Variability in endoscopic assessment of Nissen fundoplication wrap integrity and hiatus herniation

Secondary peristalsis and esophagogastric junction distensibility in symptomatic post-fundoplication patients

BACKGROUND

The impact of esophageal dysmotility among patients with post-fundoplication esophageal symptoms is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate secondary peristalsis and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening biomechanics using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry in symptomatic post-fundoplication patients.

METHODS

Eighty-seven adult patients post-fundoplication who completed FLIP for symptomatic esophageal evaluation were included. Secondary peristaltic contractile response (CR) patterns and EGJ opening metrics (EGJ distensibility index (EGJ-DI) and maximum EGJ diameter) were evaluated on FLIP panometry and analyzed against high-resolution manometry (HRM), patient-reported outcomes, and fundoplication condition seen on esophagram and/or endoscopy.

KEY RESULTS

FLIP CR patterns included 14 (16%) normal CR, 30 (34%) borderline CR, 28 (32%) impaired/disordered CR, 13 (15%) absent CR, and 2 (2%) spastic reactive CR. Compared with normal and borderline CRs (i.e., CR patterns with distinct, antegrade peristalsis), patients with impaired/disordered and absent CRs demonstrated significantly greater time since fundoplication (2.4 (0.6-6.8) vs. 8.9 (2.6-14.5) years; p = 0.002), greater esophageal body width on esophagram (n = 50; 2.3 (2.0-2.8) vs. 2.9 (2.4-3.6) cm; p = 0.013), and lower EGJ-DI (4.3 (2.7-5.4) vs. 2.6 (1.7-3.7) mm2/mmHg; p = 0.001). Intact fundoplications had significantly higher rates of normal CRs compared to anatomically abnormal (i.e., tight, disrupted, slipped, herniated) fundoplications (9 (28%) vs. 5 (9%); p = 0.032), but there were no differences in EGJ-DI or EGJ maximum diameter.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Symptomatic post-fundoplication patients were characterized by frequent abnormal secondary peristalsis after fundoplication, potentially worsening with time after fundoplication or related to EGJ outflow resistance.

Current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-treatment costs, safety profile, and effectiveness: a narrative review

Background

The purpose of this study was to review the current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), including treatment costs, safety profile and effectiveness.

Methods

A literature review was performed of randomized-controlled trials, systematic reviews, Cochrane reports and National/Societal guidelines of the medical, endoscopic and surgical management of GORD. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing patterns and expenditure were reviewed in different countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Results

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are primarily indicated for control of GORD, Helicobacter pylori eradication (combined with antibiotics), preventing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal bleeding and treating peptic ulcer disease. There is widespread overprescribing of PPIs in Western and Eastern nations in terms of indication and duration, with substantial expense for national health providers. Despite a favourable short-term safety profile, there are observational associations of adverse effects with long-term PPIs. These include nutrient malabsorption, enteric infections and cardiovascular events. The prevalence of PPI use makes their long-term safety profile clinically relevant. Cost-benefit, symptom control and quality-of-life outcomes favour laparoscopic fundoplication rather than chronic PPI treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in long-term management of PPI-responsive GORD is supported by SAGES, NICE and ACG, and PPI-refractory GORD by AGA and SAGES guidelines. The importance of establishing a definitive diagnosis prior to invasive management is emphasized, especially in PPI-refractory heartburn.

Conclusions

We examined evidence-based guidelines for PPI prescribing and deprescribing in primary care and hospital settings and the need for PPI stewardship and education of health professionals. This narrative review presents the advantages and disadvantages of surgical, endoscopic and medical management of GORD, which may assist in shared decision making and treatment choice in individual patients.This paper was presented (GS020) at the 88th RACS Annual Scientific Conference, 6-10 May, 2019.