The effect of tube gastrostomy on gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal atresia

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs frequently in infants with esophageal atresia (EA). The definitive management is primary repair and often includes tube gastrostomy. The recent finding of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure changes with tube gastrostomy suggests that GER might be related to gastrostomy rather than EA per se. To evaluate this thesis, two populations of patients from different children's hospitals were reviewed: EA with and without routine gastrostomy. The two populations were similar with respect to number of infants, associated anomalies, distribution in the Waterston classification, morbidity, and mortality. One hundred sixteen patients were studied. Of the 66 survivors who underwent gastrostomy and repair of EA, 30 were found to have GER (45.5%) and 12 required fundoplication (18.2%). Of 31 surviving patients who underwent repair of EA without gastrostomy, 11 had GER (35.5%) and four required fundoplication (12.9%). These data suggest that tube gastrostomy does not significantly contribute to the GER associated with EA.     

Alteration in esophageal motility after laryngectomy.

Ten laryngectomees underwent esophageal motility studies to assess the effect of laryngectomy on esophageal function. When these patients are compared with controls, marked derangements in esophageal motility were noted in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and in the body of the esophagus. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function did not differ significantly from the controls. Dysphagia developed postoperatively in five of the ten laryngectomees. This preliminary analysis suggests that esophageal motility disturbances may be relatively frequent after laryngectomy and that these disturbances may be clinically significant. The theoretical basic for the motility abnormalities and areas of future research are discussed.     

Etiologic factors in long-term respiratory function abnormalities following esophageal atresia repair

Recurrent respiratory illnesses are frequent in infants following repair of esophageal atresia and functional abnormalities of respiratory and esophageal function are often seen in older children. Recurrent aspiration is a potential cause of these respiratory abnormalities, but a relationship between abnormalities of gastrointestinal and respiratory mechanics has not been adequately investigated. We sought an association between lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and respiratory function abnormalities in 18 subjects (age 12 to 21 years) following repair of esophageal atresia (Vogt type 111B). In each subject, measurements were made of spirometry, lung volumes assessed by plethysmography, esophageal manometry recorded using a constantly infused fluid-filled trilumen catheter to assess LES pressure and esophageal motility, and esophageal pH monitoring to detect GER. Subjects were grouped according to the presence or absence of a radiologically supported diagnosis of pneumonia in the first 4 years of life. Lung volumes were mildly but significantly decreased in the "pneumonia" group compared with the "nonpneumonia" group. There was no association between abnormalities of respiratory function and abnormal LES pressure or the presence of GER. These data suggest that pneumonia in esophageal atresia infants is associated with mild long-term lung damage. LES dysfunction and GER do not appear to play a major role in this process.     

婴幼儿食管裂孔疝食管下括约肌功能研究

目的 了解食管裂孔疝（ＨＨ）患儿胃食管动力与胃食管反流（ＧＥＲ）的关系以及评估手术疗效。方法 １９９４￣１９９６年对２６例经钡餐造影（ＧＩ）诊断的ＨＨ病儿（Ⅰ组：滑疝１６例,Ⅱ组：旁疝、混合疝共１０例）,进行了手术前、反食管测压和２４小时食管ｐＨ监测。结果 所有病儿均存在不同程度的ＧＥＲ,最后反流时间、总ｐＨ〈４的时间百分率以卧位更明显,术后各反流参数明显下降。两组术一均有食管下段托约肌长度（Ｌ     

Studies on changes in low esophageal sphincter function after esophageal transection or esophago-esophagostomy in children]

An aim of the present study is to clarify the changes of esophageal function after surgical treatments of the esophageal varices or the congenital esophageal stenosis in children. Esophageal manometric studies were performed in sixteen children undergoing the esophageal transection with paraesophageal devascularization or the esophago-esophagostomy with partial esophagectomy before, within 1 month and over 7 months after the operation. The pressure of lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the length of LES, the LES relaxation test and the gastroesophageal reflux (GER) inducing test were measured. 1) Esophageal transection; The pressure dropped within 1 month and returned to the preoperative level over 11 months after the operation. Temporal deterioration of LES function was observed during the early postoperative days. However, return to the preoperative state was gained over 1 year. 2) Esophago-esophagostomy; The pressure and the length of LES were not changed after the operation. The LES function was disturbed preoperatively and moreover long postoperatively, in the case when congenital stenosis closely existed to the esophago-gastric junction. Degree of the postoperative disturbance of the LES function may be influenced by the distance to the part of the transection or the partial esophagectomy from the E-C junction.     

Abnormal preoperative and postoperative esophageal peristalsis in gastroesophageal reflux

Extended 24-hour pH monitoring and esophageal manometry before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication in a group of 14 children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER), of whom 12 had esophagitis, have shown that all patients were clinically cured and their initially abnormal pH-monitoring parameters significantly decreased to normal values after operation. Whereas lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was not modified by surgery, lower esophageal sphincter length (LESL) was significantly increased. The percentage of tertiary, nonpropulsive esophageal waves, that was very high in basal conditions (74.9 +/- 34.5%) and following instillation of acid into the esophagus (79.8 +/- 20.2%) remained high (58 +/- 23.2% and 72.1 +/- 18.2% respectively) several months postoperatively. The persistence of abnormal peristalsis after surgical cure of GER suggests that severe symptoms in this group of patients resulted from the simultaneous failure of both components of the antireflux mechanism (LES and esophageal peristaltic "pump"), which led to increased acid exposure. The good results of surgical establishment of an effective valve-like barrier alone illustrate the possibility of compensation by only one of the components when the other fails. According to this interpretation, whereas patients with good peristalsis would tolerate GER fairly well, those with GER and bad peristalsis would have increased acid exposure and, consequently, esophageal damage.     

婴幼儿食管裂孔滑疝与单纯胃食管反流的食管动力和pH分析

目的：了解婴幼儿食管裂孔滑疝（ＳＨＨ组）和单纯胃食管反流（ＧＥＲ组）的食管动力和ｐＨ特点。方法：对１５例经钡餐造影（ＧＩ）和手术证实的ＳＨＨ和１３例单纯ＧＥＲ病儿进行了食管动力和２４小时食管ｐＨ监测。结果：反流参数ＳＨＨ组和ＧＥＲ组食管下段括约肌长度（ＬＥＳＬ）［（１３１±０３１）ｃｍ对（１９０±０４６）ｃｍ］、压力（ＬＥＳＰ）［（１２１５±５６３）ｍｍＨｇ对（２３８５±７５０）ｍｍＨｇ］、屏障压（ＢＰ）［（９３８±５６３）ｍｍＨｇ对（２２２０±７５０）ｍｍＨｇ］,ＳＨＨ组均明显低于ＧＥＲ组（Ｐ＜００１）,而胃内压（ＧＰ）ＳＨＨ组高于ＧＥＲ组［（２１８±０６８）ｍｍＨｇ对（１５０±０３０）ｍｍＨｇ］,Ｐ＜００１。两组均有病理性反流,ＳＨＨ组反流参数除ｐＨ＜４反流次数外均高于ＧＥＲ组（Ｐ＜００１）。结论：ＳＨＨ的食管抗反流功能比单纯ＧＥＲ病儿明显低下,反流更严重。临床应对ＧＥＲ病儿特别是可疑ＳＨＨ者应定期进行食管动力和２４小时食管ｐＨ监测。     

Esophageal function following Livaditis repair of long gap esophageal atresia

Proximal pouch esophagomyotomy (Livaditis) allows for repair of long gap esophageal atresia (EA). Postoperative esophageal functional studies in these patients are lacking. Six such infants were followed for up to 42 months. Esophageal function was assessed clinically and by barium swallow, manometry, 24 hr pH monitoring, esophagoscopy, and biopsy. Operative complications included two minor anastomotic leaks and two asymptomatic diverticula at the myotomy site. All patients had dysmotility on barium swallow. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was seen in four. Manometry showed a variable aperistaltic segment in each infant but lower esophageal sphincter pressures and relaxation were retained. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring showed an increase in frequency and duration of GER. All four patients biopsied had esophagitis. Five of the six patients showed normal growth velocity. Livaditis modified repair of EA was not associated with significant surgical complications. Esophageal motility showed abnormalities similar to those reported after the standard repair of EA. Myotomy did not adversely affect the esophageal function.     

Does surgery correct esophageal motor dysfunction in gastroesophageal reflux.

The high incidence of dysphagia in patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) but no evidence of peptic stricture suggests esophageal motor dysfunction. Conventional methods for detecting dysfunction (radiologic and manometric examinations) often fail to detect abnormality in these patients. Radionuclide transit (RT), a new method for detecting esophageal motor dysfunction, was used to prospectively assess function in 29 patients with symptomatic GER uncomplicated by stricture before and three months after antireflux surgery (HILL). The preoperative incidence of dysphagia and esophageal dysfunction was 73% and 52%, respectively. During operation (Hill repair), intraoperative measurement of the lower esophageal sphincter pressure was performed and the LESP raised to levels between 45 and 55 mmHg. The preoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure was raised from a mean of 8.6 mmHg, to mean of 18.5 mmHg after operation. No patient has free reflux after operation. Postoperative studies on 20 patients demonstrated persistence of all preoperative esophageal dysfunction despite loss of dysphagia. RT has demonstrated a disorder of esophageal motor function in 52% of patients with symptomatic GER that may be responsible for impaired esophageal clearance. This abnormality is not contraindication to surgery. The results indicate that construction of an effective barrier to reflex corrects symptoms of reflux, even in the presence of impaired esophageal transit. Radionuclide transit is a safe noninvasive test for assessment of esophageal function.     

Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction in esophageal atresia: nocturnal regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia

The association between lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence, gastroesophageal reflux, and recurrent pneumonia in patients who have undergone successful repair of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula is demonstrated in this study. The efficacy of esophageal manometric examination in the evaluation of the LES in young children after EA repair is documented. This study also provides evidence that infants and children with LES incompetence associated with EA may have LES responsiveness to bethanechol. Once established by manometry, this responsiveness may be used to manage the patient until surgical repair would be advantageous.     

Esophageal motility in the assessment of esophageal function

Esophageal manometry assesses lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and its relaxation. In addition, it detects the ability of the esophageal body to initiate a peristaltic contraction and the contraction's amplitude in response to a water bolus. The study is indicated in patients with symptoms suggestive of an esophageal motor disorder and to assist in the diagnosis of some miscellaneous disorders. The most common disorders diagnosed by esophageal manometry are the primary motility disorders, such as achalasia. Manometry is indicated in the subset of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are being considered for antireflux surgery or have symptoms after antireflux surgery.     

Clinical study on abnormalities of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function in infancy and childhood with special reference to gastroesophageal reflux

For the purpose of clarifying lower esophageal sphincter function, which is representative of antireflux competence, 51 normal newborn and early infants and 28 newborn and infants with gastroesophageal reflux were examined by standardized manometric studies. Barium studies and 24-hour pH monitoring in the distal esophagus were also performed, and the following results were obtained. 1) In normal infants, there was no correlation between LES pressure and age, but LES length increased with age. 2) LES Pressure of GER infants (22.2 +/- 6.4 cmH2O) was lower than normal infants (37.6 +/- 8.8 cmH2O). This indicated LES function was lower in GER infants. 3) In GER infants, LES pressure increased to within normal range with clinical improvement. The critical point of LES pressure was 27 cmH2O. 4) In radiological studies in GER infants there was no correlation between the grade of Barium regurgitation and LES pressure, or between HIS angle, Fornix Index and LES pressure. 5) On 24-hour pH monitoring, pH score of GER infants was very much higher than that of normal infants. LES incompetence din GER infants was also recognized in this investigation. Esophageal manometric study was very useful for diagnosis of LES dysfunction and assessment of therapeutic effect. For evaluation of anti-reflux cardiac function, multiple approaches were valuable, including not only manometric studies but also radiologic studies and 24-hour pH monitoring.     

婴幼儿食管裂孔旁疝混合疝的临床特征和外科治疗

目的以食管动力学和胃食管反流评估食管裂孔旁疝和混合疝的3种抗反流手术疗效。方法24例1.5月龄～3岁,体重(7.39±2.02) kg的病儿中,15例用食管裂孔修补加Dor手术,5例加Toupet手术,3例仅做单纯修补;1例自愈。同时进行了手术前后食管动力及24 h食管pH监测。结果术前除3例不存在胃食管反流外,余均存在不同程度胃食管反流。术后优良率为91.3%;食管狭窄5例,仅1例有吞咽困难症状。术后食管下括约肌压力［(24.72±9.66) mm Hg对(20.45±9.01) mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)］以Toupet术增高明显;食管下括约肌长度［(2.31±0.65) cm对(1.36±0.53)cm］以Dor手术增长明显。术后24 h食管pH监测参数明显改善,并以Toupet手术改善最显著。结论3种抗反流手术均能有效减轻胃食管反流,以Toupet手术效果最佳。     

Evaluation of the Angelchik Antireflux Prosthesis Using a Model for Esophageal Reflux in Rhesus Monkeys

Minimal data are available about the Angelchik antireflux prosthesis although it has been inserted in more than 14,000 patients. The present animal study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanism of action of this prosthesis. A reproducible model of esophageal reflux in primates was created using a double myotomy. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and reflux score were improved significantly in animals by insertion of an Angelchik antireflux prosthesis, a modified antireflux prosthesis, or a Nissen fundoplication. Manometrically determined LES length was increased after insertion of an Angelchik antireflux prosthesis but not by a Nissen fundoplication or sham operation. Complications after insertion of the modified prosthesis included intraluminal erosion, fibrous stricture, and slippage of the device over the stomach.     

Gastroesophageal reflux: prevalence in adults older than 28 years after correction of esophageal atresia

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER)related complications after correction of esophageal atresia (EA). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The association of EA and GER in children is well known. However, little is known about the prevalence of GER and its potential complications in adults who have undergone correction of EA as a child. METHODS: Prospective analysis of the prevalence of GER and its complications over 28 years after correction of EA by means of a questionnaire, esophagogastroscopy, and histologic evaluation of esophageal biopsies. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 38 (95%) of 40 patients. A quarter of the patients had no complaints. Swallowing solid food was a problem for 13 patients (34%), and mashed foods for 2 (5%). Heartburn was experienced by 7 patients (18%), retrosternal pain by 8 (21%). However, none of the patients were using antireflux medication. Twenty-three patients (61%) agreed to undergo esophagogastroscopy, which showed macroscopic Barrett esophagus in 1 patient, which was confirmed by histology. One patient developed complaints of dysphagia at the end of the study. A squamous cell esophageal carcinoma was diagnosed and treated by transthoracic subtotal esophagectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high incidence of GER-related complications after correction of EA, but it is still very disputable if all EA patients should be screened at an adult age.     

Antireflux mechanism in nissen fundoplication—An experimental study

The antireflux mechanism of the Nissen fundoplication was investigated in 15 mongrel dogs by esophageal manometry. Nissen fundoplication increased the lower esophageal resting pressure for 2 weeks after operation; however, by 4 weeks it had decreased to a level which did not differ significantly from the preoperative value. Thus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, unlike LES pressure, was maintained for a long period. These results suggest that restorayion of competence at the gastroesophageal junction after Nissen fundoplication depends on an adequate length of LES as well as increased LES pressure. The gastrin-stimulated LES pressure 1, 2 and 4 weeks after operation was significantly higher than the preoperative stimulation pressure. Therefore, it seems that the antireflux mechanism is associated not only with the mechanical aspect of the wrapping but also with creation of a new muscular sphincter substitute that reacts sufficiently to gastrin stimulation.     

Antireflux mechanism in Nissen fundoplication--an experimental study

The antireflux mechanism of the Nissen fundoplication was investigated in 15 mongrel dogs by esophageal manometry. Nissen fundoplication increased the lower esophageal resting pressure for 2 weeks after operation; however, by 4 weeks it had decreased to a level which did not differ significantly from the preoperative value. Thus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, unlike LES pressure, was maintained for a long period. These results suggest that restoration of competence at the gastroesophageal junction after Nissen fundoplication depends on an adequate length of LES as well as increased LES pressure. The gastrin-stimulated LES pressure 1, 2 and 4 weeks after operation was significantly higher than the preoperative stimulation pressure. Therefore, it seems that the antireflux mechanism is associated not only with the mechanical aspect of the wrapping but also with creation of a new muscular sphincter substitute that reacts sufficiently to gastrin stimulation.     

Motor function of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter in children who undergo laparoscopic nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To define the clinical role of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), an appropriate understanding of its functional effects is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the motor function of the esophageal body and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) with special reference to the effects of caloric nutrients in children undergoing LNF. METHODS: Studies were performed in 12 children with GER (age, 6 months to 13 years) before and a month after LNF. Continuous manometric examination was performed with an infusion system using a sleeve sensor for an hour each before and after the administration of apple juice (AAJ; 10 mL/kg). RESULTS: AAJ increased postoperative basal LES pressure from 15 +/- 7 to 20 +/- 6 mm Hg, whereas it decreased the preoperative values from 13 +/- 5 to 10 +/- 4 mm Hg (P < .05). Significant residual pressure was noted at the nadir of swallow-induced LES relaxation after LNF, which was increased by AAJ from 7 +/- 3 to 11 +/- 4 mm Hg. A child with a high nadir LES pressure showed postoperative dysphagia. Significant changes in the patterns of esophageal contractions were not noted after LNF. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of the effect of LNF on the LES were a postprandial increase of basal LES pressure and significant residual LES pressure at the nadir of LES relaxation. The motor function of the esophageal body was not affected by LNF.     

Tailored augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter in experimental antireflux operations

Background: Modern upper GI function studies allow for the detection of several pathophysiological factors that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The information obtained can lead to therapeutic consequences in patients with an indication for a surgical intervention, i.e., an individualized choice of antireflux procedure according to the existing pathophysiologic defect. Methods: In an experimental study on mini-pigs the mechanical effect of four standardized antireflux operations (anterior and posterior 180° hemifundoplication, Nissen-DeMeester and Nissen-Rossetti 360° fundoplication) on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was investigated. It was the aim of the study to objectively determine the extent of changes in pressure and length parameters at the LES according to the performed antireflux procedure. Results: It could be demonstrated that different degrees of fundic wrap formation lead to a proportional mechanical effect at the LES according to the size of this wrap. Conclusion: Choosing a distinct type of fundoplication will allow for a tailored augmentation of the LES according to the individual functional defect. Received: 29 January 1997/Accepted: 2 April 1997     

Mechanisms responsible for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired children who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: In this study, we attempted to define the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) motor events associated with the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in neurologically impaired children in whom of GER disease recurred after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). Methods: Of 45 neurologically impaired children who had previously undergone LNF, six children in whom recurrence of GER disease was documented by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring were studied. Concurrent esophageal manometry and pH monitoring were conducted for 1 h both before and after the administration of apple juice (10 ml/kg). Results: A total of 89 reflux episodes were recorded in the course of the study. Of these, 51 episodes (57%) were associated with transient LES relaxation. In the remainder, reflux occurred across a contracted LES in 21 episodes (24%) and during absent basal LES tone in 15 episodes (17%). In four of six patients, transient LES relaxation was responsible for more than half of the reflux episodes. Conclusion: Transient LES relaxation is the predominant mechanism of reflux in neurologically impaired children with recurrent GER after LNF.