Let the patient beware: the evolving truth about laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Treating acid reflux without compressing the food passageway: 4-year safety and clinical outcomes with the RefluxStop device in a prospective multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

RefluxStop is an implantable device for laparoscopic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to restore and maintain lower esophageal sphincter and angle of His anatomy without encircling and putting pressure on the food passageway, thereby avoiding side effects such as dysphagia and bloating seen with traditional fundoplication. This study reports the clinical outcomes with RefluxStop at 4 years following implantation of the device.

METHODS

A prospective, single arm, multicenter clinical investigation analyzing safety and effectiveness of the RefluxStop device in 50 patients with chronic GERD.

RESULTS

Available data are presented for 44 patients at 4 years with the addition of three patients at 3 years carried forward. At 4 years, median GERD-HRQL score was 90% reduced compared to baseline. Two patients (2/44) used regular daily proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) despite subsequent 24-h pH monitoring off PPI therapy yielding normal results. There were no device-related adverse events (AEs), esophageal dilations, migrations, or explants during the entire study period. AEs reported between 1 and 4 years were as follows: one subject with heartburn and a pathologic pH result with device positioned too low at surgery; one subject with dysphagia, thus, 46/47 patients reported no dysphagia-related AEs between years 1 and 4. Two patients (2/47) were dissatisfied with treatment despite normal 24-h pH monitoring, of whom one had manometry-verified dysmotility at 6 months, indicating dissatisfaction for reasons other than acid reflux.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm the excellent and already published 1-year results as stable in the long-term, supporting the safety and effectiveness of the RefluxStop device in treating GERD for over 4 years. GERD-HRQL score, pH testing, and PPI usage indicate treatment success without dysphagia or gas-bloating and only minimal incidence of other AEs. This favorably low rate of AEs is likely attributable to RefluxStop's dynamic physiologic interaction and non-encircling nature.

'Critical circle of fundoplication' - A key concept towards creating identical, replicable and consistent fundoplication wraps

Background

There is a significant learning curve associated with laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication, during which, complications due to surgical errors are more likely to occur. Moreover, length of the wrap, its situation on the lower esophagus and the points of the fundus brought together to create the wrap are arbitrary and as per the surgeon's judgement and estimation. This leads to a lot of variation in the wraps created, not only from surgeon to surgeon, but also from case to case for each individual surgeon. We propose a new concept of 'Critical Circle of Fundoplication' and the new approach to construct the fundoplication based on this concept, by application of which, a mathematically precise fundoplication can be created which is consistent, accurate and optimum.

Patients and Methods

A total of 132 patients were operated based on the concept of 'Critical Circle of Fundoplication' between 2015 and 2020, of which 116 patients completed one year of follow-up and are included in the paper.

Results

The demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings and postoperative are described in detail. An additional average time of 10.5 minutes (range: 8-26 minutes) was required in the precise measurements and markings that were required by this approach.

Conclusion

By application of the concept of 'Critical Circle of Fundoplication', precise, consistent and optimum wraps can be created. By eliminating the errors of structural construction and placement of the wrap, overall results can be improved.

Quality of life and gastric acid-suppression medication post-laparoscopic fundoplication: a ten years retrospective study

Background: Although medical treatment is the best approach for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgery has a significant role to play not only in cases of failure of medical treatment but also as in a long-term approach, specifically in young patient. On the other hand, alarming reports have been published concerning the outcomes and usefulness of antireflux surgery (ARS). The aim of this study was to evaluate medium and long-term functional outcomes following ARS performed in our institution over a 10 year period.Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients in our department who underwent primary or redo laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2015. Evaluation of the outcomes was made using a validated questionnaire specifically dedicated to GERD (the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire) and by investigation about the continued use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Exclusion criteria were patients treated for GERD with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, emergency reduction of hiatal hernia, patients missing from follow-up and patients deceased from unrelated causes.Results: 296 patients out of 309 met the inclusion criteria. Primary procedures included 214 Nissen, 35 Toupet, and 23 Collis gastroplasty; there were additionally 62 redo operations. Neither postoperative mortality nor conversion was observed. The mean follow-up was 8 years post-surgery, and contact was made with 96% of the original group. 85% of the patients had stopped PPI use since their operation (86% after Nissen, 73% after Toupet, 94% after Collis and 82% after redos). 90% of the patients had good to excellent functional results as reported by their GERD-HRQL score, and independent of the type of previous procedure. 31 patients were dissatisfied due to dysphagia in 7 and GERD recurrence in 24. Again 75% were extremely satisfied and 15% satisfied. Our own incidence of redo procedures was 11% but the functional result and satisfaction index were comparable between redo and primary procedures. The addition of Collis gastroplasty in cases of real short oesophagus did not alter the final result.Conclusions: Laparoscopic ARS presents a superior alternative to lifetime medication use and can provide long-term control of GERD symptoms in the majority of patients if it is performed skillfully and in carefully evaluated patients. Based on the present study, we believed that significant improvement in GERD health-related quality of life can be attained following both primary and reoperative ARS.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in healing lesions and improving symptoms in most cases, although up to 40% of GERD patients do not respond adequately to PPI therapy. Refractory GERD (rGERD) is one of the most challenging problems, given its impact on the quality of life and consumption of health care resources. The definition of rGERD is a controversial topic as it has not been unequivocally established. Indeed, some patients unresponsive to PPIs who experience symptoms potentially related to GERD may not have GERD; in this case the definition could be replaced with “reflux-like PPI-refractory symptoms.” Patients with persistent reflux-like symptoms should undergo a diagnostic workup aimed at finding objective evidence of GERD through endoscopic and pH-impedance investigations. The management strategies regarding rGERD, apart from a careful check of patient's compliance with PPIs, a possible change in the timing of their administration and the choice of a PPI with a different metabolic pathway, include other pharmacologic treatments. These include histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), alginates, antacids and mucosal protective agents, potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs), prokinetics, gamma aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) antagonists, and pain modulators. If there is no benefit from medical therapy, but there is objective evidence of GERD, invasive antireflux options should be evaluated after having carefully explained the risks and benefits to the patient. The most widely performed invasive antireflux option remains laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), even if other, less invasive, interventions have been suggested in the last few decades, including endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) or radiofrequency therapy (Stretta). Due to the different mechanisms underlying rGERD, the most effective strategy can vary, and it should be tailored to each patient. The aim of this paper is to review the different management options available to successfully deal with rGERD.

Proton Pump Inhibitor-Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by the presence of troublesome GERD symptoms despite PPI optimization for at least 8 weeks in the setting of ongoing documented pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. It arises from a dysfunction in protective systems to prevent reflux and as propagation of physiologic reflux events. Treatment possibilities include pharmacologic options, invasive management strategies, and endoluminal therapies. Management strategy should be personalized to the patient's needs and mechanistic dysfunction. This article reviews the definition, mechanisms, and management options for PPI-refractory GERD.

Complications of Antireflux Surgery

Antireflux surgery anatomically restores the antireflux barrier and is a therapeutic option for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease or PPI intolerance. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the standard antireflux surgery, though its popularity has declined due to concerns regarding wrap durability and adverse events. As the esophagogastric junction is an anatomically complex and dynamic area subject to mechanical stress, wraps are susceptible to disruption, herniation or slippage. Additionally, recreating an antireflux barrier to balance bidirectional bolus flow is challenging, and wraps may be too tight or too loose. Given these complexities it is not surprising that post-fundoplication symptoms and complications are common. Perioperative mortality rates range from 0.1 to 0.2% and prolonged structural complications occur in up to 30% of cases. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with a comprehensive retroflexed examination of the fundoplication and barium esophagram are the primary tests to assess for structural complications. Management hinges on differentiating complications that can be managed with medical and lifestyle optimization versus those that require surgical revision. Reoperation is best reserved for severe structural abnormalities and troublesome symptoms despite medical and endoscopic therapy given its increased morbidity and mortality. Though further data are needed, magnetic sphincter augmentation may be a safer alternative to fundoplication.

20 years later: laparoscopic fundoplication durability

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal reflux disease was introduced in 1991. Early safety, efficacy, and 5-10-year durability have been amply documented, but long-term patient outcomes have been criticized. This study presents 20-year outcomes after laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in a consecutive patient cohort.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary LF procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were identified from a prospectively collected IRB-approved database (1991-1995). A phone symptom questionnaire was administered using a 5-point validated GERD scoring system (heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia). Symptomatic success was defined by a lack of surgical re-intervention and a low symptom score.

RESULTS

One-hundred and ninety-three patients were identified during the time period. Fifty-one patients completed the survey (100 lost to follow-up, 40 deceased, 2 declined to answer). Respondents had a median follow-up of 19.7 years. Overall, 38/51 (74.5%) of patients reported complete control of heartburn and regurgitation. Ten patients reported only occasional heartburn. Eight of fifty-one (16%) reported daily dysphagia, and 22/51 (43%) of respondents were using proton pump inhibitors at the time of telephone interview. Nine of fifty-one (18%) underwent revision of the original surgery which did not negatively impact the satisfaction rating, with 8/9 (89%) of these patients reporting the highest satisfaction rating. Overall, 46/51 (90%) were satisfied with their choice of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Long-term results from the early experience with LF are excellent with 94% of patients reporting only occasional or fewer reflux symptoms at 20-year follow-up. However, 18% required surgical revision surgery to maintain their results. There is a relatively high rate of daily dysphagia but 90% of patients are happy to have had LF.

Surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease: indications, evaluation, and procedures

Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common condition, and surgery remains a reasonable options in select patients. Successful surgical care for GERD depends on proper patient selection, workup and operative technique. This manuscript reviews surgical care for GERD.

Surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is difficult because it is a chronic relapsing disease. Surgical management of GERD is indicated only after medical management has failed. In patients who have the most advanced forms of GERD, surgical therapy is good for treating symptoms and healing esophagitis, but far from a gold standard. Freedom from symptoms, side effects, medical therapy, or reoperation cannot be guaranteed. Care must be taken when prescribing surgery for GERD, and it is best that an experienced surgeon at a specialty center participate in the patient's lifelong care.

Endoluminal fundoplication

In GERD patients in whom pharmacological therapies are ineffective and anti-reflux surgery is not indicated, a viable option could be proposed. To date, several endoscopic antireflux procedures, involving sewing, injection and/or implant, and radiofrequency are available. The sewing techniques demonstrated good clinical results, with reduction in proton pump inhibitors consumption; despite significant changes in esophageal manometry and/or acid exposure time reduction and healing of esophagitis were noted only in few patients.

Long-term outcome of surgically and medically treated patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a matched-pair follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

A recent randomized study has shown that the long-term effects of continuous medical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a proton-pump inhibitor are comparable to those of open fundoplication. We compared the long-term effects of anti-reflux surgery with those of medical care according to clinical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a questionnaire-based 3-10 years follow-up study of 373 patients with GERD operated on in two hospitals with either open or laparoscopic fundoplication, and pair-matched non-operated controls treated medically according to clinical practice. The controls were matched for hospital, age, sex, follow-up time, degree of esophagitis, presence of hiatus hernia and Barrett's esophagus. The questionnaires used for symptoms and health-related quality of life (QoL) were the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index, respectively.

RESULTS

Response rates were about 80%, and 179 pairs of operated patients and controls remained for analysis (102 based on laparoscopic and 77 on open fundoplication). Independently of the surgical technique, the operated patients suffered at the follow-up from significantly (p <0.001) fewer reflux symptoms than the non-operated controls, the mean scores being 1.34 and 2.51, respectively. The operated patients suffered from slightly more symptoms of indigestion (p <0.05). No consistent significant differences between the groups were found for QoL. Significant differences in QoL in favor of the operated patients were found when dealing only with the 43 pairs with no concurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that in our area anti-reflux surgery is more effective in relieving reflux symptoms than medical care according to clinical practice.