Gastroesophageal reflux. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy

In recent years, considerable new information has become available on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric contents, mucosal resistance, esophageal acid clearance, and gastric emptying are now recognized, along with incompetency of the lower esophageal sphincter, as contributing factors to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The potential tests for reflux are reviewed and the diagnostic accuracy of each is evaluated. A diagnostic approach to the patient with reflux symptoms is outlined that considers the sensitivity and specificity of these various tests as well as their availability to the generalist and gastrointestinal specialist. Finally, an overview of the current therapy for reflux disease summarizes the controlled studies in the medical literature.

Approaches to the diagnosis and grading of hiatal hernia

Hiatus hernia refers to conditions in which elements of the abdominal cavity, most commonly the stomach, herniate through the oesophageal hiatus into the mediastinum. With the most common type (type I or sliding hiatus hernia) this is associated with laxity of the phrenooesophageal membrane and the gastric cardia herniates. Sliding hiatus hernia is readily diagnosed by barium swallow radiography, endoscopy, or manometry when greater than 2 cm in axial span. However, the mobility of the oesophagogastric junction precludes the reliable detection of more subtle disruption by endoscopy or radiography. Detecting lesser degrees of axial separation between the lower oesophageal sphincter and crural diaphragm can only be reliably accomplished with high-resolution manometry, a technique that permits real time localization of these oesophagogastric junction components without swallow or distention related artefact.

Massive hiatus hernia: evaluation and surgical management

OBJECTIVE

Paraesophageal hernias represent advanced degrees of sliding hiatus hernia with intrathoracic displacement of the intraesophageal junction. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs in most cases, resulting in acquired short esophagus, which should influence the type of repair selected.

METHODS

Between 1960 and 1996, 94 patients with massive, incarcerated paraesophageal hiatus hernia were operated on at the Toronto General Hospital. The mean age was 64 years (39 to 85 years), with a female to male ratio of 1.8:1. Organoaxial volvulus was present in 50% of cases. Clinical presentation in these patients included postprandial pain in 56%, dysphagia in 48%, chronic iron deficiency anemia in 38%, and aspiration in 29%. Symptomatic reflux, either present or remote, was recorded in 83% of cases. All patients underwent endoscopy by the operating surgeon. In 91 of 94 patients, the esophagogastric junction was found to be above the diaphragmatic hiatus, denoting a sliding type of hiatus hernia. Gross, endoscopic peptic esophagitis was observed in 36% of patients: ulcerative esophagitis in 22% and peptic esophagitis with stricture in 14%. A complete preoperative esophageal motility study was obtained for 41 patients. The lower sphincter was hypotensive in 21 patients (51%), and the amplitude of peristalsis in the distal esophagus was diminished in 24 patients (59%). These abnormalities are both features of significant gastroesophageal reflux disease. In 13 recent, consecutive patients with paraesophageal hernia, the distance between the upper and lower esophageal sphincters was measured during manometry. The average distance was 15.4 +/- 2.33 cm (11 to 20 cm), which is consistent with acquired short esophagus. The normal distance is 20.4 cm +/- 1.9 (p < 0.0001).

RESULTS

All 94 patients were treated surgically: 97% had a transthoracic repair with fundoplication. A gastroplasty was added in 75 cases (80%) because of clearly defined or presumed short esophagus. There were two operative deaths, and two patients were never followed up. Among the 90 available patients, the mean follow-up was 94 months; median follow-up was 72 months. Seventy-two patients (80%) are free of symptoms (excellent result); 13 (13%) have inconsequential symptoms requiring no therapy (good result); and three patients (4%) are improved but have symptoms requiring medical therapy or interval dilatation (fair result). Two patients had poor results because of recurrent hernia and severe reflux. Both were successfully treated by reoperation with the addition of gastroplasty because of acquired shortening, which was not recognized at the first operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of these 94 patients had symptoms or endoscopic, manometric, and operative findings that were consistent with a sliding hiatus hernia. There was a high incidence of endoscopic reflux esophagitis and of acquired short esophagus. True paraesophageal hernia, with the esophagogastric junction in a normal abdominal location, appears rare. Our observations were supported by measurements obtained at preoperative endoscopy and manometry, and by findings at the time of surgical repair. These observations support the choice of a transthoracic approach for repair in most patients.

Barrett's esophagus: prevalence and size of hiatal hernia

OBJECTIVE

Barrett's esophagus is caused by gastroesophageal reflux and predisposes to adenocarcinoma. Hiatal hernia may cause reflux. The prevalence and size of hernias in patients with Barrett's esophagus was investigated.

METHODS

Axial hernia length and the width of the diaphragmatic hiatus were measured prospectively at endoscopy.

RESULTS

A 2-cm or longer hernia was found in 96% of 46 patients with Barrett's esophagus, in 42% of 103 controls (p < 0.001), and in 72% of 18 patients with short segment Barrett's esophagus (p < 0.05 vs controls). A hernia was found in 71% of 31 controls with esophagitis and in 29% of 72 controls without esophagitis (p < 0.001). Of 54 controls with neither esophagitis or reflux symptoms, 20% had a hernia. Mean hernia length was 3.95 cm in Barrett's esophagus, and 2.81 cm in controls (p < 0.005). Mean hiatus width was 3.52 cm in patients with Barrett's esophagus and hernia, and 2.24 cm in controls with hernia. Hernia length was similar in patients with and without esophagitis, and in short segment Barrett's esophagus.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with Barrett's esophagus have hiatal hernia; their hernias are longer and the hiatal openings wider than in controls with or without esophagitis. Hiatal hernia likely contributes to the development of Barrett's esophagus.

Esophagogastric junction opening during relaxation distinguishes nonhernia reflux patients, hernia patients, and normal subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Flow across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is strongly related to opening dimensions. This study aimed to determine whether opening of the relaxed EGJ was altered in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Seven normal subjects (NL), 9 GERD patients without hiatus hernia (NHH), and 7 with hiatus hernia (HH) were studied. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the relaxed EGJ was measured during low-pressure distention using a modified barostat technique that resulted in filling a compliant bag straddling the EGJ with renograffin to the set pressure. Swallows were imaged fluoroscopically at distensive pressures of 2-12 mm Hg. The diameter of the narrowest point of the EGJ in PA and lateral projections was measured from digitized images. CSA was determined as a function of intrabag pressure.

RESULTS

The minimal EGJ opening aperture occurred at the diaphragmatic hiatus in all subjects. At pressures </=0 mm Hg, EGJ opening was observed only in HH patients, making it plausible for these patients to reflux during deglutitive relaxation. At pressures >0 mm Hg, there were significant increases in EGJ CSA both for HH and NHH compared with NL (P < 0.001) and for HH compared with NHH (P < 0.005). This difference may explain the diminished air/water discrimination seen during transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation-associated reflux in GERD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic degradation of the EGJ distinguishes GERD patients from normal subjects, and these changes may impact on both the observed mechanisms of reflux and the constituents of reflux during transient LES relaxation. Therapy focused on EGJ compliance may benefit GERD patients.

Laparoscopic Collis gastroplasty and Nissen fundoplication. A new technique for the management of esophageal foreshortening

BACKGROUND

The short esophagus increases the difficulty and limits the effectiveness of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. In out experience, approximately 20-25% of esophagi judged by preoperative criteria to be foreshortened will, after dissection, be insufficiently long to allow 2 cm of esophagus to reside below the diaphragm without inferior distraction (i.e., tension free). Collis gastroplasty combined with Nissen fundoplication has become the standard approach for the creation of an intraabdominal neoesophagus and fundic wrap.

METHODS

After developing methods of performing totally laparoscopic stapled gastroplasty in the cadaver lab in 1994, we started applying the technique clinically in 1966. We performed 220 laparoscopic antireflux procedures between January 1966 and July 1997. Of these 220 patients, 26% were suspected to have esophageal foreshortening based on preoperative barium studies and/or endoscopy.

RESULTS

After hiatal dissection, nine patients, or 16% of those suspected to have esophageal foreshortening and 4% of the entire population, required the laparoscopic Collis-Nissen procedure. There was symptomatic improvement in all patients as assessed by patient-initiated symptom scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with esophageal foreshortening is a complex problem. We believe that our technique of laparoscopic Collis-Nissen provides an effective means of achieving intraabdominal placement of the fundic wrap while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive approach.

Fate of Nissen fundoplication after 20 years. A clinical, endoscopical, and functional analysis

Of 46 patients who had Nissen fundoplication for proved gastro-oesophageal reflux, 25 were available for follow up after a median of 20 years, 15 had died of unrelated causes, and six could not be traced. All 25 patients in the follow up study were personally interviewed: 21 consented to an endoscopy, 14 to 24 hour recording of oesophageal pH and manometry, and 15 to radionuclide transit test. Repeat fundoplication for recurrent reflux was performed in two cases during the study. Heartburn and regurgitation were significantly lessened (p < 0.005), but the incidence of dysphagia was slightly increased. Endoscopy showed six of 21 fundic wraps to be defective. Erosive oesophagitis was seen in two patients, and Barrett's oesophagus (histologically confirmed) in one of them and six other patients. Total reflux time was abnormal in four of 14 patients. No patient with an intact fundic wrap seen on endoscopy, only two of seven with Barrett's oesophagus, and one of four with abnormal reflux had oesophagitis. Fundoplication in itself did not affect oesophageal motility or transit, provided that the wrap was intact. It is concluded that Nissen fundoplication gave a reasonably good longterm effect in chronic reflux disease, with the stage of the fundic wrap as the main determinant of outcome.

The role of the hiatus hernia in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

A sliding hiatus hernia disrupts both the anatomy and physiology of the normal antireflux mechanism. It reduces lower oesophageal sphincter length and pressure, and impairs the augmenting effects of the diaphragmatic crus. It is associated with decreased oesophageal peristalsis, increases the cross-sectional area of the oesophago-gastric junction, and acts as a reservoir allowing reflux from the hernia sac into the oesophagus during swallowing. The overall effect is that of increased oesophageal acid exposure. The presence of a hiatus hernia is associated with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, increased prevalence and severity of reflux oesophagitis, as well as Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The efficacy of treatment with proton pump inhibitors is reduced. Our view on the significance of the sliding hiatus hernia in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease has changed enormously in recent decades. It was initially thought that a hiatus hernia had to be present for reflux oesophagitis to occur. Subsequently, the hiatus hernia was considered an incidental finding of little consequence. We now appreciate that the hiatus hernia has major patho-physiological effects favouring gastro-oesophageal reflux and hence contributing to oesophageal mucosal injury, particularly in patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Relationship of hiatus hernia to reflux oesophagitis. A prospective study of coincidence, using endoscopy

A prospective study of the incidence of hiatus hernia and/or reflux oesophagitis was carried out in 670 patients referred for routine upper alimentary endoscopy. Hiatus hernia was found in 16.6% and reflux oesophagitis in 15.1% of the patients. Forty-two per cent of the patients with hernia did not have oesophagitis, whereas 63% of the patients with reflux oesophagitis had hernia. In patients without reflux oesophagitis the incidence of hiatus hernia was 8%. Reflux oesophagitis was significantly (p less than 0.001) related to hiatus hernia. The severity of the oesophagitis was significantly (p less than 0.05) related to the presence and the size of hernia, and severe oesophagitis without hernia was significantly (p less than 0.01) related to chronic alcoholism. The results suggest that a sliding hiatus hernia may play a role in the development of reflux oesophagitis.

Clinical and pathologic response of Barrett's esophagus to laparoscopic antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) are frequently offered laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) to treat symptoms. The effectiveness of this operation with regards to symptoms and to the evolution of the columnar-lined epithelium remains controversial.

METHODS

We analyzed the course of 106 consecutive patients with BE who underwent LARS between 1994 and 2000, representing 14% of all LARS (754) performed in our institution during that period. All 106 patients agreed to clinical follow-up in 2002 at 40 months (median; range, 12-95 months). Fifty-three patients (50%) agreed to functional evaluation (manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring); 90 patients (85%) to thorough endoscopy, with appropriate biopsies and histologic evaluation to determine the status of BE.

RESULTS

Heartburn improved in 94 (96%) of 98 and resolved in 69 patients (70%) after LARS. Regurgitation improved in 58 (84%) of 69 and dysphagia improved in 27 (82%) of 33. Distal esophageal acid exposure improved in 48 (91%) of 53 patients tested and returned to normal in 39 patients (74%). One patient underwent reoperation 2 days after fundoplication (gastric perforation). Preoperatively, biopsy revealed BE without dysplasia in 91 patients, BE indefinite for dysplasia in 12 patients, and low-grade dysplasia in 3 patients. Fifty-four of the 90 patients with endoscopic follow-up had short-segment BE (<3cm), and 36 had long-segment BE (>3cm) preoperatively. Postoperatively, endoscopy and pathology revealed complete regression of intestinal metaplasia (absence of any sign suggestive of BE) in 30 (55%) of 54 patients with short-segment BE but in 0 of 36 of those with long-segment BE. Among patients with complete regression, 89% of those tested with pH monitoring had normal esophageal acid exposure. This was observed in 69% of those who failed to have complete regression. One patient developed adenocarcinoma within 10 months of LARS.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BE, LARS provides excellent control of symptoms and esophageal acid exposure. Moreover, intestinal metaplasia regressed in the majority of patients who had short-segment BE and normal pH monitoring following LARS, a fact that was, heretofore, not appreciated. LARS should be recommended to patients with BE to quell symptoms and to prevent the development of cancer.

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair: defining long-term clinical and anatomic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

We recently reported in a multi-institutional, randomized study of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) that the anatomic recurrence rate at a median of approximately 5 years was >50%. This study focuses exclusively on the symptomatic response to LPEHR and its relationship with the development of a recurrent hernia.

METHODS

During 2002 to 2005, 108 patients underwent LPHER with or without biologic mesh. A standardized symptom severity questionnaire, SF-36 health survey, and upper gastrointestinal series were performed at baseline, 6 months, and during 2008-2009.

RESULTS

Of 108 patients, 72 (average age of 68 ± 10 years) underwent clinical assessment, and 60 of them also had radiologic studies at a median follow-up of 58 (40-78) months. Radiographic recurrence (≥ 20 mm) was 14% at 6 months and 57% at the time of follow-up, and the average recurrence size was 40 ± 10 mm. All symptoms were significantly improved at long-term follow-up and, with the exception of heartburn, were unaffected by the presence or size of the recurrence. Two patients (3%) with recurrent symptoms related to their hernia underwent reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Despite frequent radiologic recurrences after LPEHR, symptoms remain well controlled, patient satisfaction is high, and the need for reoperation is low.

Outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease and paraesophageal hernia

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic fundoplication has become the standard for operative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

We reviewed our experience with 1,000 consecutive patients receiving laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD (n = 882) or paraesophageal hernia (n = 118) between October 1991 and July 1999. Patients with achalasia and failed fundoplication were excluded from analysis. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively by upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and barium swallow. After 1994, 24-h pH monitoring was performed selectively in patients with extraesophageal symptoms and/or those without erosive esophagitis. There were 490 men 510 women in this review. Their mean age was 49 years. Procedures performed were 360 degrees floppy fundoplication (n = 879), 360 degrees fundoplication without fundus mobilization (Rossetti) (n = 22), 270 degrees posterior fundoplication (n = 96), and anterior fundoplication (n = 2). Esophageal lengthening procedure (Collis gastroplasty) was performed in combination with fundoplication in 15 patients. In seven patients the treatment was converted to open fundoplication.

OUTCOMES

The average length of hospitalization was 2.2 days, and 136 patients stayed longer than 2 days. Major complications occurred in 21 patients: esophageal perforation (n= 10), acute paraesophageal herniation (n = 4), splenic bleeding (n = 2), cardiac arrest (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 3), and testicular abscess (n = 1). Additional operations were required to manage the complications in 14 patients (70%): Four of these procedures were performed emergently, and 10 patients underwent reoperation between 6 h and 10 days. There were three deaths, all of which involved elderly patients with paraesophageal hernia. There were 35 late failures requiring reoperation for recurrence of GERD or development of new symptoms: The treatment of 32 patients was revised laparoscopically, and 4 patients required laparotomy. Beyond 1 year (median follow-up period, 27 months), 94% of the reviewed patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome.

Laparoscopic management of giant type III hiatal hernia and short esophagus. Objective follow-up at three years

We wished to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the laparoscopic Hill repair in the treatment of type III hiatal hernia. Fifty-two patients underwent laparoscopic repair of a type III hiatal hernia. No esophageal lengthening procedures were performed. Short esophagus was determined from the operative record. Late symptomatic follow-up and a satisfaction questionnaire were completed in 71% (37/52) of patients at a mean of 39 months (range 6 to 84 months). Esophagrams were completed in 65% (34/52) of patients at a mean of 37 months (range to 84 months) after repair. Eighty-one percent were without any adverse symptoms, and 86% rated outcome as excellent or good at 39 months. Symptoms requiring treatment were present in 19% (7/37). Esophagrams revealed a recurrent hernia in 32% (11/34) of patients of whom 36% (4/11) were asymptomatic. Six patients with short esophagus underwent esophagram with one recurrence identified (17%). This was compared with 28 patients without short esophagus, of whom 10 had a recurrence (35%) (P = 0.70). The laparoscopic Hill repair provides long-term satisfaction and relief of symptoms. The incidence of anatomic recurrence on video esophagram is high and does not always correlate with symptoms. The presence of short esophagus does not play a role in recurrence when the Hill repair is used.

Management of acute paraesophageal hernia

BACKGROUND

Acute paraesophageal hernia is a surgical emergency presenting with sudden chest or abdominal pain, dysphagia, vomiting, retching or significant anemia. Severe cases can present with respiratory failure or systemic sepsis. This can be due to gastric volvulus, incarceration, strangulation, severe bleeding or perforation. Traditionally this has been treated with an open surgery. The purpose of this study is to develop a management algorithm and evaluate the role of a laparoscopic approach for these cases.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients operated on for paraesophageal hernia at the Peter Lougheed Centre from 2004 to 2007 inclusive. Patients admitted with acute symptoms requiring emergency surgery were selected for the study.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified. Seventeen patients underwent successful laparoscopic repair including reduction of the hernia content, excision of the sac, crural closure, and fundoplication (Dor or Nissen). Fifteen of these were done semi-urgently. Three patients had open repair. One patient was converted to open due to ischemic gastric perforation and peritoneal contamination. Another patient had right thoracotomy followed by laparotomy for mediastinal contamination. A third patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 49 kg/m(2) was converted to open for a type VI paraesophageal hernia. Mean operating time for the laparoscopic group was 190.5 min, blood loss was minimal, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.2 days. There were no significant perioperative complications. All patients were tolerating regular diet on short-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic repair of acute paraesophageal hernia is safe and feasible with low morbidity and mortality. It affords all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in a group of patients that are often elderly and suffer from multiple medical problems. Based on our experience, we advocate the laparoscopic technique to repair acute paraesophageal hernias in patients with no obvious perforation. A management algorithm is also suggested.

Transnasal esophagoscopy

BACKGROUND

Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE), a new diagnostic technology, allows comprehensive, in-office examination of the esophagus without sedation.

OBJECTIVE

To report the authors' experience using TNE.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing TNE.

RESULTS

The most frequent indications for TNE were screening examination of the esophagus in reflux, globus, and/or dysphagia patients (n = 79), biopsy of a lesion in the laryngopharynx, trachea, or esophagus (n = 8), screening examination of the esophagus in head and neck cancer patients (n = 5), tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy (n = 4), and evaluation for an esophageal foreign body (n = 2). Four procedures were aborted secondary to a tight nasal vault. Significant findings were found in 44% (42/96). The most frequent findings were esophagitis (n = 19), Barrett's (n = 6), hiatal hernia (n = 4), and carcinoma (n = 5).

CONCLUSIONS

TNE is safe and well tolerated by patients with topical anesthesia alone. TNE may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in otolaryngology patients with reflux, globus, and dysphagia.

An approach to the management of para-oesophageal hiatus hernias

A variety of conservative and surgical options are available in the management of para-oesophageal hiatus hernia. However opinion is divided in regard to the best form of treatment. A series of 71 patients with para-oesophageal hiatus hernia has been studied, to assess hospital management and outcome after treatment. Case notes of all patients were reviewed, and a questionnaire sent to surviving patients. Of those patients treated surgically with an anatomical repair plus a fundoplication, 19% had recurrence of significant symptoms. In contrast, 55% of patients managed by an anatomical repair alone had recurrence of significant symptoms. Conservative management was undertaken in 29 of the 71 patients and 66% had recurrence of significant symptoms, with 13 proceeding to elective surgery. Nevertheless, there is a place for the conservative management of para-oesophageal hernias are usually combined type hernias with associated reflux symptoms and repair of the hernia should include an antireflux procedure.

Differences in clinical characteristics between patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease and erosive esophagitis in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis are inversely related to erosive esophagitis. Whether these factors affect the pathogenesis of endoscopy-negative reflux disease is not clear. We aimed to elucidate the differences in clinical characteristics between endoscopy-negative erosive disease and erosive esophagitis.

METHODS

253 subjects (89 with endoscopy-negative reflux disease and 164 with erosive esophagitis) were studied. Gastric atrophy was assessed by measurement of serum pepsinogen. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of endoscopy-negative reflux disease compared with erosive esophagitis.

RESULTS

Among GERD patients, female gender (OR = 2.27, 95% CI, 1.25-4.10), smoking (OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.22-0.91), and the presence of hiatal hernia (OR = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.17-0.56) were significantly associated with endoscopy-negative reflux disease compared with male gender, not smoking, and absence of hiatal hernia, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was also significantly associated with a decreased OR for endoscopy-negative reflux disease. Although H. pylori infection and gastric atrophy were significantly more common in patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease, these associations did not persist in a multiple-adjustment model. After adjustment for gender, BMI, smoking, and hiatal hernia, a decrease in serum pepsinogen I/II ratio was significantly associated with an increased OR for endoscopy-negative reflux disease (p for trend = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender, low BMI, not smoking, absence of hiatal hernia, and severity of gastric atrophy were positively associated with endoscopy-negative reflux disease compared with erosive esophagitis among Japanese patients.

Esophageal anatomy and function in laparoscopic gastric restrictive bariatric surgery: implications for patient selection

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess factors of clinical importance in morbidly obese patients having a laparoscopically adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND) implanted in order to achieve weight loss.

METHODS

Preoperative evaluation of hiatus hernia and esophageal (dys)motility were compared with the need for reoperation. Results are presented for the first 50 consecutive patients entered.

RESULTS

Nine of the first 50 patients required reoperation (18%). Five (10%) were for LAP-BAND slippage on the stomach. Of these five, reoperation was required in four of 12 (33%) with hiatus hernia (P = 0.0093); three of nine (33%) with a motility disorder (P = 0.025); and three of six (50%) with both hiatus hernia and a motility disorder (P = 0.0076).

CONCLUSIONS

We identify two factors, hiatus hernia and esophageal dysmotility, which are associated, both independently as well as in combination, with reoperation for LAP-BAND slippage. Both patients and their physicians should consider these data when considering the LAP-BAND as possible therapy for morbid obesity.

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair: long-term outcome with the focus on the influence of mesh reinforcement

BACKGROUND

The recurrence rate after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernias with paraesophageal involvement (LRHP) is reported to be high. Mesh reinforcement has been proposed with the objective of solving this problem. This study aimed to compare the outcome of LRHP before and after the introduction of mesh reinforcement.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2003, 56 consecutive patients received LRHP including posterior crurorrhaphy and additional fundoplication. Of these 56 patients, 17 underwent a mesh-reinforced hiatoplasty. Perioperative outcome was assessed retrospectively, and follow-up assessment was performed according to protocol including a barium contrast swallow.

RESULTS

The follow-up period averaged 52 +/- 31 months (range, 9-117 months). The recurrence rate for hiatal hernia without mesh reinforcement was 19% (7/36). No recurrence (0/16) was observed in patients with mesh reinforcement. The intraoperative complication rate was 9%, and the perioperative morbidity rate was 14%. There were neither mesh-related complications nor operation-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Although challenging, LRPH is a successful procedure. The high recurrence rate reported in the literature can be reduced by additional mesh reinforcement.

Clinical characteristics and natural history of patients with low-grade reflux esophagitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although the incidence of reflux esophagitis (RE) has recently increased in Japan, the majority of these cases are mild (Los Angeles classification grades A and B). In order to consider therapy for these patients, it is important to understand the natural history of mild RE. There is little information concerning the natural course of RE, particularly low-grade disease. The goal of this study is to elucidate the natural course of patients with mild RE and to identify specific prognostic indicators associated with a poor outcome.

METHODS

One hundred and five patients with mild RE were followed, without medical treatment, by endoscopy in addition to a questionnaire regarding symptomatology, for a mean of 5.5 years (range, 2.0-8.8 years) after initial diagnosis. Factors associated with the development of severe esophagitis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Endoscopically, 11 patients (10.5%) progressed to more severe forms of RE (recurrent progressive (RP) group), 60.0% of patients relapsed without disease progression (recurrent non-progression group), and the remaining 29.5% of patients had no further episodes of RE (isolated episode group). Risk factors for progressive disease were increased age, female sex, the presence of symptoms at initial diagnosis by endoscopy, presence of a hiatal hernia, absence of atrophic gastritis, and absence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Despite having all risk factors, there were six patients who did not progress to more severe forms of RE. The primary esophageal peristaltic amplitude in these patients was significantly higher than in the RP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with mild RE, only 10.5% progressed to more severe forms of RE. The patients with risk factors are candidates for aggressive therapy in order to prevent the progression of the RE disease process.

Relationship between endoscopic hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms

Little is known about the relationship between hiatus hernia (HH) and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS). Nine hundred and thirty patients submitted to gastroscopy because of symptoms completed a self-administered questionnaire. Fourteen per cent showed esophagitis (ES) and 17% HH. Forty-nine per cent of the patients with HH had endoscopic ES, and 60% of those with ES had HH. The severity of ES was dependent (p less than 0.05) on both the presence and the size of HH. After exclusion of patients with peptic ulcer and malignancy, patients with and without HH and ES were compared with regard to the presence of single symptoms and a weighted GERS score based on symptoms proven to be typical for ES. Only borderline differences were found between patients with ES and HH and those with ES and no HH. The former group, however, presented with significantly (p less than 0.001) more GERS than the patients with HH only. Nevertheless, the patients with HH as the only pathologic finding had significantly (p less than 0.01) more GERS than the patients with no major endoscopic abnormality. This study indicates a close association between HH and gastroesophageal reflux disease and supports the clinical significance of an endoscopically detected HH.

Restoration of normal distensive characteristics of the esophagogastric junction after fundoplication

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanical characteristics of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) of postfundoplication patients and compare them with previously reported data on normal subjects and GERD patients.

METHODS

Eight normal subjects, 9 GERD patients, and 8 fundoplication patients were studied with concurrent manometry, fluoroscopy, and stepwise controlled barostat distention of the EGJ. The minimal barostat pressure required to open the EGJ during the interswallow period was determined. Thereafter, barium swallows were imaged in 5-mm Hg increments of intrabag pressure. EGJ diameter and length were measured at each pressure during deglutitive relaxation.

RESULTS

EGJ opening diameter during deglutitive relaxation was on average 0.5 cm greater in GERD patients compared with normal subjects and fundoplication patients (P < 0.05). EGJ opening pressure and opening diameter were comparable between normal subjects and fundoplication patients; however, the EGJ length was 32% longer in fundoplication patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundoplication restores distensibility of the EGJ to a level similar to normal subjects. Since trans-EGJ flow is related to EGJ length and EGJ diameter, these findings suggest that retrograde flow through the EGJ would be decreased by both a reduction in diameter and an increase in length of the EGJ.

The diagnostic accuracy of esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus: a blinded, prospective study

BACKGROUND

Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is a novel technique that offers noninvasive evaluation of esophageal pathology in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECE for Barrett's esophagus (BE), erosive esophagitis, and hiatal hernia and to assess the safety profile of ECE.

METHODS

Patients with GERD symptoms and those undergoing BE surveillance were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent ECE followed by standard upper endoscopy. ECE findings were interpreted by examiners blinded to endoscopy results. The gold standard was the findings at endoscopy and ECE results were compared with those at endoscopy.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were enrolled of which 94 completed the study. At upper endoscopy, BE was suspected in 53 (mean length 3.1 cm) and confirmed in 45 patients. Erosive esophagitis and hiatal hernia were identified in 18 and 70 patients, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ECE for BE in GERD patients were 67%, 87%, 60%, and 90%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of ECE for BE patients undergoing surveillance were 79%, 78%, 94%, and 44%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for erosive esophagitis were 50%, 90%, 56%, and 88% and for hiatal hernia were 54%, 67%, 83%, and 33%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Current diagnostic rates of ECE for BE are not yet accurate enough for application in clinical practice. An improvement in technology and learning curve assessments are required, until then standard upper endoscopy remains the gold standard.

Utility of upper endoscopy in the evaluation of noncardiac chest pain

The diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal manometry, and Bernstein testing was assessed in 100 consecutive patients being evaluated for non-cardiac chest pain. Manometric studies revealed the nutcracker esophagus in 21 patients; non-specific esophageal motility disorders in 19 patients; a hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter in 4 patients; diffuse esophageal spasm in 2 patients; and normal motility in 54 patients. Endoscopy was normal in 38 patients; but revealed grades II to IV esophagitis in 24 patients; gastritis and/or duodenitis in 18 patients; a sliding hiatal hernia without evidence of esophagitis in 14 patients; and gastric or duodenal ulcers in 6 patients. Twenty-five individuals were found to have normal manometric studies in combination with a negative Bernstein test. Among these 25 patients, however, 7 patients had esophagitis (grade II or higher); 6 patients had gastritis and/or duodenitis; five patients had a sliding hiatal hernia without esophagitis; 1 patient had peptic ulcer disease; and only 6 patients had a normal endoscopic exam. Our results indicate that endoscopy can identify a significant number of patients with acid-peptic disease who present with non-cardiac chest pain, that would not have been otherwise diagnosed by esophageal manometry or Bernstein testing alone or in combination.