1
|
Sanagapalli S, Plumb A, Lord RV, Sweis R. How to effectively use and interpret the barium swallow: Current role in esophageal dysphagia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14605. [PMID: 37103465 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The barium swallow is a commonly performed investigation, though recent decades have seen major advances in other esophageal diagnostic modalities. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to clarify the rationale for components of the barium swallow protocol, provide guidance on interpretation of findings, and describe the current role of the barium swallow in the diagnostic paradigm for esophageal dysphagia in relation to other esophageal investigations. The barium swallow protocol, interpretation, and reporting terminology are subjective and non-standardized. Common reporting terminology and an approach to their interpretation are provided. A timed barium swallow (TBS) protocol provides more standardized assessment of esophageal emptying but does not evaluate peristalsis. Barium swallow may have higher sensitivity than endoscopy for detecting subtle strictures. Barium swallow has lower overall accuracy than high-resolution manometry for diagnosing achalasia but can help secure the diagnosis in cases of equivocal manometry. TBS has an established role in objective assessment of therapeutic response in achalasia and helps identify the cause of symptom relapse. Barium swallow has a role in the evaluating manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, in some cases helping to identify where it represents an achalasia-like syndrome. Barium swallow should be performed in dysphagia following bariatric or anti-reflux surgery, to assess for both structural and functional postsurgical abnormality. Barium swallow remains a useful investigation in esophageal dysphagia, though its role has evolved due to advancements in other diagnostics. Current evidence-based guidance regarding its strengths, weaknesses, and current role are described in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Sanagapalli
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, St. Vincent's Healthcare Campus, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Plumb
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Reginald V Lord
- Department of Surgery, University of Notre Dame School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rami Sweis
- GI Physiology Unit, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Evensen H, Hjermstad MJ, Cvancarova M, Kristensen V, Larssen L, Skattum J, Hauge T, Sandstad O, Medhus AW. Quality of life in patients with achalasia: Associations with Eckardt score and objective treatment outcomes after peroral endoscopic myotomy. Endosc Int Open 2022; 10:E1570-E1576. [PMID: 36531682 PMCID: PMC9754863 DOI: 10.1055/a-1968-7682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and study aims Knowledge on self-reported quality of life (QoL) in achalasia and QoL improvements after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is limited. Furthermore, the clinical role of QoL in achalasia follow-up has not been evaluated. The present study aimed to examine QoL in achalasia patients before and after POEM and assess associations between QoL, Eckardt score (ES) and objective results. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study of treatment-naïve achalasia patients with 12-month follow-up after POEM including manometry, upper endoscopy, 24-hour pH registration, and timed barium esophagogram. QoL data were registered using European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and esophageal module (QLQ-OES18). Comparison with a reference population was performed to assess impact of achalasia on QoL and effect of therapy. Mixed models for repeated measures were applied. Results Fifty patients (26 females) with a median age of 47 years (18-76) were included. Before treatment, all QoL domains were significantly impaired compared with an age- and gender-adjusted reference population ( P < 0.05). No significant QoL-differences were found after POEM, except for fatigue and nausea/vomiting. Clinically relevant QoL improvement was observed in ≥ 50 % of the patients in all QoL domains, except for physical and role functioning. QoL was significantly associated with ES ( P < 0.05) but not with objective results. Conclusions Achalasia is associated with severe QoL impairment. Following POEM, a significant and clinically relevant QoL improvement is observed. QoL is associated with ES, but not with objective results after POEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helge Evensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- Regional Advisory Unit for Palliative Care, Dept. of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Dept. of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Cvancarova
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
| | - Vendel Kristensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,Unger-Vetlesen Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Larssen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Jorunn Skattum
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Hamar, Norway
| | - Truls Hauge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Sandstad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Asle W. Medhus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ullal TV, Marks SL, Belafsky PC, Conklin JL, Pandolfino JE. A Comparative Assessment of the Diagnosis of Swallowing Impairment and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Canines and Humans. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:889331. [PMID: 35754550 PMCID: PMC9228035 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.889331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarini V Ullal
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Stanley L Marks
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Peter C Belafsky
- Department of Otolaryngology, Center for Voice and Swallowing, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Conklin
- The Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John E Pandolfino
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kumar A, Tripathi SN, Mittal S, Abraham J, Makharia GK, Parshad R. Symptomatic and Physiological Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy for Achalasia Cardia: Is There a Correlation? Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2022; 32:299-304. [PMID: 35034067 DOI: 10.1097/sle.0000000000001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptomatic evaluation using Eckardt score and achalasia-specific health-related quality-of-life and physiological evaluation using timed barium examination (TBE) and high-resolution manometry is integral to the diagnosis of achalasia. However, the correlation of physiological outcomes with symptomatic outcomes and their role in routine follow-up after laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy (LHCM) is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the role of physiological testing in achalasia patients undergoing LHCM and its correlation with symptomatic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case records of patients undergoing LHCM for achalasia between January 2017 and March 2020 were reviewed for symptom scores (Eckardt score and achalasia-specific health-related quality-of-life) and physiological parameters [5-min column height on TBE and median integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on high-resolution manometry]. Sixty-one patients with complete data in the preoperative period and on follow-up were included in the study. The data was analyzed for symptomatic and physiological outcomes and their correlation using paired t test and the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 16 months following LHCM, there was a significant improvement in Eckardt score (7.03±1.53 to 0.93±1.10, P<0.001), achalasia-specific health-related quality-of-life (58.34±7.81 to 14.57±13.45, P<0.001), column height on TBE (115.14±46.9 to 27.89±34.31, P<0.001) and IRP (23.95±8.26 to 4.61±4.11, P<0.001). Eckardt score correlated significantly with achalasia-specific health-related quality-of-life scores preoperatively (ρ=0.410, P<0.001) and on follow-up (ρ=0.559, P<0.001). There was no correlation between symptomatic parameters and physiological parameters. CONCLUSIONS In patients of achalasia, LHCM leads to significant improvement in symptomatic and physiological parameters. Symptom scores correlate among themselves but not with physiological scores. Thus, physiological testing may not be needed for routine follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Govind K Makharia
- Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Raja S, Adhikari S, Blackstone EH, Toth AJ, Rice TW, Ahmad U, Murthy SC. A Comparative Study of Robotic and Laparoscopic Approaches to Heller Myotomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2022; 164:1639-1649.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
6
|
Evensen H, Småstuen MC, Schulz A, Kristensen V, Larssen L, Skattum J, Sandstad O, Hauge T, Medhus AW. One year comprehensive prospective follow-up of achalasia patients after peroral endoscopic myotomy. Ann Med 2021; 53:2225-2233. [PMID: 34806501 PMCID: PMC8805855 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.2005253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established therapy for achalasia, but outcome evaluation has often been limited to Eckardt score (ES). The present study was aimed to improve knowledge about outcome evaluation and predictive outcome factors by performing a comprehensive objective evaluation of achalasia patients treated by POEM. METHODS This single centre prospective study reports outcome data 12 months after POEM in treatment-naive achalasia patients. A predefined follow-up protocol included ES, high resolution manometry, 24-h pH measurement, upper endoscopy and timed barium esophagogram (TBE). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to analyze association between post-POEM variables and identify predictive factors for objective outcome. RESULTS Fifty patients were included with a drop-out rate of <5%. ES, lower oesophageal sphincter pressures, TBE heights and maximal oesophageal diameter were all reduced after POEM (p < .001), and 28% (13/47) of the patients had a positive 24-h pH registration. An oesophageal diameter >3 cm after POEM was associated with treatment failure assessed by ES (p = .04) and TBE (p = .03). Advanced achalasia stage (p = .02) and long symptom duration (p = .04) were identified as independent predictive factors for poor outcome assessed by TBE. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirms that POEM is an efficient therapy for achalasia. The comprehensive objective evaluation after POEM demonstrates that long symptom duration and major changes in oesophageal anatomy at diagnosis imply poor treatment outcome, and a post-POEM dilated oesophagus is associated with treatment failure.Key messagesPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is established as a safe and effective therapy for achalasia.Timed barium esophagogram offers objective variables that are valuable in treatment response evaluation. Advanced achalasia stage and long symptom duration are predictive factors for poor objective treatment response after POEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helge Evensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Cvancarova Småstuen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anselm Schulz
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Norwegian Imaging Technology Research and Innovation Center (ImTECH), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vendel Kristensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Unger-Vetlesen Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Larssen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorunn Skattum
- Department of Abdominal and Pediatric Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Sandstad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Truls Hauge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Asle W. Medhus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
DeWitt JM, Siwiec RM, Perkins A, Baik D, Kessler WR, Nowak TV, Wo JM, James-Stevenson T, Mendez M, Dickson D, Stainko S, Akisik F, Lappas J, Al-Haddad MA. Evaluation of timed barium esophagram after per-oral endoscopic myotomy to predict clinical response. Endosc Int Open 2021; 9:E1692-E1701. [PMID: 34790532 PMCID: PMC8589564 DOI: 10.1055/a-1546-8415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and study aims The aim of this study was to evaluate whether timed barium esophagram within 24 hours post-per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) (TBE-PP) could predict clinical outcomes. Patients and methods This was a single-center retrospective study of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients with ≥ 6-month follow-up who underwent POEM followed by TBE-PP. Esophageal contrast retention 2 minutes after TBE-PP was assessed as Grade 1 (< 10 %), 2 (10 %-49 %), 3 (50 %-89 %) or 4 (> 90 %). Eckardt score, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), high-resolution manometry (HRM) and function lumen imaging probe (FLIP) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) were obtained at baseline. These tests along with pH testing of antisecretory therapy were repeated 6 and 24 months after POEM. Clinical response by Eckardt score ≤ 3, EGJ-distensibility index (EGJ-DI) > 2.8 mm 2 /mm Hg, and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) < 15 mm Hg and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were compared by transit time. Results Of 181 patients (58 % male, mean 53 ± 17 yr), TBE-PP was classified as Grade 1 in 122 (67.4 %), Grade 2 in 41 (22.7 %), Grade 3 in 14 (7.7 %) and Grade 4 in 4 (2.2 %). At 6 months, overall clinical response by ES (91.7 %), IRP (86.6 %), EGJ-DI (95.7 %) and the diagnosis of GERD (68.6 %) was similar between Grade 1 and Grade 2-4 TBE-PP. At 24 months, Grade 1 had a higher frequency of a normal IRP compared to Grades 2-4 (95.7 % vs. 60 %, P = 0.021) but overall response by ES (91.2 %), EGJ-DI (92.3 %) and the diagnosis of GERD (74.3 %) were similar. Conclusions Contrast emptying rate by esophagram after POEM has limited utility to predict clinical response or risk of post-procedure GERD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M. DeWitt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Robert M. Siwiec
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Anthony Perkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Daniel Baik
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - William R. Kessler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Thomas V. Nowak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - John M. Wo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Toyia James-Stevenson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Martha Mendez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Destenee Dickson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Sarah Stainko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Fatih Akisik
- Department of Radiology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - John Lappas
- Department of Radiology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Mohammad A. Al-Haddad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University Health Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rieder E, Fernandez-Becker NQ, Sarosiek J, Guillaume A, Azagury DE, Clarke JO. Achalasia: physiology and diagnosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1482:85-94. [PMID: 33140485 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder with incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and ineffective contractions of the esophageal body. It has been hypothesized that achalasia does not result from only one pathway but rather involves a combination of infectious, autoimmune, and familial etiological components. On the basis of other observations, a novel hypothesis suggests that a muscular form of eosinophilic esophagitis is involved in the pathophysiology of achalasia in some patients. This appears to progressively diminish the myenteric plexus at stage III, gradually destroy it at stage II, and finally eliminate it at stage I, the most advanced and final stage of achalasia. Although high-resolution manometry has identified these three different types of achalasia, another subset of patients with a normal-appearing sphincter relaxation has been proposed. Provocative maneuvers, such as the rapid drinking challenge, have recently been demonstrated to improve diagnosis in certain borderline patients, but have to be studied in more detail. However, whether the different types of achalasia will have a long-term impact on tailored therapies is still a matter of debate. Additionally, novel aspects of the standard timed barium swallow appear to be an important adjunct of diagnosis, as it has been shown to have a diagnostic as well as a predictive value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Rieder
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jerzy Sarosiek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas
| | - Alexandra Guillaume
- Gastrointestinal Motility Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Dan E Azagury
- Minimally Invasive & Bariatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - John O Clarke
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Implementation of a Timed Barium Esophagram Protocol for Assessment of Esophageal Function in Children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 71:470-475. [PMID: 32639450 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Timed barium esophagram (TBE) is a fluoroscopic study that is widely employed as an adjunctive tool for diagnosing esophageal emptying disorders in adults (eg, achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction [EGJOO]) and for following response to treatment. We aimed to describe the characteristics and feasibility of a pediatric TBE protocol and provide a first report of the potential value of TBE for assessment of esophageal emptying in the pediatric population. METHODS Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients at a tertiary pediatric hospital who underwent TBE from October 2017 to October 2019. Patient and test characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results from patients who had both TBE and high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) were used to generate ROC curves for TBE to identify esophageal emptying disorders. RESULTS Twenty-two patients underwent 25 TBE. Fourteen of 23 (61%) received 150 mL barium volume per protocol. Nearly half (42%) of subjects could tolerate ingesting barium within 20 seconds. Nine individuals underwent HRM. The sensitivity of standard adult TBE criteria (1 cm barium column height at 5 minutes) to detect emptying disorder was 100%, specificity 40%. A modified diagnostic cutoff (1.6 cm height at 5 minutes) offered 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity. CONCLUSIONS TBE is feasible and should be considered an adjunctive noninvasive screen for impaired esophageal emptying in children. There was heterogeneous adherence to protocol for timing and volume of barium; however, studies remained interpretable. This population may benefit from different diagnostic cutoffs than adults, and clinical judgment should be used until specific diagnostic cutoffs are determined in children.
Collapse
|
10
|
Use of a report card to evaluate outcomes of achalasia surgery: beyond the Eckardt score. Surg Endosc 2019; 34:1856-1862. [PMID: 31286258 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-06952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achalasia outcome is primarily defined using the Eckardt score with failure recognized as > 3. However, patients experience many changes after myotomy including new onset GERD, swallowing difficulties, and potential need for additional treatment. We aim to devise a comprehensive assessment tool to demonstrate the extent of patient-reported outcomes, objective changes, and need for re-interventions following myotomy. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of surgically treated primary achalasia patients. We identified 185 patients without prior foregut surgery who underwent either per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) or Heller myotomy from 2005 to 2017. Eight outcome measures in subjective, objective, and interventional categories formulated a global postoperative assessment tool. These outcomes included Eckardt score, Dakkak Dysphagia score, GERD-HRQL score, normalization of pH scores and IRP, esophagitis, timed barium clearance at 5 min, and the most invasive re-intervention performed. RESULTS Of 185 patients, achalasia subtypes included Type I = 42 (23%), II = 109 (59%), and III = 34 (18%). Patients underwent minimally invasive myotomy in 114 (62%), POEM in 71 (38%). Median proximal myotomy length was 4 cm (IQR 4-5) and distal 2 cm (IQR 2-2.5). Based on postoperative Eckardt score, 135/145 (93%) had successful treatment of achalasia. But, only 47/104 (45%) reported normal swallowing, and 78/108 (72%) had GERD-HRQL score ≤ 10. Objectively, IRP was normalized in 48/60 (80%), whereas timed barium clearance occurred in 51/84 (61%). No evidence of esophagitis was documented in 82/115 (71%). Postoperative normal DeMeester scores occurred in 38/76 (50%). No additional treatments were required in 110/139 (79%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS Use of the Eckardt score alone to assess outcomes after achalasia surgery shows outstanding results. Using patient-reported outcomes, objective measurements, re-intervention rates, organized into a report card provides a more comprehensive and informative view.
Collapse
|
11
|
Reintervention After Heller Myotomy for Achalasia: Is It Inevitable? Ann Thorac Surg 2019; 107:860-867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
12
|
Campagna RAJ, Hungness ES. Treatment of Idiopathic Achalasia with Per-Oral Esophageal Myotomy. TECHNIQUES IN GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY 2018; 20:114-119. [PMID: 30872910 DOI: 10.1016/j.tgie.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that necessitates the disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients with achalasia should be evaluated in a systematic, multidisciplinary fashion. Workup should include upper endoscopy, esophagography, and high-resolution manometry. The gold standard for surgical treatment is laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. Per-oral esophageal myotomy is a novel endoscopic technique that has gained considerable traction over the past decade. The procedure includes the creation of a submucosal tunnel and a selective circular myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter. Common intra-operative hazards include bleeding within the submucosal tunnel and capnoperitoneum. Significant complications are rare. Patients experience excellent dysphagia relief that is on par with laparoscopic Heller myotomy at moderate-term follow up. Post-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs in greater than one-third of patients, and the vast majority of cases are readily controlled with an anti-secretory medication. Although data is sparse, there is a growing body of literature that supports the long-term durability of per-oral esophageal myotomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A J Campagna
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 650, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
| | - Eric S Hungness
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 650, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lin J. A picture or a thousand words: Routine timed barium esophagram after myotomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 156:878-879. [PMID: 29754786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jules Lin
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
van Berkel V. Symptoms versus testing: How should we follow-up achalasia after myotomy? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 156:869-870. [PMID: 29716731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Victor van Berkel
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Ky.
| |
Collapse
|