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.     

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.     

Increased incidence of delayed gastric emptying in children with gastroesophageal reflux. A prospective evaluation

Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux is a common cause of failure to thrive, aspiration, and chronic pulmonary infection in infants. Gastric emptying was prospectively evaluated in 99 infants and children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. Twenty-eight (28.2%) of 99 patients with gastroesophageal reflux had delayed gastric emptying. Twenty-one (75%) of the 28 patients underwent a concomitant gastric drainage procedure at the time of fundoplication. Seven had fundoplication alone and developed symptoms of early satiety, gas bloat, gagging, and pain postoperatively. Medical therapy was ineffective in these patients, and 5 improved after pyloroplasty. Delayed gastric emptying is common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. These findings suggest that after fundoplication, symptoms of gagging, early satiety, and gas-bloat syndrome may be related to delayed gastric emptying. This implies that a gastric emptying study should be performed preoperatively.     

Pyloroplasty in association with Nissen fundoplication in children with neurologic disorders

Previous studies have suggested that delayed gastric emptying occurs in severely mentally retarded patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Based on this data, pyloroplasty was employed in such patients. A retrospective analysis of 99 consecutive patients who underwent primary fundoplication for GER was performed. Gastric emptying, as measured by successful removal of the nasogastric tube or elevation of the gastrostomy tube, was studied. Children with neurologic disorders had no clinically significant difference in gastric emptying after fundoplication (3.31 days) when compared with neurologically normal patients (2.21 days). When added to Nissen fundoplication, pyloroplasty did not hasten the return of gastrointestinal function in the severely impaired patients (4.91 days). A prospective study employing gastric isotope bolus feedings before and after Nissen fundoplication will determine if pyloroplasty improves gastric emptying when used in conjunction with Nissen fundoplication for patients with severe neurologic disorders.     

小儿胃食管返流的诊断和治疗

总结33例小儿胃食管返流的诊治经验。并对胃食管返流的概念,与胃食管返流有关的解剖生理因素、诊断方法、手术治疗中的术式选择及要点,提出了讨论、评价及介绍。推荐了诊断上应行多项综合性检查,特别是动态性的钡餐造影观察来确定。手术29例。效果好。     

幽门成形术对胃排空延迟大鼠Nissen胃底折叠术后胃排空功能的影响

目的探讨幽门成形术(Pyloroplasty,P)对胃排空延迟大鼠Nissen胃底折叠术后胃排空功能的影响.方法48只大鼠随机分为4组,每组12只.第1组单纯切开腹腔作为对照组;第2组只作迷走神经干切断术;第3组迷走神经干切断加Nissen胃底折叠术;第4组迷走神经干切断加Nissen手术加幽门成形术.各组大鼠术后7、14、21天分别用99m锝标记的半固体蛋清注入胃内,测定胃半排空时间(T1/2,即胃影放射性强度衰减一半所需的时间)来代表胃排空功能,记录术后各组死亡数.结果迷走神经干切断导致胃排空延迟(与对照组比较P＜0.01);第3组术后近期胃排空功能有改善,但在21天时与第2组相比已无显著性差异(P＞0.05),且死亡率高(41.7%);第4组,术后胃排空功能显著加强而持久,死亡率低(16.7%),在术后7、14、21天与第3组比较有显著差异(P＜0.01).结论胃排空延迟大鼠Nissen手术时加作幽门成形术是必要的.     

Gastric emptying in children with gastroesophageal reflux. II. The relationship to retching symptoms following antireflux surgery

Following antireflux surgery, children with persistent retching symptoms are presumably more likely to have delayed gastric emptying. We report 66 children between 2 weeks and 16 years of age who had an operation to control gastroesophageal reflux (GER). All patients had GER confirmed by 18- to 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Preoperative gastric emptying studies were performed in each patient with 99m-Tc sulfur colloid in apple juice. In addition to the percent gastric emptying (%GE), an effective gastric emptying was estimated by correcting the %GE for postcibal reflux (corrected %GE). Repeat 18- to 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed postoperatively in all patients, and a repeat gastric emptying study was performed in 32 patients. After an average postoperative follow up of 6 months (range of 1 to 18 months), persistent retching was present in 12 (18%) patients. The retching was associated with dumping symptoms in six patients. Retching was seen in patients with a preoperative increase in effective gastric emptying (10/34, 29%, P less than .05) or a decrease in effective gastric emptying (2/15, 13%, NS), and not in patients with an effective gastric emptying within the control range (0/17, 0%). Postoperatively, retching with dumping symptoms was associated with an increased effective gastric emptying, and retching without dumping symptoms with a decreased effective gastric emptying. In conclusion, persistent retching followed anti-reflux surgery in children is related to extremes in effective gastric emptying. The preoperative measurement of corrected %GE identifies children at increased risk for this postoperative problem.     

Gastric emptying in children with gastroesophageal reflux. I. An estimate of effective gastric emptying

The association of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastric emptying has been observed, but its importance is poorly understood. We compared 18- to 24-hour esophageal pH recordings with gastric emptying of radionuclide in apple juice in 109 children (2 weeks to 16 years old) referred for an evaluation of GER. A pH score and the pattern of GER (type I, II, and III) were obtained by esophageal pH monitoring. Gastric emptying was measured at 30 minutes (%GE30) and at 60 minutes (%GE60). The measured gastric emptying of apple juice was similar for the normal child and for those with GER regardless of pattern type. An inverse linear correlation between postcibal reflex and measured gastric emptying was demonstrated only by the eight asymptomatic children with a normal pH score (%GE30, r = -.9603, P less than .001; and %GE60, r = -.8263, P less than .05). If the contribution of postcibal reflux on gastric emptying was eliminated, then the effective gastric emptying was increased in many children with the type I (44%, P less than .05), type II (46%, P less than .05), or type III (60%, P less than .05) pattern of GER as compared with children with a normal reflux pattern (7%). In conclusion, measured gastric emptying of clear liquids is not necessarily decreased in most children with GER. Furthermore, many children with GER demonstrate an increased effective gastric emptying even though measured gastric emptying may not appear increased.     

Gastric motility disorders in patients operated on for esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: long-term evaluation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Disturbed peristalsis is reported frequently after successful repair of esophageal atresia (EA). Delayed gastric emptying could be considered a cause of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients with repaired EA. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of and to characterize gastric motility disorders in a long-term follow-up of patients operated on for EA-tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) by studying gastric emptying with scintigraphic techniques and comparing the results with gastric manometric data. METHODS: Eleven patients, between 12 and 23 years of age (median, 17) operated on for EA-TEF between 1975 and 1985, were studied. The scinthigraphic study was undertaken using a standard solid meal. The manometric study was performed using a 2.3-mm probe with 3 solid-state transducers. RESULTS: Dysphagia was present in about 20% of patients. Dyspepsia was recorded in 40% of the patients. A pathological reflux was present in 2 patients. Delayed gastric emptying (T1/2 > 90') was present in 4 patients (36%). Manometric data showed alteration of gastric peristaltic activity in 5 patients (45%). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed gastric emptying is frequent in long-term follow-up of patients operated on for EA-TEF. In these patients antral hypomotility also is recorded manometrically. Abnormal gastric motility can be considered as an important factor predisposing to symptoms of GER. A thorough evaluation of gastric function is recommended in symptomatic patients after EA repair.     

The significance of gastric emptying in children with intestinal malrotation

Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are common postoperatively in children with intestinal malrotation. We investigated this problem in 14 children with intestinal malrotation who had a Ladd procedure (3 patients), gastroschisis repaired (6 patients), or omphalocele repaired (5 patients) between one month and 15 years prior to study. In 13 patients, gastric emptying was measured at 30 minutes (%GE30) and at 60 minutes (%GE60) following ingestion of 99m-Tc sulfur colloid in apple juice. We estimated the degree of gastric peristalsis using the %GE corrected for immediate postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (corrected %GE). Patients with vomiting exhibited slow gastric emptying compared to patients without vomiting (%GE30: 14.0 +/- 5.5 v 32.5 +/- 4.2, P less than .005). The slow gastric emptying was related to slow gastric peristalsis (corrected %GE30: 20.3 +/- 5.0 v 47.1 +/- 6.0, P less than .005). In all 5 patients with persistent bloating and diarrhea, gastric peristalsis was rapid at 30 minutes (corrected %GE30 = 56.7 +/- 4.2) and at 60 minutes (corrected %GE60 = 69.5 +/- 5.3). To assess the role of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in persisting symptoms, all children had extended (18 to 24 hours) esophageal pH monitoring. Eleven (79%) of the 14 patients demonstrated GER by esophageal pH monitoring, including four of six patients without reflux symptoms. All ten children under two years of age demonstrated GER regardless of symptoms or congenital anatomic abnormality. In conclusion, GER is common in patients under two years of age with intestinal malrotation, but clinical symptoms seem related more to extreme variations in gastric peristalsis than to GER.     

Antireflux surgery in children under 3 months of age

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the indications and results of fundoplication in 110 infants under 3 months of age. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the charts of all infants operated on for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at the UCLA Medical Center from January 1980 to December 1997. There were 59 boys and 51 girls. Recurrent emesis was the indication for operation in 62 of 110 infants, and respiratory symptoms in 85 of 110, with 54 of 110 having both. Neurological impairment was present in 32%. Prematurity was present in 21%; 35% had associated anomalies. Overall, 81 of 110 infants (73.6%) had one or more associated major malformations or disorders. Reflux was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series findings in 63 of 78, esophageal pH monitoring in 60 of 62, and endoscopy in five of seven. RESULTS: Mean age at operation was 1.8+/-0.1 months and mean weight was 3,686+/-90.2 g. A Nissen fundoplication was performed on 104 children, and six underwent a Thal procedure. Thirty-one had a gastric emptying procedure for delayed gastric emptying. Complications occurred in 7 infants. Emesis was controlled in 57 of 62 patients, aspiration in 38 of 48, and apneic spells in 54 of 57. Follow-up greater than 6 months was available for 73 patients. There were nine late deaths, all related to severe associated malformations. Seven patients required a redo fundoplication for recurrent reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Nissen fundoplication can be performed safely in symptomatic infants under 3 months of age with low mortality and morbidity rates and with resolution of the presenting symptoms in 79% of infants.     

IS PYLOROPLASTY NECESSARY FOLLOWING INTRATHORACIC TRANSPOSITION OF STOMACH? RESULTS OF A PROSPECTlVE CLINICAL STUDY

Twenty four patients underwent oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. The oesophagogastric anastomosis was performed in the neck in all patients. Following oesophagectomy and gastric mobilization patients were randomly selected into pyloroplasty and no pyloroplasty groups. Pre and postoperative gastric emptying of these patients evaluated by radioisotope technique were then compared. The results suggest significantly delayed postoperative gastric emptying in both the groups though it was less pronounced in the pyloroplasty group. All patients were then carefully followed until death (period varying between 6 months and 4 years) for ill effects of delayed gastric emptying which were present in some patients of both the groups. It was thus concluded that emptying of thoracic stomach is delayed and pyloroplasty fails to improve it completely. Postoperatively patients behave much the same way with or without pyloroplasty.     

Is pyloroplasty necessary following intrathoracic transposition of stomach? Results of a prospective clinical study

Twenty four patients underwent oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. The oesophagogastric anastomosis was performed in the neck in all patients. Following oesophagectomy and gastric mobilization patients were randomly selected into pyloroplasty and no pyloroplasty groups. Pre and postoperative gastric emptying of these patients evaluated by radioisotope technique were then compared. The results suggest significantly delayed postoperative gastric emptying in both the groups though it was less pronounced in the pyloroplasty group. All patients were then carefully followed until death (period varying between 6 months and 4 years) for ill effects of delayed gastric emptying which were present in some patients of both the groups. It was thus concluded that emptying of thoracic stomach is delayed and pyloroplasty fails to improve it completely. Postoperatively patients behave much the same way with or without pyloroplasty.     

European multicenter survey on the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in patients aged less than 12 months with supraesophageal symptoms

Background: This multicenter survey includes neonates and infants who underwent surgery for primary gastroesophageal reflux (GER) who presented with supraesophageal symptoms of unknown origin with a minimum of 12 months postoperative follow-up. Methods: A total of 726 patients underwent GER surgery in 10 European Centers in the period 1998–2002. Respiratory symptoms were present in 204 patients (28%); 135 patients (17%) had surgery under 1 year of age, and 46 of them (6.3%) because of respiratory symptoms. Surgery was performed without any previous medical treatment in 10 cases (21%). The type of procedure included 37 complete 360° wraps (80%) (Nissen, 12, and Rossetti, 25) and nine partial wraps (20%) (Thal five, Lortat Jacob one, Toupet one, others two). Gastrostomy was associated in 17 cases (37%) (6 PEG and 11 modified Stamm). No gastric emptying procedures were recorded. Results: No major intraoperative complications were reported. Six patients developed complications (13%) and a redo operation was performed in three (6.5%). Respiratory outcome after antireflux surgery was good in 35 patients (76%) and fair with significantly improved respiratory symptoms in 11 (24%). Conclusions: This multicenter survey underlines that GER has to be suspected and aggressively treated in infants with difficult-to-treat supraesophageal symptoms, and also in high-risk cases, in order to prevent major complications.     

Outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy without pyloroplasty: analysis of 109 cases

Pyloroplasty is performed during esophagectomy to avoid delayed gastric emptying. However, studies have shown that gastric function is minimally impaired even without a pyloroplasty when a gastric tube rather than the whole stomach is used for reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy without performance of a pyloroplasty. We performed a retrospective review of 145 patients who underwent a minimally invasive esophagectomy. The 30-day mortality was 2.1 per cent with an in-hospital mortality of 3.4 per cent. Of the 140 patients with more than 90 days follow-up, 31 patients had a pyloroplasty and 109 patients did not. One (3.2%) of 31 patients with pyloroplasty versus six (5.5%) of 109 patients without pyloroplasty developed delayed gastric emptying. There was no significant difference in the leak rate between the two groups (9.7% vs. 9.6%, respectively). Total operative time was significantly shorter in the group without pyloroplasty (360 vs. 222 minutes with a pyloroplasty, P < 0.01). Patients with delayed gastric emptying responded well to endoscopic pyloric dilation or Botox injection. The routine performance of a pyloroplasty during minimally invasive esophagectomy can be safely omitted with a reduction in operative time and minimal adverse effects on postoperative gastric function.     

The surgical management of children with familial dysautonomia

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare incurable genetic disorder with multisystem involvement. Most of its clinical manifestations are related to disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The disease is associated with specific disturbances of the upper gastrointestinal tract: pharyngoesophageal dyskinesia, gastroesophageal reflux, and prolonged gastric emptying. About 40% of the dysautonomic children manifest repeat vomiting crises. In view of the extensive gastrointestinal symptomatology, children with FD are prone to repeated aspiration pneumonia and chronic respiratory failure, while inadequate calory and fluid intake may lead to a chronic state of hypovolemia and severe failure to thrive. Control of vomiting, prevention of aspiration due to abnormal swallowing, and the assurance of adequate calory intake are three major objectives in the treatment of the dysautonomic child. Medical treatment of the gastrointestinal disorders using different drugs has had limited success. This study reviews the surgical experience in ten children with FD. The type of the procedure used was determined by the severity of the upper GI disturbances. Nine children underwent gastroesophageal Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy. In seven of them, a pyloroplasty was added. Gastrostomy alone was done in one patient only. Postoperative complications included transient dysphagia in four patients, gastric dilatation in four patients, and dumping syndrome in one. There has been no incidence of immediate postoperative death. One child died 6 months after operation from severe and irreversible respiratory failure. Following operation, the patients still suffered from dysautonomic crises but these were not associated with vomiting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Experimental studies on the effect of pyloroplasty on gastric emptying, serum gastrin and duodenogastric reflux in selective proximal vagotomy (SPV)

The influence of selective proximal vagotomy (SPV) and of an additional pyloroplasty (Heineke-Mikulicz) on gastric emptying, acid and gastrin secretion, and duodenogastric reflux was examined experimentally. After SPV, gastric emptying of fluids and a solid meal was significantly faster than before surgery. An additional pyloroplasty did not influence gastric emptying time significantly. Gastrin secretion after stimulation with a protein-rich meal increased significantly after SPV and did not change much after pyloroplasty was added. It can be concluded that increased gastrin secretion after SPV is not a result of delayed emptying. Pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion was reduced by 70% after SPV and after additional pyloroplasty as well. The results show that reduced acid secretion after SPV causes the rise in serum gastrin levels. After SPV no duodenogastric reflux occurred. An additional pyloroplasty led to a significant rise of bromsulphaleine used as a marker for bile in gastric aspirate. Obviously destruction of the pylorus leads to a loss of its antireflux function. This leads to an antral gastritis which after 3 months is of chronic-atrophic type. A stimulation of gastrin output by bile could not be demonstrated. It can be concluded that after SPV gastric emptying is not delayed. A pyloroplasty does not affect gastrin release and acid secretion. Drainage procedures together with SPV should be avoided to prevent duodenogastric reflux and antral gastritis.     

Delayed gastric emptying in patients undergoing antireflux surgery: analysis of a treatment algorithm

PURPOSE: Controversy remains about the treatment of patients with mild delayed gastric emptying (90 min < emptying half-time [T(1/2)] < 180 min) who undergo antireflux surgery. This retrospective, nonrandomized study reviewed the records of patients treated from January 1996 through October 2003, during which time we applied two treatment algorithms for patients with mild delayed gastric emptying. The goal of this study was to determine whether the most recent treatment algorithm was effective in reducing the need for a concomitant gastric drainage procedure, pyloroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with mild delayed gastric emptying underwent antireflux surgery plus pyloroplasty (group A) before 2001, and 13 patients with mild delayed gastric emptying underwent antireflux surgery plus gastric decompression with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement (group B) starting in 2001. We reviewed indications for the procedure, complications, and outcomes. Primary outcome measures for this study were recurrence of gastroparesis symptoms and need for pyloroplasty. RESULTS: The average T(1/2) was similar for both groups A and B: 129 min and 123 min, respectively. Eleven of 13 patients (85%) in group B experienced resolution of gastroparesis symptoms, improved gastric emptying times, or both; only 1 patient (8%) underwent subsequent pyloroplasty for treatment failure. Only one serious percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-related event occurred (tube migration), and no patients died. Significantly fewer patients in group B required total pyloroplasty (8% vs. 56% in group A; P < 0.008), and significantly fewer required pyloroplasty for symptomatic control (15% vs. 56% in group A; P < 0.03). CONCLUSION: A treatment algorithm incorporating percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement at the time of antireflux surgery for gastric decompression successfully managed antireflux surgery patients with mild delayed gastric emptying. This approach allows for a more selective use of pyloroplasty.