Postoperative problems 2011: fundoplication and obesity surgery

The mechanisms associated with reflux episodes in ambulant subjects with gastro-esophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) episodes were studied using combined High-resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM) and pH monitoring in ambulant subjects with different patterns of GERD.

METHODS

Sixteen subjects with mild-moderate esophagitis (Los Angeles (LA) grade A&B) (group A) and 11 subjects with severe esophagitis (LA grade C&D) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) were studied before and after a meal, resting, while walking, and during standardized exercise, using a HRIM and a pH probe.

KEY RESULTS

Post-prandial acid GER episodes were more common in group B (median 10 range (3-18) vs A (6.5 (0-18), p = 0.048). Postprandial acid clearance time was much longer in group B (median 0.71( 0.07-2.66 min) vs A (0.17 (0.04-2.44 min), p = 0.02). Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most frequent mechanism associated with GER episodes in both groups. Post-prandial TLESRs with GER were more common in group B (median 17 (9-24) vs A 13.5 (7-34), p = 0.014), particularly during exercise (B 8 (6-9) vs A 6 (5-6.8), p = 0.007). Post-prandially TLESR with acid reflux increased during exercise in both groups (A rest median 2.4 (0-6.4) per hour vs exercise 4.7 (0-17.3), p = 0.005 and B 4 (0.8-9.6) vs 5.3 (2.7-13.3) per hour, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

TLESR was the most common mechanism associated with reflux episodes in all subjects. Acid reflux episodes were more common in subjects with severe esophagitis or BE and esophageal acid clearance was much slower. Post-prandial exercise increased TLESR with acid reflux and GERD patients should be encouraged to avoid exercise immediately after a meal.

Spotlight on the Linx™ Reflux Management System for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: evidence and research

BACKGROUND

The initial approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) management typically involves lifestyle modification and medical therapy utilizing acid reducing agents such as histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors. In severe cases refractory to such treatments, surgical therapy may be indicated. The gold standard for surgical treatment of GERD is the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. In recent years, a new technique known as magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) has been developed using the Linx™ Reflux Management System. This is an implantable ring of magnetic beads that is placed around the esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction to restore lower esophageal integrity. The aim of this review is to discuss the current literature regarding indications, surgical technique, efficacy, and complications of MSA using the Linx device.

METHODS

A standardized literature search was performed yielding 367 abstracts. After elimination due to duplicates between databases and irrelevance, 96 articles remained. The information found to be significant and non-redundant was included in this review.

CONCLUSION

After several years of clinical application, the Linx device has been shown to not only be effective for the management of GERD but also be as effective as fundoplication. With respect to safety, the most common complication of MSA is dysphagia. This often resolved without intervention, but esophageal dilation or device explanation are occasionally necessary. Not fully appreciated in earlier reviews, erosion of the device into the esophagus appears to be the most significant complication of the device after extended follow-up. While very rare, the potentially severe consequences of this phenomenon suggest that the device should be used with some restraint and that patients should be made aware of this potential morbidity. Fortunately, in the few cases of device erosion described in the literature reviewed, the Linx device was easily and safely removed.

Postprandial Hypoglycemia: Complication of Peptic Ulcer Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Billroth II procedures (gastrojejunostomy with vagotomy) are seldom performed now but were popular before the advent of histamine 2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Such procedures can be a cause of late postprandial hypoglycemia.

METHODS

We performed a formal evaluation and discussion of postprandial hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

We present a case of an 85-year-old man who presented to the endocrinology clinic with symptoms of "fainting spells after large meals." The patient previously had extensive evaluations by a neurologist and a cardiologist. Because of the history of Billroth II surgery and the description of his fainting spells, a 5-hour glucose tolerance test was performed in the clinic using the foods that uniformly resulted in symptoms. This confirmed that the late dumping syndrome with associated hypoglycemia was the cause of his spells.

CONCLUSIONS

Late dumping syndrome manifesting with hypoglycemia should be considered in the workup of patients with a history of gastric surgery and unusual postprandial symptoms. This case highlights the importance of an appropriate workup that can lead to avoidance of unnecessary testing in such patients.

Effective and safe proton pump inhibitor therapy in acid-related diseases - A position paper addressing benefits and potential harms of acid suppression

BACKGROUND

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice has revolutionized the management of acid-related diseases. Studies in primary care and emergency settings suggest that PPIs are frequently prescribed for inappropriate indications or for indications where their use offers little benefit. Inappropriate PPI use is a matter of great concern, especially in the elderly, who are often affected by multiple comorbidities and are taking multiple medications, and are thus at an increased risk of long-term PPI-related adverse outcomes as well as drug-to-drug interactions. Herein, we aim to review the current literature on PPI use and develop a position paper addressing the benefits and potential harms of acid suppression with the purpose of providing evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate use of these medications.

METHODS

The topics, identified by a Scientific Committee, were assigned to experts selected by three Italian Scientific Societies, who independently performed a systematic search of the relevant literature using Medline/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Search outputs were distilled, paying more attention to systematic reviews and meta-analyses (where available) representing the best evidence. The draft prepared on each topic was circulated amongst all the members of the Scientific Committee. Each expert then provided her/his input to the writing, suggesting changes and the inclusion of new material and/or additional relevant references. The global recommendations were then thoroughly discussed in a specific meeting, refined with regard to both content and wording, and approved to obtain a summary of current evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-five years after their introduction into clinical practice, PPIs remain the mainstay of the treatment of acid-related diseases, where their use in gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease and bleeding as well as, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is appropriate. Prevention of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions (and symptoms) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antiplatelet therapies and carrying gastrointestinal risk factors also represents an appropriate indication. On the contrary, steroid use does not need any gastroprotection, unless combined with NSAID therapy. In dyspeptic patients with persisting symptoms, despite successful H. pylori eradication, short-term PPI treatment could be attempted. Finally, addition of PPIs to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with refractory steatorrhea may be worthwhile.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, PPIs are irreplaceable drugs in the management of acid-related diseases. However, PPI treatment, as any kind of drug therapy, is not without risk of adverse effects. The overall benefits of therapy and improvement in quality of life significantly outweigh potential harms in most patients, but those without clear clinical indication are only exposed to the risks of PPI prescription. Adhering with evidence-based guidelines represents the only rational approach to effective and safe PPI therapy. Please see related Commentary: doi: 10.1186/s12916-016-0724-1 .

Impact of obesity treatment on gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequently encountered disorder. Obesity is an important risk factor for GERD, and there are several pathophysiologic mechanisms linking the two conditions. For obese patients with GERD, much of the treatment effort is focused on weight loss and its consistent benefit to symptoms, while there is a relative lack of evidence regarding outcomes after novel or even standard medical therapy is offered to this population. Physicians are hesitant to recommend operative anti-reflux therapy to obese patients due to the potentially higher risks and decreased efficacy, and these patients instead are often considered for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgical approaches are broadening, and each technique has emerging evidence regarding its effect on both the risk and outcome of GERD. Furthermore, combined anti-reflux and bariatric options are now being offered to obese patients with GERD. However, currently Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains the most effective surgical treatment option in this population, due to its consistent benefits in both weight loss and GERD itself. This article aims to review the impact of both conservative and aggressive approaches of obesity treatment on GERD.

The value of multiple rapid swallows during preoperative esophageal manometry before laparoscopic antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

When multiple swallows are rapidly administered, esophageal peristalsis is inhibited, and pronounced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation ensues. After the last swallow of the series, a robust contraction sequence results. The authors hypothesize that multiple rapid swallows (MRS) may have value in predicting esophageal transit symptoms in patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).

METHODS

Records of patients undergoing esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) before LARS were evaluated. The evaluation of MRS included adequate inhibitory response during swallows and the contraction pattern after MRS. Dysphagia was scored based on a product of symptom frequency and severity using 5-point Likert scales. A composite dysphagia score comprised the sum of scores for solid and liquid dysphagia, and a score of 4 or higher was considered clinically significant. The normal and abnormal MRS responses of patients with preoperative, early, and late postoperative dysphagia were compared with those of patients with no dysphagia.

RESULTS

In this study, 63 patients (mean age, 60.3 ± 1.7 years, 48 women) undergoing HRM before LARS successfully performed MRS (median, 5 swallows; longest interval between swallows, 3.2 ± 0.1 s). After MRS, 14 patients (22.2%) had an intact peristaltic sequence. Complete failure of peristalsis was seen in 21 (33.3%), and incomplete esophageal inhibition in 25 (39.7%) of the remaining patients. When stratified by presence or absence of dysphagia, 58.3% of the subjects without dysphagia had a normal MRS response, whereas 83.3% had formation of peristaltic segments after MRS. In contrast, only 14% of the subjects with dysphagia had a normal MRS response (p ≤ 0.003 vs. the subjects with no dysphagia). Abnormal MRS responses were more prevalent in the patients with any preoperative and late postoperative dysphagia (p = 0.04 across groups) and in those with clinically significant dysphagia (p = 0.08 across groups).

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution manometry with MRS helps to predict dysphagia in subjects undergoing preoperative esophageal function testing before LARS.