Morphologic Restoration After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Sigmoid-type Achalasia

Effect of esophageal body recoil on clinical outcomes in non-spastic achalasia

BACKGROUND

Despite the established efficacy of achalasia treatments on symptomatic outcomes, there are limited data evaluating the treatment effect on esophageal dilatation. This study aimed to assess the effect achalasia treatment on esophageal dilatation and the effect of esophageal width reduction ("recoil") on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with type I or type II achalasia that completed high-resolution manometry (HRM), functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP), and timed barium esophagram (TBE) pre and post treatment were included. Esophageal width was measured using TBE. Focused subgroup analysis was performed on patients with normal posttreatment EGJ opening on FLIP. Good clinical outcomes were defined as barium column height of <5 cm at 5 min and Eckardt Score ≤3.

KEY RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients (41% type I and 59% type II) were included. Esophageal width decreased from pre to post treatment mean (SD) 4.2 (1.3) cm-2.8 (1.2) cm; p < 0.01. In the normal post treatment EGJ opening subgroup, esophageal width was less in patients with good TBE outcome compared to poor outcome mean (SD) 2.2 (0.7) cm versus 3.2 (1.4) cm (p < 0.01), but did not differ in good versus poor symptomatic outcome groups. Esophageal width recoil >25% posttreatment was associated with a greater rate of good TBE outcome (71% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) and good symptomatic outcome (88% vs. 50%; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Esophageal recoil was associated with good achalasia treatment outcome in patients without posttreatment EGJ obstruction. This suggests that mechanical properties of the esophageal wall, likely associated with tissue remodeling, play a role in clinical outcomes following achalasia treatment.

A retrospective study of 3D measurement and analysis applied in the morphological evaluation of achalasia cardia

Background

Achalasia cardia (AC) is defined as a disorder of esophageal motility whose diagnostic gold standard depends on high-resolution manometry (HRM). The invasiveness of HRM can cause difficulties in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for patients with AC. Thus, we aimed to investigate the function of 3D reconstruction and measurement to prove the wide application of this alternative non-invasive approach for AC.

Methods

A total of 126 patients with AC and 40 healthy subjects in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2018 to October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Chest CT images of these subjects were used to reconstruct the 3D models of the esophagus, stomach, spine, left crus, and right crus. Measurements of esophagus length, volume of esophagus, gastroesophageal insertion angle (His angle), max thickness of esophageal wall, esophagus maximum transverse and longitudinal diameter, esophagus-spine angle, and spine-lower esophageal sphincter (LES) angle were applied based on the models.

Results

Retrocardiac esophagus length, volume of esophagus, max thickness of esophageal wall, esophagus maximum transverse and longitudinal diameter, thoracic esophagus-spine angle, and spine-LES angle in the AC group were higher than those in the control group (all P values <0.05). Among the three subtypes of AC, thoracic esophagus length, intra-abdominal LES length, volume of esophagus, His angle, esophagus maximum transverse and longitudinal diameter, and thoracic esophagus-spine angle all presented statistical differences (all P values <0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that manometric types were positively associated with His angle [r=0.196; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009, 0.372; P=0.028] but negatively associated with volume of esophagus (r=-0.480; 95% CI: -0.639, -0.310; P<0.001), esophagus maximum transverse diameter (r=-0.551; 95% CI: -0.679, -0.400; P<0.001), esophagus maximum longitudinal diameter (r=-0.518; 95% CI: -0.649, -0.366; P<0.001), and thoracic esophagus-spine angle (r=-0.324; 95% CI: -0.479, -0.157; P<0.001).

Conclusions

This study successfully presented the differences in esophageal length, volume, thickness, and angles between healthy subjects and different AC subtypes on the basis of 3D reconstruction and measurement. Thus, 3D model and measurement can be regarded as a good support for further research and make a valuable contribution to developing non-invasive approaches for AC management.

Esophageal Dilation in Patients with Achalasia Is a Predictive Factor for the Inability to Traverse the Esophagogastric Junction with a Manometric Catheter

INTRODUCTION

The insertion of a high-resolution manometry (HRM) catheter into the stomach is essential for accurate manometric diagnoses; however, it is impossible in some cases due to the inability to traverse the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Predictive factors for these patients have not been investigated in detail, necessitating time-consuming and burdensome procedures for investigators and patients. Therefore, the present study investigated the percentage of and risk factors for failed intubation at the EGJ.

METHODS

We initially reviewed the medical charts of consecutive HRM procedures performed at our hospital between September 2018 and January 2023. Patient characteristics and the findings of endoscopy and esophagography (where available) were compared between successful and failed procedures. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictive factors for the inability to traverse the EGJ. We then validated the predictive factors identified by reviewing consecutive procedures performed between February 2023 and August 2023.

RESULTS

Among the 781 procedures performed, 55 (7.0%) failed due to the inability to traverse the EGJ. Achalasia was the most common disorder in these procedures. An older age and dilated esophagus of >34 mm were independent predictive factors for the inability to traverse the EGJ in patients with treatment-naïve achalasia. In the validation study, 7 out of 68 procedures (10.3%) failed due to the inability to traverse the EGJ. A flowchart using the findings of endoscopy and an esophageal diameter of >34 mm predicted the inability to traverse the EGJ with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 86.9%.

CONCLUSION

Based on an esophageal diameter >34 mm and endoscopic findings, we predicted the inability to traverse the EGJ in more than 70% of patients. A multi-center prospective study is warranted in the future.

Is peroral endoscopic myotomy the new gold standard for achalasia therapy?

Our review focuses on critical analysis of the literature to determine whether peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is poised to replace laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) as the new "gold standard" for achalasia therapy. POEM matches or exceeds the efficacy of LHM. The difference in objective gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) between POEM and LHM is modest at best and dissipates with time. Post-POEM GERD can be easily managed medically in most patients without long-term GERD sequelae or the need for surgical fundoplication. Emerging POEM technique modifications can further decrease GERD. Endoscopic antireflux procedures such as transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) or POEM + F (POEM + fundoplication) can be used in the rare cases of medication-refractory GERD, but their long-term efficacy remains in question. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current status of POEM with emphasis on GERD evaluation, prevention, treatment, and comparative data vs. LHM. Based on this analysis, it appears that POEM is indeed the new gold standard in the therapy of achalasia.

OUTCOME OF PER ORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY (POEM) IN SIGMOID ACHALASIA AT A MEDIAN FOLLOW UP OF 17 MONTHS

BACKGROUND

Advanced achalasia cardia (AC) represents the end stage in the natural history of AC. Role of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in this technically difficult subset is emerging.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the patients who had undergone POEM for advanced AC with sigmoid esophagus. We assessed the technical success, clinical success and adverse event rate. Pre and post POEM Eckardt score (ES), integrated relaxation pressure-4sec (IRP-4), lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and height and width of barium column at 5 minutes were noted.

RESULTS

Of the 85 patients who underwent POEM for AC, 10 patients had advanced AC with sigmoid esophagus of which eight were sigmoid and two were advanced sigmoid. The clinical and technical success was 100% with significant reduction of ES, IRP-4, LESP and height and width of barium column at 5 minutes. One patient had a minor adverse event in the form of mucosal injury that was closed with hemoclips. At a median follow up of 17 months there was no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates POEM to be a safe and effective modality of treatment in this technically difficult subset of AC with sigmoid morphology.

Esophageal Microbiota and Nutritional Intakes in Patients With Achalasia Before and After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Background/Aims

The composition of the microbiota in the esophagus is only partially understood, especially in patients with achalasia. We aim to investigate the esophageal microbial community and nutritional intakes in patients with achalasia before and after peroral endoscopic myotomies (POEM).

Methods

Twenty-nine patients were prospectively enrolled from 4 referral institutions across Korea. We collected esophageal samples (mucosal biopsies and retention fluid) and conducted dietary surveys for nutritional intake before and 8 weeks after POEM. The esophageal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region.

Results

Out of the 105 samples from 29 patients, 99 samples were subjected to microbial bioinformatic analysis after quality control, which excluded samples with no amplification or low-quality sequence data. The overall esophageal microbial compositions of patients with achalasia showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria were the dominant phyla, representing over 95% of the total phyla in all groups. At the genus level, Streptococcus was the most abundant in all groups. The observed operational taxonomic unit number was significantly higher in the retention fluid than in the tissue biopsies. However, the esophageal microbial composition showed no significant changes 8 weeks post POEM. The dietary survey analysis showed that nutritional intake significantly improved post POEM.

Conclusion

This study determined the unique esophageal microbial composition of patients with achalasia, and also found that the microbial composition did not significantly change after POEM in the short-term, despite a significant improvement in the nutritional intake.

Role of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Advanced Achalasia Cardia With Sigmoid and/or Megaesophagus: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Background/Aims

Sigmoid esophagus and/or megaesophagus are considered as an advanced stage in the natural history of achalasia cardia. The role of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in these subset of patients is emerging. We performed a systematic review and metanalysis to study the efficacy of POEM in advanced achalasia cardia with sigmoid and megaesophagus.

Methods

A literature search in PubMed and Embase was done from inception till August 3, 2021 to look for studies reporting exclusively on the role of POEM in advanced achalasia cardia with sigmoid and/or megaesophagus. The random effect method with inverse variance approach was used for the computation of pooled prevalence. For 2 groups’ analysis of continuous outcome standardized mean difference was used as the summary measure.

Results

Eleven studies with 428 patients were included for analysis. The pooled technical and clinical success was 98.27% (95% CI, 96.19-99.22; I² = 0%) and 89.38% (95% CI, 84.49-92.86; I² = 26%) and on subgroup analysis into sigmoid and megaesophagus it was (98.06% [95% CI, 95.41-99.19; I² = 0%], 98.47% [95% CI, 92.72-99.69; I² = 0%] and 87.92% [95% CI, 80.68-92.70; I² = 37%], 88.36% [95% CI, 62.62-97.17; I² = 77%]) respectively. The clinical success at < 1 year and 1-3 year follow-up was 89.37% (95% CI, 82.82-93.61; I² = 0%) and 88.66% (95% CI, 81.65-91.22; I² = 46%) respectively. There was a significant reduction in the post-POEM scores with standardized mean difference for Eckardt score (4.81), for integrated relaxation pressure at 4 seconds (1.93), and for lower esophageal sphincter pressure (2.06).

Conclusions

POEM is an effective modality of treatment even in the subset of patients of advanced achalasia cardia with sigmoid and megaesophagus.

Combination of Symptom Profile, Endoscopic Findings, and Esophageal Mucosal Histopathology Helps to Differentiate Achalasia from Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Achalasia, a rare primary esophageal motility disorder, is often misdiagnosed as refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study is aimed to identify the clinical and histopathologic features that may help to differentiate these two entities. Patients with untreated achalasia and those with refractory reflux symptoms despite ≥8 weeks of proton-pump inhibitor treatment were enrolled prospectively. All patients underwent validated symptom questionnaires, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy, and high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). Histopathology of esophageal mucosa was compared based on four pre-determined histological criteria: basal cell hyperplasia or papillae elongation, eosinophilic infiltration, petechiae formation, and hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae (MM). Compared with the GERD patients, patients with achalasia had similar reflux symptoms, but higher Eckardt scores, fewer erosive esophagitis and hiatal hernia, more esophageal food retention on endoscopy, and higher prevalence of hypertrophy of the MM and petechiae formation on histopathology. Multivariate logistic regression based on Eckardt score ≥4, normal esophagogastric junction morphology or esophageal food retention, and coexistence of petechiae formation and hypertrophy of the MM, established the best prediction model for achalasia. Therefore, combination of routinely accessible variables, including Eckardt score, endoscopic features, and histopathology obtained via esophageal mucosal biopsy, may provide an earlier identification of achalasia.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Sigmoid-Type Achalasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia is unknown. This meta-analysis aims to explore the clinical outcomes of POEM for sigmoid-type achalasia.

Method: We searched all relevant studies published up to September 2020 in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Meta-analyses for clinical success, Eckardt score, angle of esophageal tortuosity, diameter of esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), adverse events, and gastroesophageal reflux diseases were performed based on random or fixed-effects models as needed.

Results: We found a total of eight studies that provided data on 248 patients. Overall, the pooled clinical success was achieved in 211 sigmoid-type achalasia patients [90.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 85.5%−93.8%]. The pre- and post-POEM Eckardt scores, angle of esophageal tortuosity, diameter of esophageal, LES pressure, and IRP were significantly improved (All p < 0.05). The pooled adverse events rate was 13.0% (95% CI, 3.6%−37.4%). The pooled objective confirmation of reflux rate was 41.5% (95% CI, 26.5%−58.3%), and symptomatic reflux rate was 12.5% (95% CI, 8.3%−18.4%).

Conclusions: Our current evidence indicated that POEM is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia.

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.

Quality of Life After Operation for End-Stage Achalasia: Pull-Down Heller-Dor Versus Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Therapy for end-stage achalasia is debated, and data on long-term functional results of myotomy and esophagectomy are lacking. We compared quality of life and objective outcomes after pull-down Heller-Dor and esophagectomy.

METHODS

The study included 32 patients, aged 57 years (interquartile range [IQR], 49-70 years), who underwent the Heller-Dor operation with verticalization of the distal esophagus in case of first instance treatment or failed surgery caused by insufficient myotomy, and 16 patients, aged 58 years (IQR, 49-67 years; P = .806), who underwent esophagectomy after failed surgery for other causes. Data were extracted from a database designed for prospective clinical research. Postoperative dysphagia, reflux symptoms, and endoscopic esophagitis were graded by semiquantitative scales. Quality of life was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 68 months (IQR, 40.43-94.48 months) after pull-down Heller-Dor and 61 months (IQR 43.72-181.43 months) after esophagectomy (P = .598). No statistically significant differences were observed for dysphagia (P = .948), reflux symptoms (P = .186), or esophagitis (P = .253). No statistically significant differences were observed in the domains physical functioning (P = .092), bodily pain (P = .075) or general health (P = .453). Significant differences were observed in favor of pull-down Heller-Dor for the domains role physical (100 vs 100, P = .043), role emotional (100 vs 0, P = .002), vitality (90 vs 55, P< .001), mental health (92 vs 68, P = .002), and social functioning (100 v s75, P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

The pull-down Heller-Dor achieved objective results similar to those of esophagectomy with a better quality of life. This technique may be the first choice for end-stage achalasia in patients with null or low risk for cancer or after recurrent dysphagia caused by insufficient myotomy.

The evaluation of the dilation-degree classification of esophageal achalasia patients from the viewpoint of esophageal clearance

PURPOSE

To examine whether or not we could propose a more appropriate dilation-degree classification suitable for the pathological condition of patients with esophageal achalasia.

METHODS

In accordance with the current dilation-degree classification, the maximum dilated diameter was measured based on the esophageal barium swallow. The relationship between the pathophysiology and dilation-degree classification was examined. Furthermore, the current dilatation-degree classification from the viewpoint of esophageal clearance was evaluated to examine whether or not a more appropriate dilatation-degree classification could be proposed.

RESULTS

Because the clearance ratio tended to decrease at a maximum expansion diameter of 80 mm, when the maximum dilated diameter was divided into units of 10 mm, they were classified into two groups, with 80 mm as the boundary. As a result, the illness period was significantly prolonged (p = 0.0045) and the frequency of sigmoid type was high (p < 0.001) for lengths of ≥ 80 mm. With regard to the esophageal clearance rate, the clearance rate was significantly decreased in patients with a diameter of ≥ 80 mm at 5 min after taking barium (p = 0.0229).

CONCLUSIONS

From the viewpoint of esophageal clearance, classification into 2 groups with a boundary of 80 mm may reflect the pathological condition.