The Optimal Pyloric Procedure: A Collective Review

Randomized controlled trial of nasogastric tube use after esophagectomy: study protocol for the kinetic trial

Esophagectomy is a complex and complication laden procedure. Despite centralization, variations in perioparative strategies reflect a paucity of evidence regarding optimal routines. The use of nasogastric (NG) tubes post esophagectomy is typically associated with significant discomfort for the patients. We hypothesize that immediate postoperative removal of the NG tube is non-inferior to current routines. All Nordic Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer centers were invited to participate in this open-label pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT). Inclusion criteria include resection for locally advanced esophageal cancer with gastric tube reconstruction. A pretrial survey was undertaken and was the foundation for a consensus process resulting in the Kinetic trial, an RCT allocating patients to either no use of a NG tube (intervention) or 5 days of postoperative NG tube use (control) with anastomotic leakage as primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include pulmonary complications, overall complications, length of stay, health related quality of life. A sample size of 450 patients is planned (Kinetic trial: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN39935085). Thirteen Nordic centers with a combined catchment area of 17 million inhabitants have entered the trial and ethical approval was granted in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. All centers routinely use NG tube and all but one center use total or hybrid minimally invasive-surgical approach. Inclusion began in January 2022 and the first annual safety board assessment has deemed the trial safe and recommended continuation. We have launched the first adequately powered multi-center pragmatic controlled randomized clinical trial regarding NG tube use after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction.

Gastroparesis: An Evidence-Based Review for the Bariatric and Foregut Surgeon

Gastroparesis is a gastric motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying. It is a rare disease and difficult to treat effectively; management is a dilemma for gastroenterologists and surgeons alike. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate current diagnostic tools as well as treatment options. We describe key elements in the pathophysiology of the disease, in addition to current evidence on treatment alternatives, including nutritional considerations, medical and surgical options, and related outcomes.

Computational modeling of drug dissolution in the human stomach: Effects of posture and gastroparesis on drug bioavailability

The oral route is the most common choice for drug administration because of several advantages, such as convenience, low cost, and high patient compliance, and the demand and investment in research and development for oral drugs continue to grow. The rate of dissolution and gastric emptying of the dissolved active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) into the duodenum is modulated by gastric motility, physical properties of the pill, and the contents of the stomach, but current in vitro procedures for assessing dissolution of oral drugs are limited in their ability to recapitulate this process. This is particularly relevant for disease conditions, such as gastroparesis, that alter the anatomy and/or physiology of the stomach. In silico models of gastric biomechanics offer the potential for overcoming these limitations of existing methods. In the current study, we employ a biomimetic in silico simulator based on the realistic anatomy and morphology of the stomach (referred to as "StomachSim") to investigate and quantify the effect of body posture and stomach motility on drug bioavailability. The simulations show that changes in posture can potentially have a significant (up to 83%) effect on the emptying rate of the API into the duodenum. Similarly, a reduction in antral contractility associated with gastroparesis can also be found to significantly reduce the dissolution of the pill as well as emptying of the API into the duodenum. The simulations show that for an equivalent motility index, the reduction in gastric emptying due to neuropathic gastroparesis is larger by a factor of about five compared to myopathic gastroparesis.

Factors resulting in postoperative dysphagia following esophagectomy: a narrative review

Esophagectomy is a technically involved surgery and can have significant postoperative morbidity. Although the mortality rate following esophagectomy has decreased in recent years, this surgical procedure has a relatively high complication rate compared to other surgeries to resect cancer. One of the most common complaints after esophagectomy is dysphagia. Dysphagia after esophagectomy can significantly affect quality of life. Dysphagia is a complication following esophagectomy that can lead to respiratory deterioration and death. The most common sites of postoperative dysphagia are the gastroesophageal anastomosis, gastric conduit, pylorus and the hiatus. Without appropriate treatment of dysphagia, malnutrition and dehydration can develop. These factors can lead to significant impacts to the overall health of a patient and increase mortality. A detailed literature review provided data to support diagnostic modalities and management strategies to treat postoperative dysphagia at these common areas. A systematic, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment of postoperative dysphagia allows for prompt intervention and a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for dysphagia vary, depending on the etiology. Based on the location and mechanism of dysphagia, options include stenting, dilation and surgical revision. Early treatment of dysphagia after esophagectomy can lessen the morbidity from this complication and improve quality of life.