Prospective Study Examining the Impact of Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance on Antireflux Surgery

Background Reflux monitoring using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) and pH-metry increases the sensitivity for identifying gastroesophageal reflux episodes. The likelihood of a positive symptom index (SI) for patients with reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] or nonerosive reflux disease [NERD]) receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment has been used to select candidates for antireflux surgery. Little is known about the advantages of MII-pH monitoring compared with pH monitoring alone for evaluating GERD/NERD patients off PPI treatment considered as candidates for antireflux surgery or for assessing changes in MII-pH-detected reflux episodes after antireflux surgery. This study aimed to determine the additional value of MII over pH-metry alone for patients off PPI treatment before and after antireflux surgery. Methods For this study 12 patients (4 women and 8 men; mean age, 45 years; range, 27–74 years) were evaluated using ambulatory MII-pH monitoring before and 3 months after mesh-augmented hiatoplasty. Reflux events were identified by MII-pH (A) and pH-metry (B) as patients recorded symptoms on a data logger. For each symptom, a symptom index was calculated for reflux events identified by MII-pH and by pH-monitoring alone. Results Preoperatively, MII-pH monitoring identified 71.9 ± 8.4 reflux episodes, whereas pH monitoring identified only 51.0 ± 7.8 (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, MII-pH monitoring identified 35.5 ± 6.6 reflux episodes, whereas pH monitoring identified only 19.6 ± 4.7 (p < 0.05). The pre- and postoperative symptom index for MII-pH monitoring was higher than pH monitoring (preoperative 91.7% vs 25%, p = 0.006; postoperative 50% vs 16.7%, p = 0.012). Conclusion Combined MII-pH-metry improves the pre- and postoperative assessment of GERD patients off PPI and results in a higher symptom-reflux association.     

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Development of “De Novo” Gastroesophageal Reflux

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently gaining popularity due to an excellent efficacy combined to minimal anatomic changes. However, some concerns have been raised on increased risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to gastric fundus removal, section of the sling muscular fibers of gastroesophageal junction, reduced antral pump function, and gastric volume. We undertook the current study to evaluate by means of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) and combined 24-h pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) the impact of SG on esophageal physiology.

Methods

In this study, 25 consecutive patients had HRiM and MII-pH before and after laparoscopic SG. The following parameters were calculated at HRiM: lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and relaxation, peristalsis, number of complete esophageal bolus transit, and mean total bolus transit time. The acid and non-acid GER episodes were assessed by MII-pH with the patient in both upright and recumbent positions.

Results

At a median follow-up of 13 months, HRiM showed an unchanged LES function, increased ineffective peristalsis, and incomplete bolus transit. MII-pH showed an increase of both acid exposure of the esophagus and number of non-acid reflux events in postprandial periods.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic SG is an effective restrictive procedure that creates delayed esophageal emptying without impairing LES function. A correctly fashioned sleeve does not induce de novo GERD. Retrograde movements and increased acid exposure are probably due to stasis and postprandial regurgitation.     

Prospective Assessment of Patient Selection for Antireflux Surgery by Combined Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance pH Monitoring

Introduction  Selecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients for surgery on the basis of standard 24-h pH monitoring may be challenging, particularly if this investigation does not correlate with clinical symptoms. Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) is able to physically detect each episode of intraesophageal bolus movements, enabling identification of either acid or non-acid reflux episodes and thus establish the association of the reflux with symptoms. Materials and Methods  We prospectively assessed and reviewed data from 314 consecutive patients who underwent MII-pH for GERD not responsive or not compliant to proton pump inhibitor therapy. One hundred fifty-three patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year constituted the study population. Clinical outcomes and satisfaction rate were collected in all patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen–Rossetti fundoplication. Outcomes were reported for patients with normal and ineffective peristalsis and for patients with positive pH monitoring, negative pH monitoring and positive total number of reflux episodes at MII, and negative pH monitoring and normal number of reflux episodes at MII and a positive symptom index correlation with MII. Results  The overall patient satisfaction rate was 98.3%. No differences were recorded in the clinical outcomes of the patients with preoperative normal and ineffective peristalsis. No differences in patients’ satisfaction and clinical postoperative DeMeester symptom scoring system were noted between the groups as determined by MII-pH. Conclusion  MII-pH provides useful information for objective selection of patients to antireflux surgery. Nissen fundoplication provides excellent outcomes in patients with positive and negative pH and positive MII monitoring or Symptom Index association. More extensive studies are needed to definitively standardize the useful MII-pH parameters to select the patient to antireflux surgery.     

Altered Esophageal Motility and Gastroesophageal Barrier in Patients with Jejunal Interposition After Distal Esophageal Resection for Early Stage Adenocarcinoma

Introduction Limited resection of the esophagogastric junction has been proven to be safe and oncologically radical in patients with early esophageal cancer. Reconstruction with interposition of isoperistaltic jejunal loop (Merendino procedure) is supposed to prevent gastroesophageal reflux and therefore the recurrence of intestinal metaplasia at the anastomosis. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of acid and nonacid refluxes after Merendino procedure using multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring. Patients and Methods Between 2002 and 2005, 12 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma underwent limited resection and jejunal interposition. Ten patients agreed to undergo a Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale assessment, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and combined 24-h MII-pH monitoring more than 10 months postoperatively. Results Postoperatively, 4 (40%) patients reported belching without heartburn or acid regurgitation, 3 of them having a positive symptom index during 24-h MII-pH monitoring. Upper GI endoscopy revealed no inflammation, metaplasia, or stenosis at the esophagojejunal anastomosis. Esophageal manometry showed ineffective esophageal motility in four of ten patients. Combined 24-h MII-pH monitoring revealed normal distal esophageal acid exposure (% time pH < 4: 0.1% [0–1.5]), normal number of acid reflux episodes (3 [0–11]) but a high number of nonacid reflux episodes (82 [33–184]). Overall, eight patients revealed an abnormal number of nonacid reflux episodes. Conclusion The limited resection with jejunal interposition for early esophageal cancer is efficient in controlling acid but not nonacid reflux. While the clinical relevance of nonacid reflux in the recurrence of Barrett’s esophagus is currently unknown, endoscopic surveillance should be considered in these patients. Poster presented at the Digestive Disease Week, May 21, 2007, Washington DC.     

Non-acid Gastroesophageal Reflux Measured Using Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance in Older Patients

Background

Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease is challenging in the older population, as comorbid conditions can obscure the disease.

Methods

This prospective study included 97 participants: 25 healthy controls (group 1), 46 reflux patients aged 26–64 (group 2), and 26 patients over 65 (group 3). Esophageal motility was assessed using conventional esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH-metry and non-acid reflux episodes were assessed using multichannel intraluminal impedance.

Results

Among the older patients (group 3), 34% had reflux disease. The rate of lower esophageal sphincter insufficiency in group 3 was comparable with that in group 2 and significantly different from group 1. Gastric 24-h pH-metry showed no significant differences between the groups. Esophageal pH-metry results for groups 1 and 3 differed significantly from those in group 2. Impedance assessment showed that older patients have non-acid reflux episodes in the recumbent position significantly more often in comparison with controls and reflux patients. Reflux patients and older patients had proximal reflux episodes significantly more often than healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

Patients aged over 65 have non-acid reflux, particularly in the recumbent position, significantly more often than normal individuals and patients with reflux disease. Non-acid reflux may mimic a negative DeMeester score in older patients with severe reflux disease.

     

Characterization of reflux events after fundoplication using combined impedance-pH recording

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic fundoplication effectively controls symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and decreases acid reflux, but its impact on non-acid reflux is not known. The aim of the study was to characterize reflux events after fundoplication using oesophageal combined multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH monitoring, to demonstrate its efficacy on acid as well as non-acid reflux events. METHODS: Thirty-six patients in whom ambulatory MII-pH recording was performed after laparoscopic fundoplication were reviewed retrospectively. There were 23 symptomatic and 13 asymptomatic patients, whose results were compared with those of 72 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Oesophageal acid exposure was low in all but one operated patient, and there was no difference between those with and without symptoms. The median number of reflux events over 24 h was lower after fundoplication (11 in operated patients compared with 44 in healthy volunteers; P < 0.001). Almost all reflux events were non-acid after surgery whereas acid reflux episodes were predominant in healthy volunteers. Proximal reflux events were less common in operated patients. Non-acid reflux events were significantly associated with symptoms after surgery in some patients. CONCLUSION: Fundoplication restores a competent barrier for all types of reflux. Reflux events are mostly non-acid after surgery, and such events may be positively correlated with symptoms.     

Effect of laparoscopic antireflux operation on esophageal manometry, 24 hours pH-metry and quality of life in gastroesophageal reflux disease

It has been suggested that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an effective procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Twenty-six patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication. 24 hours pH-metry, manometry and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire were done preoperatively, six-month and one year after the operation. The six weeks control investigation was limited to 24 pH-metry and GIQLI interview. Adequate reflux control was obtained in all patients, with reduction in acid reflux variables at six weeks, six months as well as at one year after the operation. Preoperative reflux index and DeMeester score was significantly higher than those we found postoperatively at both time period. Preoperative lower esophageal sphincter tone and length was abnormal on average. Both parameters increased significantly at six-month and one year after the operation. GIQLI also showed characteristic changes. Compared to preoperative values we found significantly higher GIQLI at both six-month and one year following surgery. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication provides an excellent symptomatic and physiologic outcome in patients with esophageal reflux disease.     

Laparoscopic fundoplication: Nissen versus Toupet two-year outcome of a prospective randomized study of 200 patients regarding preoperative esophageal motility

Objective To determine the influence of preoperative esophageal motility on clinical and objective outcome of the Toupet or Nissen fundoplication and to evaluate the success rate of these procedures. Summary background data Nissen fundoplication (360°) is the standard operation in the surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In order to avoid postoperative dysphagia it has been proposed to tailor antireflux surgery according to pre-existing esophageal motility. Postoperative dysphagia is thought to occur more commonly in patients with esophageal dysmotility and it has been recommended to use the Toupet procedure (270°) in these patients. We performed a randomized trial to evaluate this tailored concept and to compare the two operative techniques concerning reflux control and complication rate (dysphagia). Methods 200 patients with GERD were included in a prospective, randomized study. After preoperative examinations (clinical interview, endoscopy, 24-hour pH-metry and esophageal manometry) 100 patients underwent either a laparoscopic Nissen procedure (50 with and 50 without motility disorders), or Toupet (50 with and 50 without motility disorders). Postoperative follow-up after two years included clinical interview, endoscopy, 24-hour pH-metry, and esophageal manometry. Results After two years 85% (Nissen) and 85% (Toupet) of patients were satisfied with the operative result. Dysphagia was more frequent following a Nissen fundoplication compared to Toupet (19 vs. 8, p < 0.05) and did not correlate with preoperative motility. Concerning reflux control the Toupet proved to be as good as the Nissen procedure. Conclusion Tailoring antireflux surgery according to the esophageal motility is not indicated, as motility disorders are not correlated with postoperative dysphagia. The Toupet procedure is the better operation as it has a lower rate of dysphagia and is as good as the Nissen fundoplication in controlling reflux.     

Fundoplication eliminates chronic cough due to non-acid reflux identified by impedance pH monitoring

The symptoms of extra-oesophageal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (such as chronic cough and hoarseness) are traditionally more difficult to treat than typical GORD symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation). Patients with extra-oesophageal manifestations may require longer and higher doses of acid suppressive therapy. In patients not responding to acid suppressive therapy the physician faces a dilemma as to whether the symptoms are due to ongoing acid reflux, non-acid reflux, or not associated with reflux. We report the case of a 45 year old woman with a history of a chronic cough referred for fundoplication after documenting her symptoms were associated with non-acid reflux using multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH).     

High-resolution impedance manometry and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH testing before and after sleeve gastrectomy: de novo reflux in a prospective series

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is increasingly popular but concern regarding its effect on gastroesophageal reflux disease remain. The current literature is conflicting, and there have been little objective data.ObjectivesTo objectively and more accurately assess the impact of SG on esophago-gastric physiology.SettingCentre of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Private Hospital, Australia.MethodsProspective cohort study of 31 patients undergoing SG with high-resolution impedance manometry (HRM), 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH testing (MII-pH), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS) questionnaire 1 month before and 6 months after SG.ResultsThere were 31 patients that underwent SG, 20 with synchronous hiatal repair and fixation, and 6 that were excluded. HRM demonstrated significantly increased intragastric pressures (15.5–29.6 mm Hg) and failed swallows (3.1–7.5%) but no other change in esophageal motility. MII-pH did not demonstrate significant changes in acid exposure time (8.5%–7.5%) or number of reflux episodes, although the numbers of long reflux episodes (2.3–4.7) and weak acid reflux episodes were significantly increased (15.4–55.2). DeMeester and GSAS scores were not significantly changed. There was no significant difference in patients with preexisting reflux. However, for patients without preexisting reflux, acid exposure time increased significantly (1.3%–6.7%), as did DeMeester scores (5.8–24.5) and the numbers of long reflux episodes (.1–4.4) and weakly acidic episodes (22.1–89.2).ConclusionSG was associated with increased intragastric pressures, without changes in esophageal motility or acid exposure. For patients without preexisting reflux, there were increases in acid exposure time, long reflux episodes, weakly acidic reflux episodes, and DeMeester score.     

Total fundoplication controls acid and nonacid reflux: evaluation by pre- and postoperative 24-h pH–multichannel intraluminal impedance

Background  Studies have demonstrated that Nissen fundoplication controls acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Combined 24-h pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) allows detection of both acid and nonacid GER. Antireflux surgery is considered for any patient whose medical therapy is not efficient, particularly patients with nonacid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, fundoplication used to control nonacid reflux has not been reported to date. Methods  In this study, 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication had MII-pH both before and after the surgical procedure. The numbers of acid and nonacid GER episodes were calculated with the patient in both upright and recumbent positions. Results  The 24-h pH monitoring confirmed the postoperative reduction of exposure to acid (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, the total, acid, and nonacid numbers of GER episodes were reduced (p < 0.05). Conclusion  According to the findings, MII-pH is feasible and well tolerated. It provides an objective means for evaluating the effectiveness of Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication in controlling both acid and nonacid GER.     

Is the Routine Use of Impedance Analysis for the Diagnosis of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease More Expensive than Conventional pH Monitoring? Cost Analysis of Two Procedures

Conventional 24-h pH monitoring is the gold standard for the diagnosis of non-erosive, non-acidic gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance (MII) analysis markedly improves diagnostic accuracy of non-erosive, non-acidic gastro-esophageal reflux disease. However, MII catheters are more expensive than standard catheters. This study aimed to determine the rates of acid or non-acid reflux and by making a retrospective projection, to predict the costs of two algorithms. We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of 102 patients who presented to our hospital with suspected non-erosive GERD and underwent 24 h impedance/pH-monitoring. Demographic characteristics, Demeester scores, number of reflux episodes, and results of impedance analysis were recorded. According to these data, cost was calculated either for the scenario in which impedance measurement was performed solely or following a negative conventional pH monitoring. Thirty-seven of all 102 patients (36.3 %) had a Demeester score greater than 14.7. These patients were assigned as group 1 (acid reflux). The impedance analysis of the remaining 65 patients detected 34 patients (33.3 %) to have more than 50 reflux episodes over a period of 24 h and assigned as Group 2, and 31 patients (30.4 %) had no reflux (group 3). The cost of the single- step algorithm using MII catheter was calculated as $15,300, while the total cost of two-step scenario would have been predicted as $16,890. Our study showed that an initial conventional pH monitoring can make the diagnosis of GERD in only one third of the patients with suspected non-erosive GERD. In nearly two-thirds of patients, however, repeated procedures and use of impedance catheters are needed. It is clear that this algorithm has certain drawbacks with regard to cost, patient comfort, and workforce loss     

Endoscopic grading of the gastroesophageal flap valve is correlated with reflux activity and can predict the size of the esophageal hiatus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Endoscopic grading of the gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) is simple, reproducible, and suggested to be a good predictor of reflux activity. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between grading of the GEFV and quality of life (QoL), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, esophageal manometry, multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring (MII) data, and size of the hiatal defect.

Methods

The study included 43 patients with documented chronic GERD who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and ambulatory MII monitoring before laparoscopic fundoplication. The GEFV was graded 1–4 using Hill’s classification. QoL was evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GIQLI), and gastrointestinal symptoms were documented using a standardized questionnaire. The size of the esophageal hiatus was measured during surgery by calculating the hiatal surface area (HSA). Analysis of the correlation between QoL, GERD symptoms, esophageal manometry, MII data, HSA size, and GEFV grading was performed. Statistical significance was set at a p value of 0.05.

Results

A significant positive correlation was found between increased GEFV grade and DeMeester score, total number of acid reflux events, number of reflux events in the supine position, and number of reflux events in the upright position. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between HSA size and GEFV grading. No significant influence from intensity of GERD symptoms, QoL, and the GEFV grading was found. The mean LES pressures were reduced with increased GEFV grade, but not significantly.

Conclusions

The GEFV plays a major role in the pathophysiology of GERD. The results underscore the importance of reconstructing a valve in patients with GERD and an altered geometry of the gastroesophageal junction when they receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic intervention.     

Impedance technology for the management of esophageal disorders

Summary BACKGROUND: Esophageal impedance measurements are increasingly used to identify and quantify the presence of fluids in the esophagus. METHOD: A review of the available literature on clinical applications of impedance including combined impedance-manometry testing and combined impedance-pH monitoring is done. RESULTS: Combined impedance-manometry testing offers the opportunity to quantify esophageal bolus transit and clarifies the implications of esophageal motility abnormalities on esophageal function. This is of particular interest in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia and in patients with post-fundoplication dysphagia. Combined impedance-pH monitoring allows the detection of gastroesophageal reflux episodes independent of pH. This is of particular importance when evaluating patients with persistent symptoms on acid suppressive therapy. The ability to detect gastroesophageal reflux episodes with pH > 4 unfolds new questions on the optimal approach to patients with symptomatic non-acid reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Impedance technology allows the detection of fluid movements in the esophagus; further studies will determine the clinical utility of this new information.      

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: symptoms versus pH monitoring results.

OBJECTIVES: The reason why some patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have symptoms of upper aerodigestive system irritation, while others mainly have gastroenterologic symptoms, is not well established. This retrospective case series study was designed to examine the existence of a correlation between symptoms and reflux characteristics, based on data obtained from esophageal pH monitoring. METHODS: The study population consisted of 139 patients; 97 patients presented with laryngopharyngeal symptoms of GERD, including unexplained hoarseness, throat clearing, chronic cough, laryngospasm, globus, throat pain, and 42 patients presented with gastroenterologic symptoms, including heartburn and regurgitation. The results of 24-hour, double-channel ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring were analyzed comparing 2 symptom groups. The incidence of abnormal acid reflux at the upper and lower esophageal segments and the effects of upright and supine positions on reflux parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was significantly higher in the laryngopharyngeal symptom group than in the other (52% versus 38%). The patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux from both groups showed no significant differences in terms of number of acid reflux episodes, percentage of times pH was 4, and esophageal acid clearance. Upright and supine parameters did not show significant differences between the patient groups. Upright acid reflux episodes were, however, common in both groups at the lower esophageal and laryngopharyngeal segments. CONCLUSION: Recent studies suggesting that otolaryngologic patients commonly show upright, daytime reflux with normal esophageal clearance and that typical GERD patients commonly have supine, nocturnal reflux with prolonged esophageal clearance are not supported by this study. This study indicates that acid reflux parameters and positional changes are not sufficient to explain why patients with GERD experience different symptoms. The regional symptoms of GERD may be attributed to the impairment of epithelial resistance, motor activity, and buffering systems for the esophageal antireflux barrier.     

Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring to select patients with persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND: Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring detects gastro-oesophageal reflux and identifies acid and non-acid reflux events. It can be used in patients with persistent symptoms on proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The aim of this study was to assess laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as a treatment for patients with persistent symptoms associated with reflux despite acid suppression documented by MII-pH monitoring. METHOD: A prospectively maintained database identified patients with persistent symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease despite PPI therapy who had undergone MII-pH monitoring and this was cross-referenced with patients who had undergone fundoplication at this institution. Follow-up after fundoplication was by periodic telephone interview and review of clinical records. RESULTS: Of 200 evaluated patients, 19 (14 female; mean age 40 (range 0.7-78) years) underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Before surgery, 18 of 19 patients had a positive symptom index (at least half of symptoms associated with reflux) and one, a negative symptom index. After a mean follow-up of 14 (range 7-25) months, 16 of 17 (94 per cent) patients with a positive symptom index were asymptomatic or markedly improved (one patient was lost to follow-up). Persistent symptoms occurred in the patient with a negative symptom index, and one patient had recurrent symptoms after 9 months. CONCLUSION: Patients with a positive symptom index resistant to PPIs with non-acid or acid reflux demonstrated by MII-pH monitoring can be treated successfully by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.     

Performance of the Montreal Consensus in the Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbidly Obese Patients

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasingly recognized in patients with morbid obesity. A recent global evidence-based consensus on GERD has been proposed, but its performance in patients with morbid obesity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the Montreal Consensus in the diagnosis of GERD in morbidly obese patients. Methods Seventy-five consecutive morbidly obese patients underwent GERD symptoms assessment, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring “off PPI”. The performance of the Montreal Consensus was determined by comparing two diagnostic algorithms: 1. a gold standard approach in which any GERD symptom and findings from both endoscopy and pH monitoring were taken into account, and 2. the approach with the Montreal Consensus, in which troublesome GERD symptoms and endoscopic findings were considered. Results GERD was found present in 57 patients by applying the gold standard approach. The Montreal Consensus identified 41 of these patients, whereas the remaining 34 patients were classified as “no GERD”. Of these, 16 (47%) showed reflux esophagitis and/or abnormal pH-metry. The Montreal Consensus had an accuracy of 78.7%, sensitivity of 72% (95% CI 59–82%), specificity of 100% (95% CI 82–100%) and negative predictive value of 47% (95% CI 37–57%). Conclusions In morbidly obese patients, the approach with the Montreal Consensus has high specificity and suboptimal sensitivity in the diagnosis of GERD. Its intermediate negative predictive value suggests that complementary investigation might be routine in these patients, particularly in those who do not present with troublesome GERD symptoms. Madalosso and Fornari contributed equally to the study.     

Effect of Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication on Symptoms, PPI Use, and pH-Impedance Refluxes of GERD Patients

Background  

Three previous studies from the same institution have reported that transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) with the EsophyX device is effective for creating a continent gastroesophageal valve and for good functional results as measured only by pH-metry in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of TIF on symptoms, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), esophageal motility, and pH-impedance in patients with symptomatic GERD.     

Impaired esophageal function in morbidly obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance

Background Morbid obesity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and both have an independent association with motility disorders. Impaired esophageal function is thought to play a role in the development of dysphagia after fundoplication and bariatric procedures (especially restrictive procedures). The authors aimed to define both the physiology and the underlying pathophysiology of swallowing using a novel technique, multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII), which can accurately determine the clearance of a swallowed bolus through the esophagus, in combination with traditional manometry, which can measure peristalsis. Methods Simultaneous MII, manometry, and pH monitoring were performed for 10 asymptomatic subjects, 22 consecutive nonobese patients with GERD (GERD), and 22 consecutive morbidly obese patients with GERD (MO-GERD) who were under evaluation for antireflux and bariatric surgery at the University of Washington. In this study, MII was defined as abnormal if less than 80% of swallowed liquid boluses cleared the esophagus completely. Results All GERD and MO-GERD patients had abnormal pH monitoring. The manometric findings were similar for the GERD and MO-GERD patients. All the asymptomatic subjects had normal manometry and impedance test results. Abnormal manometry would have predicted that approximately 23% of GERD and MO-GERD patients had defective emptying. However, when measured with impedance, esophageal clearance was found to be defective in two times as many GERD and nearly three times as many MO-GERD patients. Conclusions In patients with GERD, impedance often detects impairments in esophageal motility not identified by manometry. Morbidly obese patients with GERD have a higher incidence of impaired esophageal motility than nonobese patients with GERD. This may have implications for bariatric procedures, especially those that are restrictive.     

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Antireflux Surgery—What Is the Proper Preoperative Work-up?

Background

Many surgeons feel comfortable performing antireflux surgery (ARS) on the basis of symptomatic evaluation, endoscopy, and barium esophagography. While esophageal manometry is often obtained to assess esophageal peristalsis, pH monitoring is rarely considered necessary to confirm the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of symptoms, endoscopy, barium esophagography, and manometry as compared to pH monitoring in the preoperative evaluation of patients for ARS.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and thirty-eight patients were referred for ARS with a diagnosis of GERD based on symptoms, endoscopy, and/or barium esophagography. Barium esophagography, esophageal manometry, and ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring were performed preoperatively in every patient.

Results

Four patients were found to have achalasia and were excluded from the analysis. Based on the presence or absence of gastroesophageal reflux on pH monitoring, the remaining 134 patients were divided into two groups: GERD+ (n?=?78, 58 %) and GERD? (n?=?56, 42 %). The groups were compared with respect to the incidence of symptoms, presence of reflux and hiatal hernia on esophagogram, endoscopic findings, and esophageal motility. There was no difference in the incidence of symptoms between the two groups. Within the GERD+ group, 37 patients (47 %) had reflux at the esophagogram and 41 (53 %) had no reflux. Among the GERD? patients, 17 (30 %) had reflux and 39 (70 %) had no reflux. A hiatal hernia was present in 40 and 32 % of patients, respectively. Esophagitis was found at endoscopy in 16 % of GERD+ patients and in 20 % of GERD? patients. Esophageal manometry showed no difference in the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter or quality of peristalsis between the two groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that (a) symptoms were unreliable in diagnosing GERD, (b) the presence of reflux or hiatal hernia on esophagogram did not correlate with reflux on pH monitoring, (c) esophagitis on endoscopy had low sensitivity and specificity, and (d) manometry was mostly useful for positioning the pH probe and rule out achalasia. Ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring should be routinely performed in the preoperative work-up of patients suspected of having GERD in order to avoid unnecessary ARS.