Functional outcome after Heller myotomy and fundoplication for achalasia

This study aims to provide longitudinal prospective data on symptomatic outcome following Heller myotomy with fundoplication and to examine variables that might predict a poor outcome. Patients were prospectively followed by means of a biannual mailed questionnaire that assessed symptoms, satisfaction with the procedure, medication, and need for further intervention. Patients were classified as achieving a good or poor outcome based on predetermined criteria. Duration of clinical remission was determined using Kaplan-Meier curves. Between 1992 and 1999, 62 patients with at least 12 months' follow-up were categorized as having either a good outcome (41 patients) or a poor outcome (21 patients). The cumulative probability of a good outcome at 7 years was 37%. Dysphagia significantly increased over the follow-up period despite initial resolution. Patient variables (age, sex, symptom duration, esophageal dilatation, manometric findings) and operative factors (myotomy length, wrap type, case number mucosal perforation, primary therapy) were not demonstrated to influence outcome at 3 years. A comparison of Nissen fundoplication with partial fundoplication suggested increased dysphagia and chest pain in the Nissen group. Despite initial symptomatic relief, patients with achalasia suffer a progressive decline with recurrent dysphagia and regurgitation. The type of fundoplication used may contribute to these poor results.

Cirrhosis and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Although cirrhosis has been regarded as a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there is increasing evidence that patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis may safely undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with results superior to those of open cholecystectomy. A prospective evaluation and comparison of outcome in 25 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and 1275 patients without cirrhosis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was undertaken. Fourteen patients with Child's A cirrhosis, nine with Child's B, and two with Child's C underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After surgery, one patient with Child's C cirrhosis died. The median length of stay was 4 days. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 52% of patients and included hemorrhage (8%), thromboembolism (4%), wound complications (24%), intraabdominal collections (12%), and cardiopulmonary complications (8%). Major comorbidity was present in 60% of patients and contributed to complication rate and prolonged stay. Hemorrhage (P = 0.04) and wound complications (P = 0.02) occurred more frequently in patients with cirrhosis than in patients without cirrhosis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cirrhosis is associated with significant but acceptable morbidity and mortality rates, and complications are frequently related to comorbid conditions.

Dysphagia after antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is experienced by many patients after antireflux surgery. This literature review examines factors associated with the development, prediction and management of postoperative dysphagia.

METHODS

Published studies examining issues related to dysphagia, gastro-oesophageal reflux and fundoplication were reviewed.

RESULTS

Postoperative dysphagia is usually temporary but proves troublesome for 5--10 per cent of patients. Technical modifications, such as a partial wrap, division of short gastric vessels and method of hiatal closure, have not conclusively reduced its incidence. There is no reliable preoperative test to predict dysphagia.

CONCLUSION

It is uncertain whether postoperative dysphagia arises from patient predilection or is largely a consequence of mechanical changes created by fundoplication. Anatomical errors account for a significant proportion of patients referred for correction of dysphagia but these are uncommon in large single-institution studies. Abnormal manometry cannot predict dysphagia and, on current evidence, 'tailoring' the operation does not prevent its occurrence.

A randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of heated carbon dioxide for insufflation on pain and recovery after laparoscopic fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Insufflation with heated gas for laparoscopy may reduce postoperative pain. This study assessed the effect of heated gas on outcome after fundoplication.

METHODS

A blinded, randomized trial compared the effect of heated or standard carbon dioxide (CO2) on core temperature, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and postoperative recovery. Pain scores were assessed with a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Recovery was assessed with a patient diary and clinical follow-up assessment at 8 days and 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS

For this study, 40 patients were randomized to heated CO2 (n = 19) and standard CO2 (control) (n = 21) groups. The heated CO2 group increased core body temperature from 35.9 degrees to 36.1 degrees C, (p = 0.008), whereas the control group maintained core temperature at 35.8 degrees C. The control group had lower analgesic requirements and pain scores, significant at 12 h (VAS: 20 vs 36 mm; p = 0.04). There was no difference between the groups in terms of late recovery. The heated CO2 group showed a significant correlation between operative duration and requirement for postoperative morphine (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Heated gas provides no benefit for patients and may be associated with increased early pain. The elevation of core body temperature observed with heated CO2 is of little clinical significance.

A randomized controlled trial comparing cholecystocholangiography with cystic duct cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The rate of intraoperative cholangiography fell after the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to the perceived difficulty of cystic duct cannulation. It is suggested that cholecystocholangiography (CCC) is a valid and easier alternative. The present study compares cystic duct cholangiography (CDC) to CCC with evaluation of procedural time, success rate, image quality, cost and radiation exposure.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to CCC (n = 40) or CDC (n = 36). Details of operative times, radiation exposure, and use of disposable equipment were recorded prospectively. Cholangiograms were performed using image intensification and were scored from 0 to 6 according to adequacy of images. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis with the chi-squared test, t-test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The success rate for CDC was 100% and for CCC it was 72% (P = 0.0005). Patients with a failed CCC went on to have CDC for a success rate in the CCC arm of 92.5%. Comparing CDC to CCC, there was no significant difference in cost ($30.16 vs $33.36: P = 0.11), operative time (1 h 13 min vs 1 h 3 min; P = 0.19) or cholangiogram time (8 vs 9 min: P = 0.39). There was a significant difference in screening time (0:41 vs 1:33 min; P < 0.0001), adequate image quality (100 vs 72.5%, P = 0.0005) and procedure-related complications (0 vs 5; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of CCC fail. Successful CCC provides inferior image quality and greater radiation exposure. It provides no benefit in time or cost and cannot be recommended for operative cholangiography.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy provides similar results to open Heller myotomy for the treatment of oesophageal achalasia with the advantage of quicker recovery. The present series examines the evolution of operative technique, postoperative outcome and the effect of the 'learning curve' in a group of 70 consecutive patients.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 1999, details of all patients undergoing oesophagogastric myotomy for achalasia were prospectively entered on a database. Patients were followed with a biannual postal symptom questionnaire and scores were obtained for dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and chest pain. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative symptom scores, and case number and operative complications was made using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U-test where appropriate.

RESULTS

The indication for surgery was as a primary procedure in 20 cases; after failed endoscopic treatment in 48 cases; and after a 'failed' fundoplication in two cases. Myotomy was combined with a 360 degrees fundoplication in 57 patients and with an anterior fundoplication in 13 patients. Mucosal perforation occurred intraoperatively in 11 cases. Conversion to an open procedure was required in seven patients. Seven patients required a second operation. At a mean follow up of 2.9 years, symptom scores were significantly improved from preoperative values for dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain (P < 0.001). There was no increase in the postoperative score for heartburn. The 'learning curve' contributed significantly to the length of the procedure, and the need for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is a technically challenging procedure that provides good early palliation of the symptoms associated with achalasia.

Use of an ambulance-based helicopter retrieval service

BACKGROUND

John Hunter Hospital is the major trauma centre for a region covering more than 25,000 square kilometres. The helicopter primary retrieval service for trauma is paramedic staffed and protocol driven. The aim of the present study was to assess the overtriage rate created by such protocols, and to assess the benefit to patient outcomes that may be attributable to the service.

METHODS

The John Hunter Hospital trauma database was used to identify all cases arriving by helicopter in 1996, as well as their demographic details, injury severity score, details of the accident and outcome. An expert panel reviewed the medical records for the 184 primary retrievals. Using a consensus model, estimates of time delay or saving were calculated and likelihood of benefit, no benefit or harm was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 3087 trauma patients were assessed at John Hunter Hospital in 1996, of which 8% arrived by helicopter. Of the primary retrievals, 67.6% had an injury severity score of 9 or less, with only 17.9% having a score of 16 or greater. Twelve patients were discharged from Emergency and 36% were discharged within 48 h. The overall mortality was 5.0%. Twenty-five per cent of patients were retrieved within 35 km of John Hunter Hospital with minimal attributable benefit. Overall 1.7% of patients were felt to have been potentially harmed, 17.3% to have benefited and 81.0% to have had no attributable benefit related to the helicopter use.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of retrievals are for minor injuries, the service provides benefit for the region. There is potential for harm, however, where base hospitals are overflown in situations where patients have airway compromise, and where patient transfer is delayed due to helicopter activation. Primary helicopter tasking to trauma cases within 35 km of the major trauma centre is seldom beneficial.

Management of esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia

Current management of esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia is thoracotomy and repair with myotomy. This study aims to assess the outcome of patients managed by laparotomy, and the role of laparoscopic repair. The study was carried out by means of retrospective case review and prospective follow-up with a symptom questionnaire. Results were compared with results in patients undergoing elective Heller myotomy. Over a 20-year period, 445 dilations for achalasia were performed in 371 patients. There were 10 esophageal perforations. Nine patients were referred for surgery and were successfully managed with a transabdominal repair. Laparoscopic repair was attempted in four patients but was successful in only one because of the perforation site. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, grade 1 or 2 Visick scores were recorded in all patients. Residual symptoms of dysphagia occurred in 67% in the emergency group and 88% in the elective group. There was an increased incidence of heart-burn compared to elective myotomy. Early operation after perforation provides good results for treatment of achalasia. Mild dysphagia persists and there is an increasing sensation of heartburn. The site of perforation is typically posterolateral, which makes laparoscopic repair difficult.

Pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) results in less pain than open chole-cystectomy, it is not a pain-free procedure. Many methods of analgesia for pain after laparoscopy have been evaluated.

METHODS

Forty-two randomized controlled trials assessing interventions to reduce pain after LC are reviewed, as are the mechanisms and nature of pain after this procedure.

RESULTS

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wound local anaesthetic, intraperitoneal local anaesthetic, intraperitoneal saline, a gas drain, heated gas, low-pressure gas and nitrous oxide pneumo-peritoneum have been shown to reduce pain after LC. The clinical significance of this pain reduction is questionable.

CONCLUSION

Pain after LC is multifactorial. Although many methods of analgesia produce short-term benefit, this does not equate with earlier discharge or improved postoperative function. However, single trials evaluating low-pressure insufflation, heated gas and multimodal analgesia suggest that clinically relevant benefits can be achieved.

Role of relaparoscopy in the management of minor bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Bile leakage in the absence of major ductal injury may occur from the liver bed or from the cystic duct remnant after cholecystectomy. The early limitations of minimally invasive surgery led to reliance on endoscopic methods to manage this complication. However, repeat laparoscopy permits drainage of the bile collection and direct control of the site of leakage in selected situations.

METHODS

Details of 15 patients with bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recorded prospectively and are reviewed.

RESULTS

Postoperative bile leakage occurred after 15 (0.8 per cent) of 1779 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Two patients with bile in drainage fluid had spontaneous resolution. Ten patients with a subvesical duct leak had repeat laparoscopy. The leak was successfully controlled by suturing in eight patients, and by a laparoscopically placed drain in two. One patient required a subsequent laparotomy for a loculated pelvic collection. Three patients had cystic duct stump leakage. This was managed successfully by laparoscopy in one case but required endoscopic management in two.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is useful in the management of minor bile leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Selection of appropriate patients relies on a characteristic clinical presentation after an otherwise uncomplicated cholecystectomy.

Gallstone ileus: post cholecystectomy

A case of gallstone ileus occurring 5 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is presented. The possible aetiology is discussed and the literature regarding consequences of intraperitoneal stone spillage reviewed.

Inhibition of mitosis by okadaic acid: possible involvement of a protein phosphatase 2A in the transition from metaphase to anaphase

The effects of the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid were examined using the pig kidney cell line LLC-PK. At relatively low concentrations of the inhibitor (8–40 nM), cells became blocked in a metaphase-like mitotic state beginning 6–8 h after initial treatment. Spindle microtubules were present throughout the period of the mitotic block, but were not stabilized since they remained sensitive to nocodazole depolymerization. With increasing length of the mitotic block chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate was disrupted and multipolar spindles developed. Cells continued to accumulate in mitosis for at least 24 h, indicating that at these low concentrations okadaic acid was not cytotoxic, but rather acted as a cytostatic agent. Upon release of the okadaic acid block, mitotic LLC-PK cells recovered and completed anaphase. After extended periods of treatment some cells were able to escape the okadaic acid-induced mitotic block. These cells were multinucleate and had undergone cytokinesis in the absence of chromosome segregation. At higher concentrations of okadaic acid (0.5-1.0 microM), mitosis was blocked within 30–60 min of treatment. However, within 90–120 min treated cells rounded up and detached from the monolayer, regardless of whether they were in interphase or mitosis. Cytoplasmic microtubules were depolymerized in the detached cells, and these cells could not recover from the cytotoxic effects of such high concentrations of okadaic acid. Thus, differential effects of the phosphatase inhibitor could be demonstrated, depending upon the concentration of okadaic acid applied to the cultures. The okadaic acid-induced mitotic blockage was probably due to the inhibition of a type 2A protein phosphatase that is involved in the transition from metaphase to anaphase.