Effect of antireflux operation on Barrett's mucosa

Regression of Barrett's epithelium after antireflux operations remains a controversial topic. We evaluated the effect of antireflux procedures in patients with Barrett's esophagus on the regression of columnar epithelium and dysplasia and its potential protective effect on the subsequent development of carcinoma. Of the 241 patients with Barrett's esophagus treated at the Lahey Clinic from 1973 to 1989, 37 patients underwent an antireflux operation. Regression was defined as histological evidence of regenerating squamous mucosa that completely or partially replaced the columnar epithelium. Improvement in lower esophageal sphincter pressure to 12 mm Hg or greater occurred in 19 of 26 patients (73%) who had perioperative manometry. Symptomatic relief of esophagitis occurred in 34 of 37 patients (92%). Four patients had partial regression with regenerating squamous mucosa juxtaposed with areas of columnar epithelium. Carcinoma developed in 3 of 37 patients (8.1%). One patient had recurrence of severe symptoms of reflux esophagitis before development of carcinoma. Patients with Barrett's esophagus who have undergone a successful antireflux operation with symptomatic relief and evidence of improvement in lower esophageal sphincter pressures rarely show regression of Barrett's mucosa and may still be at risk for development of carcinoma. Therefore, the indications for antireflux operation in Barrett's esophagus should remain the same as for other patients with gastroesophageal reflux, but yearly endoscopic and histological surveillance should be continued postoperatively.     

The effect of medical therapy and antireflux surgery on dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophageal stricture

BACKGROUND: Poor esophageal body motility and trapping of the hernial sac by the hiatal crura are the major pathomechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-induced dysphagia. There is only little knowledge of the effect of medical therapy or antireflux surgery in reflux-induced dysphagia. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive GERD patients with dysphagia were studied by means of a symptom questionnaire, endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus. Patients had proton pump inhibitor therapy and cisapride for 6 months. After GERD relapsed following withdrawal of medical therapy, 41 patients decided to have antireflux surgery performed. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was chosen in 12 patients with normal esophageal body motility and the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in 29 patients with impaired peristalsis. Dysphagia was assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months of medical therapy, and at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Only surgery improved regurgitation. Dysphagia improved in all patients following surgery but only in 16 patients (27.1%) following medical therapy. Esophageal peristalsis was strengthened following antireflux surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy fails to control gastroesophageal reflux as it does not inhibit regurgitation. Thus, it has little effect on reflux-induced dysphagia. Surgery controls reflux and improves esophageal peristalsis. This may contribute to its superiority over medical therapy in the treatment of GERD-induced dysphagia.     

Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication improves esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy

BACKGROUND: Impaired esophageal clearance is important in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is unknown whether esophageal clearance improves following antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF), laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication (PPF) or medical therapy on esophageal clearance. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized crossover study. Sixty patients were evaluated with endoscopy, esophageal manometry, radionuclide scanning of esophageal emptying, and assessment of symptoms prior to surgery or medical therapy and 6 months after treatment. In 20 GERD patients with normal esophageal peristalsis an NF was performed, in 20 patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis a PPF was chosen, and 20 patients received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. RESULTS: On endoscopy, esophagitis had resolved in all patients after surgery; two patients with medical therapy still had esophagitis. On manometry, a significant improvement of lower esophageal sphincter competence was seen in both surgical groups. LES relaxation was complete after PPF, but incomplete after NF. Esophageal peristalsis did not improve after medical therapy, was significantly improved after PPF, but had worsened after NF. On scintigraphic esophageal emptying for solid meals, there was no improvement after medical therapy but a significant improvement after PPF. A significant deterioration of esophageal emptying was observed after NF. There was a strong correlation between scintigraphic and manometric evaluation of peristalsis preoperatively (r(s) = -0.87, p < 0.05) and postoperatively (r(s) = -0.82, p < 0.05). There was no change in dysphagia after medical therapy and after NF but a significant improvement after PPF. Globus sensation was significantly improved after PPF but did not change after medical therapy or NF. Postprandial bloating and inability to belch were significantly more common after NF than after PPF. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial posterior (Toupet) fundoplication can restore a preoperatively defective esophageal bolus propagation on scintigraphy with the same antireflux effect as the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, but with lower side-effects.     

Indications for antireflux surgery in Barrett's

One of the most common complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease is Barrett's esophagus. Medical therapy for this condition is not very effective and does not seem to be able to control the occurence and progression of the disease. In contrast, there is some evidence that effective antireflux surgery does have a slowing effect on the occurence and the progression of Barrett's esophagus. There is also some evidence that the progression of Barrett's to high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma is less after antireflux surgery than during medical therapy. Antireflux surgery should be considered in patients with Barrett's who have a large hiatal hernia, dysplasia, a weak lower esophageal sphincter pressure, failed medical therapy, noncompliance to medications, and young age.     

Gastroesophageal scintigraphy to assess the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Thirty-six (36) patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux were studied. Symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia were scored as to their severity and compared to quantitative tests of gastroesophageal reflux. Patients were studied with the acid reflux test, fiberoptic endoscopy, esophageal mucosal biopsy with a pinch forceps, esophageal manometry and radioisotopic gastroesophageal scintigraphy. Symptoms were scored according to an arbitrary grading system as mild, moderate, or severe. There were significant correlations between symptoms scores and both the degree of endoscopic esophagitis and the gastroesophageal reflux indices as measured by the radioisotopic scintiscan, but not with the degree of histologic esophagitis or lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Review of the findings suggests the following profile for patients who might require antireflux surgery: severe symptoms, presence of endoscopic esophagitis; resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure below 10 mmHg; and gastroesophageal reflux index above 10%.     

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication provides excellent intermediate results in GERD patients with impaired esophageal peristalsis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with impaired esophageal peristalsis, and many authorities consider this condition not suitable for Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: To investigate the outcome of antireflux surgery in the presence of impaired esophageal peristalsis, 78 consecutive GERD patients with poor esophageal contractility who underwent laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication were studied. A standardized questionnaire, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed preoperatively and at a median of 31 months (range 6-57 months) postoperatively. Esophageal motility was analyzed for contraction amplitudes in the distal two thirds of the esophagus, frequency of peristaltic, simultaneous, and interrupted waves, and the total number of defective propagations. In addition, parameters defining the function of the lower esophageal sphincter were evaluated. RESULTS: After antireflux surgery, 76 patients (97%) were free of heartburn and regurgitation and had no esophagitis on endoscopy. The rate of dysphagia decreased from 49% preoperatively to 10% postoperatively (P < .001). Features defining impaired esophageal body motility improved significantly after antireflux surgery. The median DeMeester score on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring decreased from 33.3 to 1.1 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Partial posterior fundoplication provides an effective antireflux barrier in patients with impaired esophageal body motility. Postoperative dysphagia is diminished, probably because of improved esophageal body function.     

Antireflux surgery for Barrett's oesophagus

Barrett's oesophagus is usually the result of severe reflux disease. Relief of reflux symptoms is the primary aim of treatment in patients with Barrett's oesophagus who do not have high-grade dysplasia. Some studies with medium-term (2-5 years) follow up show that antireflux surgery can provide good or excellent symptom control, with normal oesophageal acid exposure, in more than 90% of patients with Barrett's oesophagus. Antireflux surgery, but not medical therapy, can also reduce duodenal nonacid reflux to normal levels. There is no conclusive evidence that antireflux surgery can prevent the development of dysplasia or cancer, or that it can reliably induce regression of dysplasia, and patients with Barrett's oesophagus should therefore remain in a surveillance programme after operation. Some data suggest that antireflux surgery can prevent the development of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in patients with reflux disease but no IM. The combination of antireflux surgery plus an endoscopic ablation procedure is a promising treatment for patients with Barrett's oesophagus with low-grade dysplasia.     

Techniques and outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report personal experience in laparoscopic antireflux surgery and to analyze the clinical and functional outcomes of this procedure, also in relation to the different techniques used. METHODS: From 1996 to 2000, 20 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with hiatal hernia underwent laparoscopic surgery. The indication for surgery was failure of long-term medical therapy. All patients had severe acid reflux on 24 hrs-pH monitoring, endoscopic evidence of esophagitis and hiatal hernia, and defective lower esophageal sphincter. A Nissen fundoplication was performed in 13 patients with normal esophageal body motility, and a 270 degrees posterior fundoplication in seven patients with low esophageal motility. RESULTS: Mortality and conversion rate were 0. Mean operative time was 135 min and mean postoperative hospital stay 5 days. Operative morbidity was 15%. All the patients were completely cured of reflux symptoms; transient mild postoperative dysphagia occurred in two patients (10%). There was a significantly improvement of the results in postoperative esophageal manometry and 24 hrs-pH monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that laparoscopic surgery represents a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Precise selection of patients and adequate surgical technique are essential.     

Dysplasia and Adenocarcinoma After Classic Antireflux Surgery in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus: The Need for Long-Term Subjective and Objective Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical, endoscopic, and functional results in a group of patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing classic antireflux surgery in whom dysplasia and adenocarcinoma were found at a late objective follow-up. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There have been isolated reports of patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing antireflux surgery who show dysplasia or even adenocarcinoma on follow-up. METHODS: Of 161 patients undergoing surgery, dysplasia developed in 17 (10.5%) at late follow-up and adenocarcinoma developed in 4 (2.5%). These 21 patients represent the group assessed and were compared with 126 surgical patients with long-segment Barrett's in whom dysplasia did not develop. They were evaluated by clinical questionnaire, multiple endoscopic procedures and biopsy specimens, 24-hour pH studies, and 24-hour bilirubin monitoring. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients with dysplasia, 3 were asymptomatic at the time that dysplastic changes appeared; all patients with adenocarcinoma had symptoms. Two patients (12%) in the dysplasia group had short-segment Barrett's; all patients with adenocarcinoma had long-segment Barrett's. Manometric studies revealed an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter in 70% of the dysplasia group, similar to nondysplasia patients with recurrence, and in 100% of the adenocarcinoma group. The 24-hour pH study showed pathologic acid reflux in 94% of the patients with dysplasia, similar to patients with recurrence without dysplasia, whereas bilirubin monitoring showed duodenal abnormal reflux in 86% of the patients. Among patients with dysplasia, three different histologic patterns were identified. All patients with adenocarcinoma had initially intestinal metaplasia, with appearance of this tumor 6 to 8 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Barrett's esophagus who undergo antireflux surgery need close and long-term endoscopic and histologic surveillance because dysplasia or even adenocarcinoma can appear at late follow-up. Metaplastic changes from fundic to cardiac mucosa and then to intestinal metaplasia and later to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma can clearly be documented. There were no significant differences in terms of clinical, endoscopic, manometric, 24-hour pH, and bilirubin monitoring studies between patients with recurrence of symptoms without dysplastic changes, and patients with dysplasia. Therefore, the high-risk group for the development of dysplasia is mainly the group with failed antireflux surgery.     

Complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Role of the lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal acid and acid/alkaline exposure, and duodenogastric reflux.

The factors contributing to the development of esophageal mucosal injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are unclear. The lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal acid and acid/alkaline exposure, and the presence of excessive duodenogastric reflux (DGR) was evaluated in 205 consecutive patients with GERD and various degrees of mucosal injury (no mucosal injury, n = 92; esophagitis, n = 66; stricture, n = 19; Barrett's esophagus, n = 28). Manometry and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring showed that the prevalence and severity of esophageal mucosal injury was higher in patients with a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter (p less than 0.01) or increased esophageal acid/alkaline exposure (p less than 0.01) as compared with those with a normal sphincter or only increased esophageal acid exposure. Complications of GERD were particularly frequent and severe in patients who had a combination of a defective sphincter and increased esophageal acid/alkaline exposure (p less than 0.01). Combined esophageal and gastric pH monitoring showed that esophageal alkaline exposure was increased only in GERD patients with DGR (p less than 0.05) and that DGR was more frequent in GERD patients with a stricture or Barrett's esophagus. A mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter and reflux of acid gastric juice contaminated with duodenal contents therefore appear to be the most important determinants for the development of mucosal injury in GERD. This explains why some patients fail medical therapy and supports the surgical reconstruction of the defective sphincter as the most effective therapy.     

Circadian esophageal motor function in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Effective esophageal peristalsis is a major determinant of esophageal clearance function and may contribute to the development of complications in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Using 24-hour ambulatory esophageal manometry, we compared the circadian esophageal motor activity of normal volunteers to that of patients with increased esophageal exposure to gastric juice and various grades of mucosal injury (no mucosal injury, esophagitis, stricture, or Barrett's esophagus). The prevalence of a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal acid exposure time, and the frequency of nonperistaltic esophageal contractions during the supine, upright, and meal periods increased with increasing severity of mucosal injury. The median amplitude of esophageal contractions was compromised only in patients with a mechanically defective sphincter. This was particularly so in patients with stricture or Barrett's esophagus and was associated with an increased frequency of ineffective contractions (less than 30 mm Hg). These data show that esophageal motor function deteriorates with increasing severity of mucosal injury. This appears to be caused by persistent reflux of gastric juice across a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter. The need for surgical correction of a mechanically defective sphincter before the loss of esophageal body function is implicated.     

Proliferative activity in Barrett's esophagus before and after antireflux surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess proliferation in the columnar-lined esophageal mucosa before and after antireflux surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Intestinal metaplasia persists in Barrett's mucosa after reflux control. It remains at risk for uncontrolled cellular proliferation and adenocarcinoma formation. METHODS: Forty-five patients with Barrett's esophagus had a mean follow-up of 4 years after a Collis-Nissen gastroplasty. Proliferative activity was assayed immunohistochemically for Ki-67 expression in 73 preoperative and 176 postoperative biopsies. Correlation with manometric and 24-hour pH results was obtained. RESULTS: The Collis-Nissen gastroplasty restored the median lower esophageal sphincter gradient from 5.5 mmHg before surgery to 14.5 mmHg at 24 months and 12.9 mmHg at 48 months after surgery. The median esophageal acid exposure was reduced from 8% to 1% and 1% of recording time, respectively. The median Ki-67 labeling index increased from 28.5% before surgery to 36.1% at 12 to 23 months. It returned to preoperative level (26.9%) at 24 to 47 months. After surgery, abnormal intraesophageal acid exposure was documented in 12 patients but could not be correlated with sphincter pressure. After surgery, the pattern of proliferation in patients with acid exposure less than 4% in their esophagus showed significant differences when compared with the proliferation pattern of patients where abnormal intraesophageal acid exposure was recorded. New present dysplasia was observed only in patients with abnormal acid exposure. CONCLUSIONS: In Barrett's mucosa, from preoperative values, proliferation peaked early after surgery and then decreased to preoperative levels. Despite sphincter restoration and global reflux control, abnormal esophageal acid exposure persisted in 12 patients. Patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure displayed more proliferation and more dysplasia.     

Strategien zur Behandlung der gastroösophagealen Refluxkrankheit

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common disorder. Therapeutic options include lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and three more recent options—injection therapy to the lower esophageal sphincter, endoscopic sewing procedures, and radio frequency ablation therapy. Medical therapy is effective in most patients but not always successful with advanced disease. Up to 70% of subjects do not have adequate nocturnal control of gastric acid secretion with 20 mg of omeprazole given twice per day. Patients who do not tolerate medical therapy, who respond inadequately, or who want to avoid life-long drug therapy are candidates for alternate treatments. Studies on endoscopic procedures such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) injection, the Stretta procedure,and endoscopic suturing techniques all suffer from having small study groups for each procedure,unknown durability, short follow-up, and the absence of randomized, controlled procedures. Limitations on endoscopic techniques are esophageal motility disorders, severe esophagitis, and larger hiatal hernias. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery remains a well-established, durable alternative to long-term medical therapy. It has the benefits of convenience, safety, minimal complications, improved quality of life, and low cost. Alternative methods will have to earn their place against this gold standard.     

Treatment strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common disorder. Therapeutic options include lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and three more recent options-injection therapy to the lower esophageal sphincter, endoscopic sewing procedures, and radio frequency ablation therapy. Medical therapy is effective in most patients but not always successful with advanced disease. Up to 70% of subjects do not have adequate nocturnal control of gastric acid secretion with 20 mg of omeprazole given twice per day. Patients who do not tolerate medical therapy, who respond inadequately, or who want to avoid life-long drug therapy are candidates for alternate treatments. Studies on endoscopic procedures such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) injection, the Stretta procedure,and endoscopic suturing techniques all suffer from having small study groups for each procedure,unknown durability, short follow-up, and the absence of randomized, controlled procedures. Limitations on endoscopic techniques are esophageal motility disorders, severe esophagitis, and larger hiatal hernias. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery remains a well-established, durable alternative to long-term medical therapy. It has the benefits of convenience, safety, minimal complications, improved quality of life, and low cost. Alternative methods will have to earn their place against this gold standard.     

Hiatal Hernia, Lower Esophageal Sphincter Incompetence, and Effectiveness of Nissen Fundoplication in the Spectrum of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background and Aims  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a spectrum of disease that includes nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), erosive reflux disease (ERD), and Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Treatment outcomes for patients with different stages have differed in many studies. In particular, acid suppressant medication therapy is reported to be less effective for treating patients with NERD and Barrett’s esophagus. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the role of mechanical factors including hiatal hernia and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) competence in the spectrum of GERD and (2) outcomes of Nissen fundoplication. Methods  From the records of patients who had undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication after an abnormal pH study, we identified 50 symptomatic consecutive patients with each of the GERD stages: (1) NERD, (2) mild ERD, defined as esophagitis that was healed with acid suppression therapy, (3) severe ERD, defined as esophagitis that persisted despite medical therapy, and (4) BE. Exclusion criteria were normal distal esophageal acid exposure, esophageal pH monitoring performed elsewhere, antireflux surgery less than 1 year previously or previous fundoplication, and a named esophageal motility disorder or distal esophageal low amplitude hypomotility. Patients who could not be contacted for the study were also excluded. All patients completed a detailed preoperative questionnaire; underwent preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, stationary manometry, and distal esophageal pH monitoring; and were interviewed at least 1 year after operation. Results  One hundred sixty patients meeting the entry criteria were studied. The mean follow-up period was 36.7 months. The only significant preoperative symptom difference was that patients with BE had more moderately severe or severe dysphagia compared to patients with NERD. Patients with severe ERD or BE had a significantly higher prevalence of hiatal hernia, lower LES pressures, and more esophageal acid exposure. Hiatal hernia and hypotensive LES were present in most patients with severe ERD or BE but in only a minority of patients with NERD or mild ERD. Surgical therapy resulted in similarly excellent symptom outcomes for patients in all GERD categories. Conclusions  Compared to mild ERD and NERD, severe ERD and BE are associated with significantly greater loss of the mechanical antireflux barrier as reflected in the presence of hiatal hernia and LES measurements. Restoration of the antireflux barrier and hernia reduction by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication provides similarly excellent symptom control in all patients.     

Treatment of Barrett''s esophagus by endoscopic laser ablation and antireflux surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The regeneration of intestinal metaplasia by squamous epithelium in 17 patients with Barrett's esophagus after endoscopic laser ablation in a reflux-free environment after successful antireflux surgery was prospectively examined. METHODS: All patients had antireflux surgery, and healing of reflux was verified at postoperative endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Thereafter, in 11 patients, the whole Barrett's epithelium was ablated using endoscopic Nd-YAG laser energy in 1 to 8 sessions (mean, 4). The needed energy was 965 to 11,173 joules (mean 4709), or about 1000 joules per centimeter of Barrett's esophagus. Six patients had no laser ablation but were treated by antireflux surgery and served as a control group. RESULTS: In all laser-treated patients, the regenerated epithelium was histologically of squamous type in the tubular esophagus, but two patients still had intestinal metaplasia in the gastric cardia. In controls, the length of Barrett's esophagus and intestinal metaplasia remained unchanged. The length of follow-up was 26 months after the last laser session and 21 months in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The regenerated esophageal epithelium arising after laser ablation in reflux-free environment surgery is of squamous type. This treatment may have a role in preventing the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus.     

Specificity and sensitivity of objective diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

To evaluate the diagnostic value of different tests for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a test population was constructed from 45 patients with symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation with or without esophagitis and 45 healthy subjects, who never experienced heartburn, regurgitation, or swallowing discomfort. The test population underwent esophagoscopy, standard acid reflux test, 24-hour pH monitoring, and manometry of the lower esophageal sphincter. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the accuracy of the tests and test combinations were calculated. Esophagoscopy had a sensitivity of 62%, that is, only 62% of patients with the disease have evidence of mucosal damage on endoscopy. Manometric measurements of the lower esophageal sphincter had a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 89%, and an accuracy of 87%. Twenty-four hour esophageal pH monitoring had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96%. The results show that 24-hour pH monitoring can detect gastroesophageal reflux disease with an accuracy of 96% by measuring an increase in esophageal acid exposure. Manometry of the lower esophageal sphincter can detect a mechanically deficient sphincter as a cause of the disease with an accuracy of 87%. The test combination of 24-hour monitoring and motility studies can select patients with an accuracy of 91% who have an increase in esophageal exposure to gastric juice because of a deficient cardia. Antireflux surgery is designed to reduce esophageal exposure to gastric juice in patients with a deficient sphincter by creating a mechanical antireflux mechanism at the cardia. Therefore it is necessary to determine the mechanical status of the sphincter with manometry before surgery in such patients. Thus the indications for antireflux surgery are (1) uncontrolled symptoms of increased esophageal exposure to gastric juice; (2) a documented increase in esophageal exposure to gastric juice by 24-hour pH monitoring; and (3) a mechanically defective sphincter on motility with a pressure of 6 mm Hg or less, an overall length of 2 cm or less, and an abdominal length of 1 cm or less.     

Inflammation and specialized intestinal metaplasia of cardiac mucosa is a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that cardiac mucosa, carditis, and specialized intestinal metaplasia at an endoscopically normal-appearing cardia are manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: In the absence of esophageal mucosal injury, the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease currently rests on 24-hour pH monitoring. Histologic examination of the esophagus is not useful. The recent identification of specialized intestinal metaplasia at the cardia, along with the observation that it occurs in inflamed cardiac mucosa, led the authors to focus on the type and condition of the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction and its relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with symptoms of foregut disease, no evidence of columnar-lined esophagus, and no history of gastric or esophageal surgery were evaluated by 1) endoscopic biopsies above, at, and below the gastroesophageal junction; 2) esophageal motility; and 3) 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. The patients were divided into groups depending on the histologic presence of cardiac epithelium with and without inflammation or associated intestinal metaplasia. Markers of gastroesophageal reflux disease were compared between groups (i.e., lower esophageal sphincter characteristics, esophageal acid exposure, the presence of endoscopic erosive esophagitis, and hiatal hernia). RESULTS: When cardiac epithelium was found, it was inflamed in 96% of the patients. The presence of cardiac epithelium and carditis was associated with deterioration of lower esophageal sphincter characteristics and increased esophageal acid exposure. Esophagitis occurred more commonly in patients with carditis whose sphincter, on manometry, was structurally defective. Specialized intestinal metaplasia at the cardia was only seen in inflamed cardiac mucosa, and its prevalence increased both with increasing acid exposure and with the presence of esophagitis. CONCLUSION: The findings of cardiac mucosa, carditis, and intestinal metaplasia in an endoscopically normal-appearing gastroesophageal junction are histologic indicators of gastroesophageal reflux disease. These findings may be among the earliest signs of gastroesophageal reflux and contribute to the authors understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease process.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease -- current trends

GERD has long been recognized as a significant public health concern in USA generating along the time, many disscusions between gastroenterologists and surgeons. Once antireflux barrier was identified, and mechanism of reflux established, GERD can be defined as the failure of the antireflux barrier (represented especially by the lower esophageal sphincter, by gastric empty disorders or failed esophageal peristalsis), allowing abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Positiv diagnosis is setting by the presence of documented esophageal mucosal injury (esophagitis) or excessive reflux during 24 hours intra-edophageal pH monitoring. Medical treatament is efficient in acid suppression, but does not address the mechanical etiology, is too expansive and affect the quality of life of pacients. Miniinvasive surgery was a boom in management of GERD, offering great sathysfaction to pacients, low costs and rapid social integration. We present in folwing pages the role of surgery in GERD, therapy GERD which occur 85-93% control of reflux simptomathology, providing data from the literature on the techniques used, their advantages and limitations.