Quantification of duodenogastric reflux in gastroduodenal peptic ulcer and in gastric operation patients, using a 24-h gastric pH measurement as a quantification technique

Twenty-four-hour gastric pH measurement was used to study duodenogastric reflux. To differentiate between gastric hyposecretion and duodenogastric reflux, we also measured bile acid concentrations in the gastric juice, and regarded pH increases to above 4 as possible episodes of reflux. The procedure was used in 60 patients, divided into the following groups: (1) control group (ten patients); (2) duodenal ulcer (ten patients); (3) type 1 gastric ulcer (five patients); (4) type 3 gastric ulcer (five patients); (5) bilateral truncal vagotomy plus pyloroplasty (ten patients); (6) truncal vagotomy plus Billroth I partial gastrectomy (ten patients); and (7) truncal vagotomy plus Billroth II partial gastrectomy (ten patients). The amount of reflux (areas of pH greater than 4) in the type 1 gastric ulcer and Billroth I and Billroth II groups was significantly greater than that found in the control, duodenal ulcer, type 3 gastric ulcer and truncal vagotomy plus pyloroplasty groups. The mean concentration of total bile acids was also greater in the gastrectomized patients than in the rest of the groups studied. In the type 1 gastric ulcer group the mean bile acid concentration was similar to that of the control group.     

Measurement of gastric pH in ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring

Background  Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is the method used most widely to quantify gastroesophageal reflux. The degree of gastroesophageal reflux may potentially be underestimated if the resting gastric pH is high. Normal subjects and symptomatic patients undergoing 24-h pH monitoring were studied to determine whether a relationship exists between resting gastric pH and the degree of esophageal acid exposure. Methods  Normal volunteers (n = 54) and symptomatic patients without prior gastric surgery and off medication (n = 1,582) were studied. Gastric pH was measured by advancing the pH catheter into the stomach before positioning the electrode in the esophagus. The normal range of gastric pH was defined from the normal subjects, and the patients then were classified as having either normal gastric pH or hypochlorhydria. Esophageal acid exposure was compared between the two groups. Results  The normal range for gastric pH was 0.3–2.9. The median age of the 1,582 patients was 51 years, and their median gastric pH was 1.7. Abnormal esophageal acid exposure was found in 797 patients (50.3%). Hypochlorhydria (resting gastric pH >2.9) was detected in 176 patients (11%). There was an inverse relationship between gastric pH and esophageal acid exposure (r = −0.13). For the patients with positive 24-h pH test results, the major effect of gastric pH was that the hypochlorhydric patients tended to have more reflux in the supine position than those with normal gastric pH. Conclusion  There is an inverse, dose-dependent relationship between gastric pH and esophageal acid exposure. Negative 24-h esophageal pH test results for a patient with hypochlorhydria may prompt a search for nonacid reflux as the explanation for the patient’s symptoms. Presented orally at the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Annual Meeting, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9–12 April, 2008.     

Clinical use of 24-hour gastric pH monitoring vs o-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scanning in the diagnosis of pathologic duodenogastric reflux

The efficacy of o-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scanning was compared with that of computerized analysis of 24-hour gastric pH monitoring to diagnose excessive duodenogastric reflux in 22 normal volunteers and 106 consecutive patients with foregut symptoms. DISIDA scanning had a false-positive rate of 18% in the normal volunteers. Gastric pH monitoring showed an increasing prevalence of duodenogastric reflux in patients with increasing clinical evidence of this condition, which was not seen with DISIDA scanning. Both DISIDA scanning and gastric pH monitoring identified duodenogastric reflux in most patients who had had previous pyloroplasty or antrectomy. Only gastric pH monitoring, however, showed a significantly increased prevalence of duodenogastric reflux in symptomatic patients after previous cholecystectomy compared with those who had not undergone previous surgery. These data suggest that 24-hour gastric pH monitoring is superior to DISIDA scanning in identifying duodenogastric reflux as a cause of foregut symptoms.     

幽门成形联合十二指肠韧带松解对预防贲门癌术后胃食管返流的影响

目的 评价幽门成形联合十二指肠韧带松解在预防贲门癌术后返流中的临床效果.方法 将22例贲门癌近端胃切除患者术中行幽门成形联合十二指肠韧带松解作为 A组,另选未行幽门成形联合十二指肠韧带松解的18例贲门癌手术患者作为 B组对照,通过术后进行食管24 h pH监测,电子胃镜检查评价抗返流效果.结果 通过比较40例贲门癌近端胃切除手术患者不同术式两组间 24 h pH监测参数显示:24 h酸返流的总的返流次数、长于 5 min的返流次数两组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);而A组的pH＜4.00 的总时间以及最长返流的时间明显低于B组,两组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).A组返流性食管炎评分明显低于B组(P＜0.05).结论 综合抗返流术式方法简便,临床抗返流效果好.     

Clinical and manometric results of laparoscopic partial (Toupet) and complete (Rosetti-Nissen) fundoplication

It is unclear whether a partial or complete gastric fundoplication done laparoscopically will offer the best control of reflux with the fewest side effects. Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic Rosetti-Nissen (360) and Toupet (180) fundoplication was performed with assessment of clinical and manometric data. Methods: Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux referred for surgical correction underwent preoperative motility and upper endoscopy. A Rosetti-Nissen or Toupet fundoplication was then performed laparoscopically. Short gastrics were not divided. No bougie was used in the Toupet, which was sutured intracorporeally. A 2-cm, loose, floppy wrap about a 50-Fr bougie was performed in the Nissen. Eleven patients underwent Rosetti-Nissen and 11 Toupet fundoplication. Mean ages, duration symptoms, weight, and baseline LES, were not different. Preop esophagitis grades were similar, as were Visick Scores and presence of dysphagia. Results: Visick scores at 6 months were better in the Toupet group than the Rosetti-Nissen (P=0.07). Persistent Dysphagia in four, Gas-Bloat in two, and Odynophagia in one within the Rosetti-Nissen group accounted for the difference, and were not seen in Toupets. LES pressures differed significantly pre and postop (P<0.001). The change in LES pressure was significantly different between Toupet and Rosetti-Nissen (chart). Seven patients had postop 24-h pH tests; all had no reflux. Three Rosettis have required revision to Toupet, with resolution of their symptoms. Conclusions: In patients with severe GERD, laparoscopic Toupet and Rosetti-Nissen control symptoms and esophageal pH similarly. LES pressures are higher postop in the Rosetti-Nissen. Dysphagia and gas-bloat are more prevalent in the Nissen group. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication may be superior to Rosetti-Nissen in reducing the frequency of side effects frequently associated with antireflux surgery, yet with equal control of reflux. {ie724-1}     

Surgical treatment of the gastroesophageal reflux syndrome in infants and children

During an 18 year period, 352 infants and children under 18 years of age underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. Delayed gastric emptying was present in more than 50 percent as evidenced by more than 50 percent retention of technetium-99m sulfur colloid in semisolid feedings at 90 minutes. Esophageal motility disorders occurred in over 35 percent of the patients with symptomatic reflux, militating against performing a tight antireflux operation. Of 352 patients who had operation for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux, 308 underwent gastroesophageal fundoplication alone, 26 underwent gastroesophageal fundoplication and pyloroplasty, 12 had pyloroplasty alone, and 6 had gastroesophageal fundoplication followed by pyloroplasty as a second operation because of residual delay in gastric emptying. An abnormal result of esophageal pH monitoring and decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure with normal gastric emptying suggest use of the gastroesophageal fundoplication alone. Delay in gastric emptying combined with decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure and abnormal results of esophageal pH monitoring indicate the use of gastroesophageal fundoplication plus pyloroplasty. A mildly abnormal esophageal pH value in combination with a high-normal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and marked delay in gastric emptying (over 60 percent retention at 90 minutes) suggest the use of pyloroplasty alone. The excellent clinical results achieved with gastroesophageal fundoplication, with or without pyloroplasty, and the low morbidity and mortality rates indicate that these procedures should be used early in the management of infants and children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux syndrome.     

Surgical management of the gastroesophageal reflux syndrome in childhood

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common cause of repeated emesis, failure to thrive, repeated pulmonary infection, and asthma in infants and children. During a 14-year period 270 children underwent gastroesophageal fundoplication for symptomatic reflux. The 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is the most accurate test available to verify the presence of GER and is also helpful in evaluating the results of fundoplication. Transabdominal fundoplication may be performed with a low risk of complications. The most frequent complication requiring reoperation is paraesophageal hiatus hernia (6/270 patients), which should be repaired in almost all instances when symptoms develop. Closure of the crura posterior to the esophagus greatly reduces the incidence of this problem. Esophageal motility disorders occur in more than 35% of patients with symptomatic reflux and militate against performing a tight antireflux operation. Approximately 50% of patients with symptomatic reflux have associated gastric motility disorders. Radionuclide studies with 99mTC sulfur colloid in semisolid feedings have determined the magnitude of gastric retention after a feeding and have been helpful in identifying children who require a pyloroplasty with or without fundoplication. Pyloroplasty is performed simultaneously with fundoplication in approximately 10% of patients with symptomatic reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter pressure is low and the esophageal pH monitor shows reflux. The excellent clinical results achieved by fundoplication with or without pyloroplasty and the low morbidity and mortality rates indicate that these procedures should be used early in the management of infants and children who suffer symptomatic GER.     

Duodeno-Gastric-Esophageal Reflux—What is Pathologic? Comparison of Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus and Age-Matched Volunteers

Introduction The aim of the study was to analyse pH- and bile-monitoring data in patients with Barrett’s esophagus and in age- and gender-matched controls. Subjects and Methods Twenty-four consecutive Barrett’s patients (8 females, 16 males, mean age 57 years), 21 patients with esophagitis (10 females, 11 males, mean age 58 years), and 19 healthy controls (8 females, 11 males, mean age 51 years), were included. Only patients underwent endoscopy with biopsy. All groups were investigated with manometry, gastric and esophageal 24-h pH, and simultaneous bile monitoring according to a standardized protocol. A bilirubin absorption >0.25 was determined as noxious bile reflux. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) method was applied to determine the optimal cutoff value of pathologic bilirubin levels. Results Of Barrett’s patients, 79% had pathologic acidic gastric reflux (pH<4 >5% of total measuring time). However, 32% of healthy controls also had acid reflux (p < 0.05) without any symptoms. The median of esophageal bile reflux was 7.8% (lower quartile (LQ)–upper quartile (UQ) = 1.6–17.8%) in Barrett’s patients, in patients with esophagitis, 3.5% (LQ–UQ = 0.1–13.5), and in contrast to 0% (LQ–UQ = 0–1.0%) in controls, p = 0.001. ROC analysis showed the optimal dividing value for patients at more than 1% bile reflux over 24 h (75% sensitivity, 84% specificity). Conclusion An optimal threshold to differentiate between normal and pathological bile reflux into the esophagus is 1% (24-h bile monitoring with an absorbance >0.25).     

Is the use of a bougie necessary for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication?

HYPOTHESIS: Esophageal intubation with a bougie during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is commonly used to prevent an excessively tight wrap. However, a bougie may cause intraoperative gastric and esophageal perforations. We hypothesized that LNF is safe and effective when performed without a bougie. DESIGN: Retrospective review of 102 consecutive patients who underwent LNF without a bougie. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: All patients presented with symptoms of reflux disease. Mean (+/- SD) percentage of time with pH of less than 4 was 12.6% +/- 9.4%. Mean DeMeester score was 47.8. Mean (+/- SD) resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 15.0 +/- 9.4 mm Hg. Mean (+/- SD) distal esophageal amplitude was 69.4 +/- 39.2 mm Hg. INTERVENTION: During LNF, we obtained 2 to 3 cm of intra-abdominal esophagus, divided all short gastric vessels, reapproximated the crura, and performed a loose 360 degrees fundoplication without a bougie. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative rates of dysphagia, gas bloat, and recurrent reflux. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, 50 patients (49.0%) complained of mild, 11 (10.8%) of moderate, and 7 (6.9%) of severe dysphagia. Average (+/- SD) duration of early dysphagia was 4.6 +/- 2.1 weeks. Dysphagia resolved in 61 (89.7%) of 68 patients within 6 weeks. Late resolution of dysphagia was noted in 4 (5.8%) patients. Three patients were successfully treated with esophageal dilatations. Persistent dysphagia was found in 1 patient. Thirty patients (29.4%) had transient gas bloat. Mild persistent reflux, requiring daily medication, was noted in 5 (4.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of LNF without a bougie offers a safe and effective therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease. While avoiding the potential risks for gastric and esophageal injury, it may provide low rates of long-term postoperative dysphagia and reflux recurrence.     

Investigation of oesophageal reflux symptoms after gastric surgery with combined pH and bilirubin monitoring

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the role of bile in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with previous gastric surgery. This has partly been due to a lack of suitable techniques for identifying bile reflux objectively. METHODS: Some 28 patients with reflux symptoms and previous gastric surgery underwent oesophageal manometry, and 24-h ambulatory oesophageal pH and bilirubin monitoring. RESULTS: A wide variety of operations had been performed, most commonly Pólya gastrectomy (seven patients), vagotomy and pyloroplasty (six) and vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy (four). Three patients had isolated acid reflux, eight had isolated bile reflux, six had combined acid and bile reflux, and 11 patients had no reflux. Two-thirds of heartburn symptoms were not associated with reflux. However, one-quarter were associated with acid reflux and only 7 per cent with bile reflux. Erosive oesophagitis was present in five patients: two with combined acid and bile reflux, and three with isolated bile reflux. CONCLUSION: Acid and/or bile reflux can be present after a wide variety of gastric operations. Symptoms are more frequently associated with acid reflux than with bile reflux. Erosive oesophagitis can occur in the presence of isolated bile reflux. Combined pH and bilirubin monitoring determines the nature of the refluxate, and may help in the management of these patients.     

The importance of an innervated and intact antrum and pylorus in preventing postoperative duodenogastric reflux and gastritis.

This study has investigated the relationship between duodenogastric reflux, gastritis and certain symptoms 6-12 months after three operations for uncomplicated duodenal ulcer. The operations studied were proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV, 20 cases), truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty (TV+P, 22 cases) and truncal vagotomy and antrectomy (TV+A, 21 cases). Duodenogastric reflux was assessed both by a radiological technique and by measuring the concentration of bilirubin in the gastric aspirate before and after operation. Incidence and severity of postoperative gastritis were determined by endoscopic biopsy. Symptoms were assessed by symptomatic score and Visick grading. There was a significant correlation between duodenal reflux and histological evidence of both severe superficial gastritis and glandular atrophy (P less than 0-01). There was also a close association between the degree of reflux and the presence of severe heartburn, epigastric pain and bile vomiting after operation. The amount of reflux did not differ before operation. There was significantly less reflux following PGV than after either TV+P (P less than 0-025) or TV+A (P less than 0-001). The results indicate that an operation which preserves an innervated and intact antrum and pylorus will protect against postoperative duodenogastric reflux, gastritis and symptoms.     

Effect of pyloric drainage procedures on gastric passage and bile reflux after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Controversy still exists about the need for pyloric drainage procedures (pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy) after esophagectomy with esophagogastrostomy and vagotomy. Although pyloric drainage may prevent postoperative delayed gastric emptying, it may also promote bile reflux into the oesophagus. We analysed pyloric drainage methods for their potential effect on gastric outlet obstruction and bile reflux in patients undergoing esophagectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight patients with esophageal carcinoma were treated by transthoracal esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction either with pyloromyotomy (group II, n = 118), pyloroplasty (group III, n = 34) or without pyloric drainage (group I, n = 46) between January 2000 and December 2004. The postoperative gastrointestinal passage by radiological investigation, anastomotic leakage rate, mortality and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux by endoscopy within the first postoperative year were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Patient demographics and the types of surgical procedures did not differ between the three groups. There was no difference in hospital mortality, anastomotic leakage rate, gastrointestinal passage and postoperative hospital stay between the three groups. However, more patients with pyloric drainage showed bile reflux (I = 0% vs II+III=14.9%, p = 0.069) and reflux esophagitis (I = 10.3% vs II+III = 34.5%, p < 0.05) compared to patients without pyloric drainage. On the multivariate analysis, pyloric drainage and the anastomotic height were independent and were significant risk factors associated with postoperative reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Pyloric drainage after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction should be omitted because it does not improve gastric emptying and may favour biliary reflux esophagitis.     

Gastric emptying time,not enterogastric reflux,is related to symptoms after upper gastrointestinal/biliary surgery

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that symptoms from bile reflux gastritis are related to the frequency and degree of enterogastric reflux (EGR). METHODS: Patients with history of upper gastrointestinal surgery or cholecystectomy as well as control patients were studied. Presence of EGR, degree of EGR, and gastric bile emptying time were assessed and quantified via 99mTC scintillation imaging and then compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. RESULTS: Patients with vagotomy and pyloroplasty, Billroth I, Billroth II, and cholecystectomy demonstrated statistically higher degrees of EGR compared with controls. Although asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal or biliary surgery demonstrated no statistically significant differences between incidence of EGR and degree of EGR, there was a statistically significant difference in gastric emptying time. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed gastric emptying time, not frequency or extent of EGR, was associated with the symptoms of bile reflux in patients who had previous upper gastrointestinal or biliary operations.     

Role of pyloroplasty in the retrosternal stomach: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing clinical outcome and emptying of a solid meal from the retrosternal stomach, with and without pyloroplasty is described. Forty consecutive patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing retrosternal gastric reconstruction of the oesophagus were studied. In 20 patients the pylorus was left intact (group 1) and 20 patients underwent an Aust pyloroplasty (group 2). Nine patients in group 1 suffered postoperative symptoms of gastric stasis compared with only one patient in group 2 (P = 0.0106). Three patients in group 1 died from aspiration pneumonia before discharge from hospital. A gastric emptying test was performed on 24 patients between 1 and 3 months after surgery. By this time, most survivors had recovered from symptoms attributed to gastric stasis and no significant difference in gastric emptying could be demonstrated between the two groups. Selection of patients, a wide range of emptying times and improvement in gastric emptying on follow-up may explain the lack of correlation between postoperative symptomatology and the gastric half-emptying times. A pyloroplasty is advised to prevent the potentially lethal effects of gastric stasis in the early postoperative period following retrosternal reconstruction of the oesophagus.     

Changing strategies in the performance of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as a result of experience with 230 operations

From September 1991 to January 1995 we performed 230 Nissen fundoplications by a laparoscopic technique. Whilst a loose 360° fundoplication secured by 3 or 4 sutures was performed in all instances, there was variation between surgeons regarding the performance of hiatal repair and division of short gastric vessels; 207 operations were completed laparoscopically and 23 were converted to an open operation when a satisfactory wrap could not be achieved. Operating time ranged from 30 to 260 min (median 95) and the median postoperative stay was 3 days (1–19).Twenty-three patients (10%) underwent a subsequent operation (14 within 3 months of the original surgery), 2 for recurrent reflux, 10 for para-esophageal herniation, 2 for a misplaced fundoplication resulting in gastric obstruction, 7 for persistent dysphagia (4 due to stenosis of the esophageal hiatus), 1 for bleeding, and 1 for mesenteric thrombosis. (This patient died.) Five other patients were readmitted to hospital subsequent to their discharge—four because of pulmonary emboli and one because of gastric obstruction. Some 226 patients (98%) are free of reflux symptoms with follow-up ranging up to 40 months (median 16). Absence of reflux and the integrity of the fundoplication has been confirmed by postoperative esophageal manometry and pH monitoring in 90 patients, and by barium meal in 126.Postoperative recovery has been quick and wound-related morbidity minimal. Although the rate of surgical revision was significant in this series, the likelihood of complications or further surgery, as well as incidence of conversion to open surgery, decreased in the second half of the experience. Strategies developed to improve the outcome now include routine posterior closure of the hiatus, early postoperative barium-meal examination, and minimization of diathermy dissection. A loose fundoplication is always constructed over a large bougie. The need for division of the short gastric vessels in laparoscopic fundoplication remains controversial and awaits the outcome of a randomized trial.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Orlando, Florida, USA, 11–14 March 1995     

Efficacy of an anterior as compared with a posterior laparoscopic partial fundoplication: results of a randomized,controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and mechanical consequences of 2 partial fundoplications performed laparoscopically under the framework of a randomized, controlled clinical trial. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although laparoscopic total fundoplication procedures have proven their effectiveness in the control of gastroesophageal reflux, problems remain with the functional consequences after a supra-competent gastric cardia high-pressure zone. Partial fundoplications have been found to be associated with fewer mechanical side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, 95 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were enrolled into a randomized, controlled single-institution clinical trial comparing a partial posterior (Toupét, n = 48) fundoplication and an anterior partial wrap (Watson, n = 47). All patients were assessed postoperatively at predefined time points, and the 12-month follow-up data are presented in terms of clinical results and 24-hour pH monitoring variables. RESULTS: Both patient groups were strictly comparable at the time of randomization. All operations were completed laparoscopically, and no serious complications were encountered. During the first postoperative year, a difference regarding the control of reflux symptoms was observed in favor of the posterior fundoplication. Esophageal acid exposure (% time pH <4) was substantially reduced by both operations but to a significantly lower level after a Toupét compared with the Watson partial fundoplication (1.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 5.6 +/- 1.1 mean +/- SEM; p < 0.001). Postfundoplication symptoms were infrequently recorded with no difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: When performing a laparoscopic partial fundoplication, the posterior modification (Toupét) offers advantages in terms of better reflux control compared with an anterior type (Watson).     

Gastric antroplasty for the treatment of delayed gastric emptying and gastroesophageal reflux in children.

Operative correction of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was undertaken in 530 children during a 21-year period. Gastroesophageal fundoplication (GEF) alone was performed in 415 children; 83 had simultaneous GEF and pyloroplasty; 13 had pyloroplasty alone; and 19 had GEF with later pyloroplasty. Of the last 355 children with reflux, 110 (31%) had pyloroplasty. Pyloroplasty was performed for persistent symptoms despite medical therapy when more than 60% of the isotope meal was retained in the stomach at 90 minutes. Children with central nervous system disorders and GER often had delayed gastric emptying (DGE). A modified Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty was used for the first 59 children; the last 56 patients had a more simplified antroplasty with a 2.5- to 3.5-cm vertical incision through the antral muscularis down to the duodenum without mucosal incision; the muscularis was reapproximated in a transverse direction with sutures. With a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, only three patients experienced mild transient dumping. None had pyloroplasty leak or clinical evidence of alkaline reflux. Antroplasty is a helpful, simple adjunct to GEF with low morbidity in children with GER and DGE.     

Gastroesophageal and pharyngeal reflux detection using impedance and 24-hour pH monitoring in asymptomatic subjects: Defining the normal environment

Airway symptoms are often caused by aspiration of refluxed materials into the larynx. In this study we sought to define the frequency, character, and proximal extent of refluxed contents — including nonacid reflux—in normal subjects using intraluminal impedance to improve our understanding of the relationship between reflux and aspiration. Ten subjects, who had no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or airway disease, underwent impedance/pH monitoring with a catheter that allowed simultaneous esophageal and pharyngeal monitoring. Impedance detected 496 gastroesophageal reflux episodes in the 10 subjects during 240 hours of study. The majority, 399 (81% of the total) were acid reflux episodes (pH<4). Ninety-seven were nonacid (pH>4).Most reflux episodes (348 of 496) reached the mid esophagus (9 cm above lower esophageal sphincter). There were 51 reflux episodes that reached the pharynx (PR). Only 13 (25%) of PR were acidic (pH < 4), while 38 were nonacid. Twenty-six PR episodes were liquid and 25 were mixed (liquid and gas). The median number of PR episodes measured with impedance was 5 (0-10). In asymptomatic subjects, most episodes of gastroesophageal reflux are acidic and reach the midesophagus. Reflux into the PR appears to be more common than previously believed, and most of these episodes are not acidic. Thus, traditional 24-hour pH monitoring may underestimate the presence of pharyngeal reflux. The combination of impedance with pH monitoring markedly enhances our ability to accurately detect potential microaspiration. Presented at the Forty-Fifth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 15–19, 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana.     

Effective Nissen fundoplication length and bougie diameter size in young children undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background/Purpose: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is utilized in the management of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children. An effective length of fundoplication and bougie size has never been established in infants and children requiring LNF for GERD. To determine this effective fundoplication length and appropriate bougie size, we analyzed all patients less than 15 kg undergoing LNF for GERD over a 2-year period. Methods: Data recovered retrospectively included age, weight, gender, need for gastrostomy, length of postoperative hospitalization, operating time, bougie size, and fundoplication length. Results: One hundred patients weighed less than 15 kg (mean, 7.23 kg). Mean operating time was 95 minutes (range, 31 minutes to 159 minutes). Gastrostomies were placed in 32 patients. Postoperative hospitalization averaged 1.8 days for elective LNF. Fundoplication length was measured in each patient and averaged 2.06 cm. Bougie size varied from 22F to 42F, and the size utilized was based on the patient's weight. There were no instances of dysphagia or the need for esophageal dilatation postoperatively. Two patients have been seen for recurrent symptoms. One patient has required a second LNF, and the other has a normal upper gastrointestinal study and pH study. Conclusion: This study of LNF in small children has shown that resolution of GERD symptoms in most patients can be accomplished with an average fundoplication length of approximately 2 cm and a graduated bougie size relative to the patient's weight.