Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with nonerosive reflux disease

Background It is known that laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) can achieve an excellent surgical outcome including quality of life improvement in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; EGD-positive). Less is known about the long-term surgical outcome in GERD patients who have no evidence of esophagitis (EGD-negative) before surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome in a well-selected group of EGD-negative patients compared to that of EGD-positive patients.Methods From a large sample of more than 500 patients who underwent LARS, 89 EGD-negative patients (mean age, 51 ± 6 years; 56 males) were treated surgically because of persistent reflux-related symptoms despite medical therapy. In all cases, preoperative 24-h pH monitoring showed pathological values. To perform a comparative analysis, a matched sample of EGD-positive patients (mean age, 54 ± 10 years; 58 males) was selected from the database. Surgical outcome included for all patients objective data (e.g., manometry and pH data and endoscopy), quality of life evaluation [Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)] symptom evaluation, as well as patients’ satisfaction with surgery. The data of a complete 5-year follow-up are available.Results There were no significant differences in symptomatic improvement, percentage of persistent surgical side-effects, or objective parameters. In general, patients’ satisfaction with surgery was comparable in both groups: 95% rated long-term outcome as excellent or good and would undergo surgical treatment again if necessary, respectively. Quality of life improvement was significantly better (p < 0.05) in the EGD-negative group because of the fact that GIQLI was more impaired before surgery (preoperative GIQLI, 81.7 ± 11.6 points/EGD-negative vs 93.8 ± 10.3 points/EGD-positive). Five years after surgery, GIQLI in both groups (121.2 ± 8.5 for EGD-negative vs 120.9 ± 7.3 for EGD-positive) showed comparable values to healthy controls (122.6 ± 8.5).Conclusion We suggest that LARS is an excellent treatment option for well-selected patients with persistent GERD-related symptoms who have no endoscopic evidence of esophagitis.Poster presented at the 11th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, Glasgow, 2003     

Clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with and without preoperative endoscopic esophagitis

A wide spectrum of endoscopic findings exists in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study compared clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients who had GERD with and without preoperative endoscopic esophagitis. From 1992 to 2001, a total of 414 patients who underwent LARS with 6 months or more of follow-up were prospectively entered into a database. Among these patients, 84 (20%) had no endoscopic evidence of esophagitis on preoperative endoscopy (group 1), whereas 330 (80%) did have esophagitis (group 2). Perioperative outcomes, GERD symptom relief, and the use of acid-reducing medication were assessed. Preoperative DeMeester scores in groups 1 and 2 were 44 ± 29 and 61 ± 62 (P < 0.05) and mean esophageal peristaltic amplitude was 86 ± 32 mm Hg vs. 60 ± 42 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.05). Although procedure time was significantly shorter in group 1, other perioperative outcomes were similar. At postoperative follow-up, the use of proton pump inhibitors was reduced in both groups (86% to ≤14%). With the exception of postoperative dysphagia, there was no difference in GERD symptom relief between groups 1 and 2. The presence or absence of preoperative esophagitis has minimal effect on favorable symptomatic outcomes after LARS. Thus LARS is an effective treatment option for patients, irrespective of endoscopic evidence of esophagitis, leading to excellent symptom relief and a marked reduction in the use of proton pump inhibitors. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation). Supported by the Washington University Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery.     

Preoperative Endoscopic Screening for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has a Low Yield for Anatomic Findings

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery undergo screening esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) during preoperative evaluation. The hypothesis is to examine the utility of this examination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract findings at screening EGD in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery. A secondary aim was to determine whether preprocedure symptoms could predict findings at EGD. METHODS: We evaluated records of patients undergoing EGD prior to bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2005 at the Stanford University Medical Center. Clinical, endoscopic, and pathological data were analyzed. The prevalence of endoscopic findings of clinical significance was determined. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy two complete patient records were identified and included in the study. Of these, 237 (87%) were female and 197 (72%) were Caucasian. The mean age was 43 +/- 9.68 years and mean body mass index was 48 +/- 7.95 kg/m(2). Of the 272 patients, 33 (12%) had EGD findings of clinical significance including erosive esophagitis (3.7%), Barrett's esophagus (3.7%), gastric ulcers (2.9%), erosive gastritis (1.8%), duodenal ulcers (0.7%), and gastric carcinoid (0.3%). No patients had malignancy. Of these 33 patients, 22 (67%) had UGI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Significant findings at screening EGD were found in 12% of patients. While EGD may be low-yield, the findings could be useful in guiding clinical decision making.     

Symptomatic outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients eligible for endoluminal therapies

Background: This study compared clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who would be eligible for endoluminal therapies (ET) with those in patients who would be excluded from ET. Methods: From 1995 to the present, 459 patients who underwent LARS were analyzed prospectively. Of these, 117 patients (25%) without preoperative dysphagia, stricture, esophagitis worse than grade 2 or hiatal hernia larger than 2 cm were considered potential candidates for ET (group 1). By these criteria, 342 patients (75%) were not eligible for ET (group 2). Medication use and GERD symptoms were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: Perioperative outcomes including duration of operation, morbidity, length of hospital stay and return to work were similar in the two groups. Although LARS significantly reduced medication use and GERD symptoms in both groups during a mean follow-up period longer than 2 years, there were no outcome differences between groups 1 and 2. The reported improvement in esophageal symptoms and overall satisfaction was 90% or more in both groups. Conclusions: The findings show that LARS is an effective treatment option in patients with GERD whether they are candidates for ET or not. In patients with uncomplicated GERD who currently meet inclusion criteria for ET, LARS provides excellent symptom relief and marked reduction in medication use during a mean follow-up period longer than 2 years.     

Outcomes of antireflux surgery in patients with normal preoperative 24-hour pH test results

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative 24-hour pH testing is controversial in surgical patients who have symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and endoscopic evidence of esophagitis. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of Nissen fundoplication for symptomatic reflux between patients with normal and abnormal preoperative pH testing. METHODS: Patients were selected from a prospective database of patients who underwent laparoscopic esophageal procedures between January 1997 and December 2001 at our institution. Only patients having typical symptoms of GERD (heartburn and/or reflux), preoperative pH testing, manometry, and endoscopy and who had at least 6 months of post-operative follow-up were included in the study. Fifteen patients had normal preoperative DeMeester scores (DMS) (median 11.4, range 3.3 to 14.7). These were compared with 208 consecutive patients having abnormal preoperative DMS (median 49.6, range 15.2 to 250). Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify variables significant for poor outcome. Differences between means were tested using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in demographics, preoperative symptom score (mean 2.9 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.68, P = 0.30), or preoperative grade of esophagitis (P = 0.37) between the 2 groups. After a median follow-up of 8.8 months (range 6 to 36), 6 (40%) of the patients having normal preoperative DMS and 17 (8.1%) of the patients having abnormal preoperative DMS continued to have typical GERD symptoms (P <0.01, B error = 0.02). The most significant factor for poor outcome in the regression model was normal preoperative pH (odds ratio 9.02, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic GERD patients with normal preoperative 24-hour pH test results have significantly worse subjective outcomes after Nissen fundoplication compared with patients having abnormal preoperative pH test results. To minimize poor symptomatic outcomes after antireflux surgery, a policy of routine preoperative pH testing is advised.     

Long-term comparison of antireflux surgery versus conservative therapy for reflux esophagitis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long-term symptomatic and endoscopic outcome in gastroesophageal reflux disease with erosive esophagitis, comparing conservative with operative management. METHODS: The study comprised 105 of 120 patients consecutively referred for severe reflux symptoms to the gastroenterologic outpatient department of a teaching hospital, where erosive esophagitis was confirmed endoscopically. If conservative management (modified lifestyle and medication) failed to relieve symptoms and heal the esophagitis, antireflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication) was undertaken. Follow-up (median, 10.9 years) evaluation of all patients included comprehensive, standardized interviews; self-scoring of symptoms at the time of referral and currently; and observations at endoscopy. RESULTS: Nissen fundoplication was performed on 37 of the 105 patients. At follow-up of these 37 patients, (31) 84% had no or only occasional mild heartburn, (33) 89% were free from erosive esophagitis, and (2) 5% were taking H2 antagonists or omeprazole. The corresponding figures in the 68 patients with only conservative treatment were (36) 53%, (31) 45%, and (14) 21%. The mean change in symptom score between referral time and follow-up was 5.7 in the surgically treated group and 1.7 in the nonsurgically treated group. Fifteen new cases of Barrett's metaplasia were found at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In gastroesophageal reflux disease with erosive esophagitis, surgical treatment gave results subjectively and objectively superior to those from conservative management.     

Long-Term Results (6–10 Years) of Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Most papers report excellent results of laparoscopic fundoplication but with relatively short follow-up. Only few studies have a follow-up longer than 5 years. We prospectively collected data of 399 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between January 1992 and June 2005. Preoperative workup included symptoms questionnaire, videoesophagogram, upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-metry. Postoperative clinical/functional studies were performed at 1, 6, 12 months, and thereafter every other year. Patients were divided into four groups: GERD with nonerosive esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia. Surgical failures were considered as follows: (1) recurrence of GERD symptoms or abnormal 24-h pH monitoring; (2) recurrence of endoscopic esophagitis; (3) recurrence of hiatal hernia/slipped fundoplication on endoscopy/barium swallow; (4) postoperative onset of dysphagia; (5) postoperative onset of gas bloating. One hundred and forty-five patients (87 M:58 F) were operated between January 1992 and June 1999: 80 nonerosive esophagitis, 29 erosive esophagitis, 17 Barrett’s esophagus, and 19 large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernias. At a median follow-up of 97 months, the success rate was 74% for surgery only and 86% for primary surgery and ‘complementary’ treatments (21 patients: 13 redo surgery and eight endoscopic dilations). Dysphagia and recurrence of reflux were the most frequent causes of failure for nonerosive esophagitis patients; recurrence of hernia was prevalent among patients with large paraesophageal/mixed hiatal hernia. Gas bloating (causing failure) was reported by nonerosive esophagitis patients only. At last follow-up, 115 patients were off ‘proton-pump inhibitors’; 30 were still on medications (eight for causes unrelated to GERD). Conclusion confirms that laparoscopic fundoplication provides effective, long-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Hernia recurrence and dysphagia are its weak points.     

Efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) corrects significant physiologic and anatomic abnormalities in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, debate exists whether LARS prevents recurrent symptoms and malignant transformation in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). This study compared clinical outcomes after LARS in patients with and without BE. METHODS: From 1994 to 2001, 448 patients who underwent LARS were studied. Of these, 68 (15%) had preoperative evidence of BE with low-grade dysplasia in 3 (4%), and 380 (85%) were without BE. Mean postoperative follow-up was more than 30 months in each group. RESULTS: After LARS, there was equivalent reduction in acid reduction medication use and typical GERD symptoms in both groups. Anatomic failures developed in 12% of patients with BE and in 5% of those without BE (P = 0.05). Upper endoscopy with biopsies was obtained in 50 of 68 patients (74%) with BE at 37 +/- 22 months postoperatively. Intestinal metaplasia was no longer present in 7 of 50 (14%) BE patients, and low-grade dysplasia regressed to nondysplastic Barrett's in 2 of 3 patients. New low-grade dysplasia developed in 1 BE patient (2%) at postoperative endoscopic surveillance. No BE patients developed high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: After LARS, patients with BE have symptomatic relief and reduction in medication use equivalent to non-BE patients. Regression of intestinal metaplasia and the absence of progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma suggest that LARS is an effective approach for the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus. The higher failure rate of LARS in BE is of concern and mandates ongoing follow-up of these patients.     

The Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbidly Obese Chinese Patients

Background  The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Eastern and Western countries. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, little information is available on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in morbidly obese Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of GERD in Chinese patients with morbid obesity and age- and sex-matched controls, and we also assessed the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis. Methods  Between November 2006 and February 2008, 150 morbidly obese Chinese patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaires and esophagogastroduodenoscopy results were assessed in all cases before surgery. The prevalence of reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis was compared with the prevalence in a database of 300 age- and sex-matched controls. We also compared baseline and postoperative characteristics at 12 months after operation. Results  Patients with morbid obesity had higher frequencies of reflux symptoms (16% vs. 8%, P = 0.01) and erosive esophagitis (34% vs. 17%, P < 0.01) than those of controls. Twelve months after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 26 patients received follow-up evaluations. In addition to substantial weight loss, the prevalence of reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis decreased significantly after operation (19.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.05, and 42.3% vs. 3.8%, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions  Gastroesophageal reflux disease is pervasive in Chinese patients with morbid obesity and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass substantially improves not only the reflux symptoms but also the erosive esophagitis.     

腹腔镜抗反流手术治疗胃食管反流病的总体疗效及手术指征选择

目的:探讨腹腔镜抗反流手术治疗胃食管反流病的疗效及手术指征选择。方法:总结2000年至2013年收治的185例胃食管反流病病人的临床资料和术后近期远期结果(生活质量、病人满意率、抗反流手术相关并发症及复发),分析腹腔镜抗反流手术的安全性和有效性。结果:185例病人均顺利施行腹腔镜抗反流手术(食管裂孔修补+胃底折叠),手术用时50~200 min,术中失血10~100 mL,无中转开腹和手术死亡病例。20例病人发生围手术期并发症,经针对性处理后痊愈;术后并发慢性吞咽困难16例,多为轻、中度;163例GERD病人术后日常生活质量改善明显,手术满意率达88.1%;166例病人术前胃食管反流症状典型,术后152例症状明显改善(91.6%),14例无缓解。随访见8例术后复发,其中2例合并食管裂孔疝复发。结论:腹腔镜手术治疗胃食管反流病安全可行、疗效可靠,但术前应严格把握手术适应证。     

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related airway disorder

A strong link exists between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and airway diseases. Surgical therapy has been recommended as it is more effective than medical therapy in the short term, but there is little data on the effectiveness of surgery long-term. We analyzed the long-term response of GERD-related airway disease after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). Methods In 2004, we contacted 128 patients with airway symptoms and GERD who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) between 12/1993 and 12/2002. At median follow-up of 53 months (19–110 mo) we studied the effects on symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, and medication use and we analyzed the data to determine predictors of successful resolution of airway symptoms. Results Cough, hoarseness, wheezing, sore throat, and dyspnea improved in 65-75% of patients. Heartburn improved in 91 % (105/116) of patients and regurgitation in 92% (90/98). The response rate for airway symptoms was the same in patients with and without heartburn. Almost every patient took proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) preoperatively (99%, 127/128) and 61% (n = 78) were taking double or triple dose. Postoperatively, 33% (n = 45) of patients were using daily anti-acid therapy but no one was on double dose. The only factor that predicted a successful surgical outcome was the presence of abnormal reflux in the pharynx as determined by 24-hour pharyngeal pH monitoring. One hundred eleven (87%) patients rated their results as excellent (n = 78, 57%) or good (n = 33, 24%). Conclusion LARS provides an effective and durable barrier to reflux, and in so doing improves GERD-related airway symptoms in ∼70% of patients and improves typical GERD symptoms in ∼90% of patients. Pharyngeal pH monitoring identifies those patients more likely to benefit from LARS, but better diagnostic tools are needed to improve the response of airway symptoms to that of typical esophageal symptoms.     

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Japan

Purpose Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Western countries where this disorder is common; however, it has only recently been introduced in Japan. We examined the effectiveness of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in a small series of Japanese patients.Methods Between 1998 and 2001 we performed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 23 patients to evaluate the efficiency of this technique. We examined the following four parameters pre- and postoperatively: symptoms, endoscopic findings, gastroesophagogram findings, and the results of intraesophageal 24-h pH monitoring. We also examined the operation time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications.Results The operation was safely performed in all patients, regardless of age, and there were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, more than three parameters were effectively normalized in 17 (89.5%) of 19 patients. The only postoperative complications were delayed gastric emptying in three patients and persistent dysphagia in five patients. During follow-up, esophagitis recurred in two patients, one of whom underwent laparoscopic refundoplication, which normalized the condition.Conclusion Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is highly effective for GERD and could become the standard surgical treatment in Japan.     

Eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus: gastroesophageal reflux versus eosinophilic esophagitis in children--discussion on daily practice

Background/purpose

Children presenting with persistent symptoms attributed to gastroesophaeal reflux disease (GERD) that are unresponsive to both medical and surgical therapies are commonly submitted to esophageal biopsies, the results of which show an abnormal presence of eosinophils. In this setting, eosinophilic esophagitis may be the correct diagnosis. The purpose of this report is to clarify the importance of esophageal eosinophilic infiltration, regardless of whether associated with acid reflux, ie, as an independent symptomatic entity, when treating a patient with refractory GERD.

Methods

Two boys, aged 8 and 7 years, had the classic symptoms of GERD. They were treated with antacid without improvement of the esophagic lesions. Subsequent esophageal biopsy results showed marked eosinophilic infiltration. From this moment on, eosinophilic esophagitis started to be considered the main diagnosis.

Results

Although eosinophilic infiltration caused by GERD is very frequently found in esophageal biopsy, in case of refractory drug treatment and microscopic findings of a great number of eosinophils and mast cells, eosinophilic esophagitis must be considered. This disease is better treated with corticoids instead of antacid drugs. It explains the reason some patients do not respond to antacid and surgical treatment and remain symptomatic with esophagic lesions.

Conclusions

In refractory cases of GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis must be considered before any surgical measure.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: A review of surgical decision making

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a very common disorder with increasing prevalence. It is estimated that up to 20%-25% of Americans experience symptoms of GERD weekly. Excessive reflux of acidic often with alkaline bile salt gastric and duodenal contents results in a multitude of symptoms for the patient including heartburn, regurgitation, cough, and dysphagia. There are also associated complications of GERD including erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, stricture and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. While first line treatments for GERD involve mainly lifestyle and non-surgical therapies, surgical interventions have proven to be effective in appropriate circumstances. Anti-reflux operations are aimed at creating an effective barrier to reflux at the gastroesophageal junction and thus attempt to improve physiologic and mechanical issues that may be involved in the pathogenesis of GERD. The decision for surgical intervention in the treatment of GERD, moreover, requires an objective confirmation of the diagnosis. Confirmation is achieved using various preoperative evaluations including: ambulatory p H monitoring, esophageal manometry, upper endoscopy(esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and barium swallow. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis and with appropriate patient criteria met, an antireflux operation is a good alternative to prolonged medical therapy. Currently, minimally invasive gastroesophageal fundoplication is the gold standard for surgical intervention of GERD. Our review outlines the many factors that are involved in surgical decisionmaking. We will review the prominent features that reflect appropriate anti-reflux surgery and present suggestions that are pertinent to surgical practices, based on evidence-based studies.     

Preoperative Lower Esophageal Sphincter Manometry Data Neither Impact Manifestations of GERD nor Outcome After Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Background  Experience with laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and manometrically intact lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is limited. The disease pattern may be different and LARS may fail to control reflux or result in higher rates of dysphagia. This is the first study investigating the impact of preoperative LES manometry data not only on manifestations of GERD and subjective outcome alone but also on objective outcomes 1 year after LARS. Methods  Three hundred fifty-one GERD patients underwent LARS and had subjective symptom and quality of life assessment, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, barium swallow esophagogram, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, and manometry pre- and 1 year postoperatively. Patients were divided into those with a preoperatively intact versus defective LES based on intraabdominal length and resting pressure. Baseline and 1-year postoperative follow-up data were compared. Results  Preoperative manifestations of GERD were similar in each group. Postoperatively, all symptoms except flatulence, quality of life scores, and objective manifestations improved significantly in each group. Conclusions  The preoperative manometric character of the LES neither impacts the manifestations of GERD nor subjective and objective outcomes after LARS. Patients with GERD and manometrically intact LES have no higher risk for postoperative dysphagia.     

Evaluation of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication as a primary repair for all patients with medically resistant gastroesophageal reflux

Background: This prospective study assesses the outcome results in 100 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated with a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. Methods: GERD was confirmed by 24-h pH study and/or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Pre- and postoperative symptoms, operative times, and perioperative complications were recorded on standardized data forms. Early follow-up was at 3 months and late follow-up, including 24-h pH, manometry, and EGD was at 22 months. Results: Preoperative symptoms included heartburn (92%), regurgitation (58%), water brash (39%), and dysphagia (39%). Mean operative time was 3.2 hours. There were no conversions to celiotomy and there were no mortalities. The perioperative complication rate was 14%; 6% (5/83) of patients reported heartburn at 3 months and 20% (15/74) at 22 months. Early and late dysphagia was 20% (17/83) and 9% (7/74), respectively; 24-h pH testing was abnormal in 90% of symptomatic patients (9/10), 39% of asymptomatic patients (12/31), and 51% overall. Conclusions: Despite early improvement in reflux symptoms following laparoscopic Toupet fundoplications, there is a high incidence of recurrent GERD. Symptomatic follow-up underestimates the true incidence of 24-h pH-documented reflux. Based on these results we cannot recommend the laparoscopic Toupet repair for GERD patients with normal esophageal motility. Received: 24 March 1997/Accepted: 28 May 1997     

Sleeve gastrectomy with concomitant hiatal hernia repair in obese patients: long-term results on gastroesophageal reflux disease

BackgroundHiatal hernia repair (HHR) during Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is recommended when the defect is intraoperatively found; however, the long term effect on gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains controversial.ObjectivesThis study aimed to report long-term follow-up data, at least after 7 years, of SG with concomitant HHR and the outcome on GERD symptoms.SettingTertiary-care referral hospital.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 91 obese patients submitted to SG + HHR with a minimum of 7-years follow-up. The preoperative evaluation included GERD symptoms assessment by a standardized questionnaire, proton pump inhibitor usage evaluation, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and a barium-swallow esophagogram to detect the presence of HH. At long-term follow-up visit, GERD assessment was performed to evaluate remission, persistence, or new onset of typical GERD symptoms; proton pump inhibitor usage was also investigated. Patients underwent barium-swallow esophagogram and/or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.ResultsAt long-term evaluation, 2 of 91 patients (2.2%) were lost and 1 patient underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Of patients with preoperative GERD, 60% had GERD resolution; however, 27 of 88 (30.6%) patients reported postoperative GERD symptoms. Among these patients 15 (55.5%) showed the HH recurrence detected by barium-swallow esophagogram. All patients with HH recurrence had esophagitis and 1 case had a Barrett’s esophagus. In the remaining 12 patients (44.4%) with postoperative GERD without HH recurrence, the barium-swallow esophagogram showed signs of reflux in reverse Trendelenburg.ConclusionsAt long-term follow-up HH recurrence was consistently related to the presence of GERD symptoms and to a high rate of esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. In all patients with GERD symptoms after SG + HHR, a HH recurrence should be suspected and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy strongly recommended to rule out esophagitis, and especially Barrett’s esophagus.     

Lack of correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and esophageal lesions after sleeve gastrectomy

Background

The postoperative development or worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) represents the major drawback of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). A GERD diagnosis is often based only on symptoms and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) intake, while objective tests like esophagogastroduodenoscopy and pH measurements are performed less frequently.

Pre-operative clinical and instrumental factors as antireflux surgery outcome predictors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is nowadays a highly prevalent, chronic condition, with 10% to 30% of Western populations affected by weekly symptoms. Many patients with mild reflux symptoms are treated adequately with lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and low-dose proton pump inhibitors(PPIs). For those with refractory GERD poorly controlled with daily PPIs, numerous treatment options exist. Fundoplication is currently the most commonly performed antireflux operation for management of GERD. Outcomes described in current literature following laparoscopic fundoplication indicate that it is highly effective for treatment of GERD; early clinical studies demonstrate relief of symptoms in approximately 85%-90% of patients. However it is still unclear which factors, clinical or instrumental, are able to predict a good outcome after surgery. Virtually all demographic, esophagogastric junction anatomic conditions, as well as instrumental(such as presence of esophagitis at endoscopy, or motility patterns determined by esophageal high resolution manometry or reflux patterns determined by means of pH /impedance-pH monitoring) and clinical features(such as typical or atypical symptoms presence) of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD can be factors associated with symptomatic relief. With this in mind, we sought to review studies that identified the factors that predict outcome after laparoscopic total fundoplication.     

Clinical outcomes of atypical extra-esophageal reflux symptoms following laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Introduction  

While it is well established that antireflux surgery is effective in relieving typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, it is currently unclear whether atypical symptoms (cough, hoarseness, wheeze) foreshadow a less satisfactory outcome following laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS). The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the clinical outcomes of atypical symptoms in patients undergoing LARS.