characterized by abnormal esophageal motor function as well as the loss of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. The assessment and management of achalasia has significantly progressed in recent years due to the advances in high-resolution manometry (HRM) technology along with the improvements and innovations of therapeutic endoscopy procedures. The recent evolution of HRM technology with the inclusion of an adjunctive test, fluoroscopy, and EndoFLIP has enabled more precise diagnoses of achalasia to be made and the subgrouping into therapeutically meaningful subtypes. Current management possibilities include endoscopic treatments such as Botulinum toxin injected to the LES and pneumatic balloon dilation. Surgical treatment includes laparoscopic Heller myotomy and esophagectomy. Furthermore, in recent years, per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has established itself as a principal endoscopic therapeutic alternative to the traditional laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The latest randomized trials report that POEM, pneumatic balloon dilatation, and laparoscopic Heller's myotomy have comparable effectiveness and complications rates. The aim of the current review is to provide a practical clinical approach to dysphagia and to shed light on the most recent improvements in diagnostics and treatment of achalasia over the last two years.

Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia in the Era of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Introduction:

We have analyzed the short- and long-term results of various surgical therapies for achalasia, especially changes in postoperative esophageal function.

Patients and Methods:

Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017, 54 patients with esophageal achalasia were treated in our institution. Patients scheduled for surgery underwent a comprehensive gastroenterological assessment pre- and post-surgery. Forty-eight of the elective cases involved a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with Dor’s semifundoplication, while two cases entailed an esophageal resection with an intrathoracic gastric replacement for end-stage achalasia. Torek’s operation was performed on two patients for iatrogenic esophageal perforation, and two others underwent primary suture repair with Heller–Dor surgery as an emergency procedure. The results of the different surgical treatments, as well as changes in the patients’ pre- and post-operative complaints were evaluated.

Results:

No intra-operative complications were observed, and no mortalities resulted. During the 12 to 24-month follow-up period, recurrent dysphagia was observed mostly in the spastic group (TIII: 33%; diffuse esophageal spasm: 60%), while its occurrence in the TI type did not change significantly (14.5%–20.8%). As a result of the follow-up of more than two years, good symptom control was achieved in 93.7% of the patients, with only four patients (8.3%) developing postoperative reflux.

Conclusions:

The laparoscopic Heller–Dor procedure provides satisfactory long-term results with low morbidity. In emergency and advanced cases, traditional surgical procedures are still the recommended therapy.

Chicago Classification update (version 4.0): Technical review on diagnostic criteria for achalasia

The recommended diagnostic criteria for achalasia have been recently updated by Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0), the widely accepted classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high-resolution manometry (HRM). CCv4.0 continued upon prior versions by subtyping achalasia into type I, type II, and type III on HRM. The achalasia subgroup of the CCv4.0 Working Group developed both conclusive and inconclusive statements for the HRM diagnoses of achalasia subtypes. Conclusive achalasia on HRM is defined as an abnormal median integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) in the primary position of wet swallows along with 100% failed peristalsis, with type I achalasia having 100% failed peristalsis without panesophageal pressurization (PEP), type II achalasia with PEP in at least 20% of swallows, and type III achalasia having at least 20% of swallows premature with no appreciable peristalsis. An inconclusive HRM diagnosis of achalasia can arise when there is an integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) that is borderline or at the upper limit of normal in at least one position, there is an abnormal IRP in both positions but evidence of peristalsis with PEP or premature swallows, or there is peristalsis in the secondary position after apparent achalasia in the primary position. In patients with dysphagia and an inconclusive HRM diagnosis of achalasia, supportive testing beyond HRM such as a timed barium esophagram (TBE) for functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is recommended. The review recommends a diagnostic algorithm for achalasia, discusses therapeutic options for the disease, and outlines future needs on this topic.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Safe and Highly Effective Treatment for Advanced Achalasia With Sigmoid Esophagus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In advanced achalasia patients with sigmoid esophagus, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) might be technically challenging and its outcomes are not well known in western population. Hence, our study aims were to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of POEM in achalasia patients with and without sigmoid esophagus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of achalasia patients who had POEM at our institution between April 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. Patients who underwent work-up comprising timed barium esophagram (TBE) and high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) before POEM along with 2-month post-POEM esophageal pH study, TBE and HREM were included in the final analysis. Patients were categorized as either sigmoid or no sigmoid esophagus based on the morphology of esophagus on TBE as per Japan Esophageal Society guidelines. Treatment success was defined as reduction of post-POEM Eckardt score to ≤3.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients (sigmoid esophagus=20; no sigmoid esophagus=148) were included. Esophageal width on TBE at 1 minute was significantly higher in sigmoid esophagus group compared with no sigmoid esophagus group (4.9 vs. 3.0 cm, P<0.001). Procedural outcomes and complications were similar in both groups. At 2-month follow-up, both groups had significant improvement in Eckardt scores, TBE, and HREM parameters. Treatment success was high and similar in both sigmoid and no sigmoid groups (94.4% vs. 93.2%, P=0.84). The rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease were also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings suggest that POEM is safe and highly effective treatment for achalasia patients with sigmoid esophagus similar to those without sigmoid esophagus in western population. POEM should be considered as the treatment of choice in advanced achalasia with sigmoid esophagus.

European guidelines on achalasia: United European Gastroenterology and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the oesophagus characterised by absence of peristalsis and insufficient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. With new advances and developments in achalasia management, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians in achalasia patient care.

METHODS

Guidelines were established by a working group of representatives from United European Gastroenterology, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Recommendations were voted upon using a nominal group technique.

RESULTS

These guidelines focus on the definition of achalasia, treatment aims, diagnostic tests, medical, endoscopic and surgical therapy, management of treatment failure, follow-up and oesophageal cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

These multidisciplinary guidelines provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework with recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of adult achalasia patients.

Advances and caveats in modern achalasia management

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by the incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and impaired peristaltic activity. The advent of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and the rapidly evolving role of therapeutic endoscopy have revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis and management of achalasia patients in the last decade. With advances in HRM technology and methodology, fluoroscopy and EndoFlip, achalasia can be differentiated into therapeutically meaningful phenotypes with a high degree of accuracy. Further, the newest treatment option, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), has become a staple therapy following the last 10 years of experience, and recent randomized trials appear to show no difference between POEM, graded pneumatic dilatation and surgical Heller myotomy in terms of short- and long-term efficacy or complication rate. On the other hand, how treatment outcomes are measured as well as the risk of reflux following therapy remain areas of contention. This review aims to summarize the recent advancements in achalasia testing and therapy, describes the recent randomized clinical trials as well as their potential setbacks, and touches on the future of personalizing achalasia treatment.

Long-term clinical results of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia: First report of more than 10-year patient experience as assessed with a questionnaire-based survey

Background and study aims  Since per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was introduced in 2010, it has become accepted as one of the standard treatments for esophageal achalasia worldwide. This study aimed to present long-term clinical results of POEM over 10 years and evaluate the technique and outcomes at the institution where it was first used in clinical settings. Patients and methods  Questionnaire-based surveys were sent to patients who received POEM in our institution from September 2008 to May 2010. Patient demographics and procedural outcomes and open-ended questions were posed about the postoperative courses, including symptom improvement and recurrence, additional treatments, and post-POEM gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Achalasia symptoms and post-POEM GERD symptoms were evaluated with Eckhardt scores and GerdQ systems, respectively. Results  Thirty-six consecutive POEMs were performed in that period and 10-year follow-up data were obtained from 15 patients (41.7 %). Although four cases (26.7 %) required additional pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD), reduction in post-Eckardt scores were observed in 14 cases (93.3 %). GerdQ score was positive in one patient (6.7 %). Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were taken by four patients (26.7 %) and their symptoms were well-controlled. Conclusions  Clinical results of POEM over 10 years were favorable regardless of various factors. Symptoms improved even in patients who required additional treatments, suggesting that POEM plays a significant role in treatment of achalasia.

Treatment challenges of sigmoid-shaped esophagus and severe achalasia

Background

Achalasia is a chronic motility disorder which may require surgical interventions to effectively manage patients’ symptoms and improve functional status. In late stage achalasia, patients may present with sigmoid-shaped esophagus which complicates traditional treatment approaches for achalasia as the esophagus is massively dilated and dysfunctional with delicate tissue integrity. Severe Achalasia with sigmoid esophagus imposes significant challenge to surgeons and treating physicians. Various assessment modalities and treatment approaches have been tried. Surgical treatment continues to be controversial. Some have argued that a less aggressive approach similar to that in early Achalasia results in satisfactory outcomes. Others have argued a more aggressive approach of esophagectomy is necessary. We present a review of the challenges encountered in each approach with recommendation for selecting the right treatment for the individual cases.

Conclusions

Different treatment options for sigmoid type achalasia are available with ongoing controversy among the options. Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication can provide satisfactory symptoms improvement and treatment outcomes.

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Late stage achalasia may present with sigmoid-shaped esophagus.

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Sigmoid shaped esophagus imposes significant treatment challenges due to dilation and delicate tissue integrity.

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Surgical treatment continues to be controversial.

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Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication can provide satisfactory symptoms improvement and treatment outcomes.

Comparative efficacy of first-line therapeutic interventions for achalasia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Several interventions with variable efficacy are available as first-line therapy for patients with achalasia. We assessed the comparative efficacy of different strategies for management of achalasia, through a network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect treatment comparisons.

Methods

We identified six randomized controlled trials in adults with achalasia that compared the efficacy of pneumatic dilation (PD; n = 260), laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM; n = 309), and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM; n = 176). Primary efficacy outcome was 1-year treatment success (patient-reported improvement in symptoms based on validated scores); secondary efficacy outcomes were 2-year treatment success and physiologic improvement; safety outcomes were risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), severe erosive esophagitis, and procedure-related serious adverse events. We performed pairwise and network meta-analysis for all treatments, and used GRADE criteria to appraise quality of evidence.

Results

Low-quality evidence, based primarily on direct evidence, supports the use of POEM (RR [risk ratio], 1.29; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.99–1.69), and LHM (RR, 1.18 [0.96–1.44]) over PD for treatment success at 1 year; no significant difference was observed between LHM and POEM (RR 1.09 [0.86–1.39]). The incidence of severe esophagitis after POEM, LHM, and PD was 5.3%, 3.7%, and 1.5%, respectively. Procedure-related serious adverse event rate after POEM, LHM, and PD was 1.4%, 6.7%, and 4.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

POEM and LHM have comparable efficacy, and may increase treatment success as compared to PD with low confidence in estimates. POEM may have lower rate of serious adverse events compared to LHM and PD, but higher rate of GERD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-020-07920-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. Achalasia is a chronic disease that causes progressive irreversible loss of esophageal motor function. The recent development of high-resolution manometry has facilitated the diagnosis of achalasia, and determining the achalasia subtypes based on high-resolution manometry can be important when deciding on treatment methods. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is less invasive than surgery with comparable efficacy. The present guidelines (the "2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines") were developed based on evidence-based medicine; the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility served as the operating and development committees, respectively. The development of the guidelines began in June 2018, and a draft consensus based on the Delphi process was achieved in April 2019. The guidelines consist of 18 recommendations: 2 pertaining to the definition and epidemiology of achalasia, 6 pertaining to diagnoses, and 10 pertaining to treatments. The endoscopic treatment section is based on the latest evidence from meta-analyses. Clinicians (including gastroenterologists, upper gastrointestinal tract surgeons, general physicians, nurses, and other hospital workers) and patients could use these guidelines to make an informed decision on the management of achalasia.