Three-dimensional imaging of the lower esophageal sphincter in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The resistance of the lower esophageal sphincter to reflux of gastric juice is determined by the integrated effects of radial pressures exerted over the entire length of the sphincter. This can be quantitated by three-dimensional computerized imaging of sphincter pressures obtained by a pullback of radially oriented pressure transducers and by calculating the volume of this image, in other words, the sphincter pressure vector volume. Validation studies showed that sphincter imaging based on a stepwise pullback of a catheter with four or eight radial side holes is superior to a rapid motorized pullback. Compared with 50 healthy volunteers, the total and abdominal sphincter pressure vector volume was lower in 150 patients with increased esophageal acid exposure (p less than 0.001) and decreased with increasing esophageal mucosal damage (p less than 0.01). Calculation of the sphincter pressure vector volume was superior to standard techniques in identifying a mechanically defective sphincter as the cause of increased esophageal acid exposure, particularly in patients without mucosal damage. The Nissen and Belsey fundoplication increased the total and intra-abdominal sphincter pressure vector volume (p less than 0.001) and normalized the three-dimensional sphincter image. Failure to do so was associated with recurrent or persistent reflux. These data indicate that three-dimensional imaging of the lower esophageal sphincter improves the identification of patients who would benefit from an antireflux procedure. Analysis of the three-dimensional sphincter pressure profile should become the standard for evaluation of the lower esophageal sphincter.     

Lower esophageal sphincter and the gastroesophageal antireflux mechanism

Various factors involved in the structure and functional control of the gastroesophageal antireflux mechanism were investigated experimentally in dogs and in a clinical series, with special attention to manometric examination of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The prevention of the compressive action of extrinsic paraesophageal structures did not lead to changes either in LES pressure or in LES response to increases in abdominal pressure. The mechanism intrinsic to the gastroesophageal junction, the LES, seems to be primarily responsible for the maintenance of gastroesophageal competence. Also, the LES response to increased ultra-abdominal pressure appears to be a property of the LES itself. Vagotomy performed at different levels did not produce a change in LES pressure, whereas LES response was significantly attenuated after each type of vagotomy. The vagus nerves apparently have no important role in the maintenance of LES pressure, whereas LES response seems to be mediated by a vagal reflex. Intragastric bile instillation caused a significant rise in LES pressure, but chronic intragastric bile contamination did not lead to changes in gastroesophageal competence. This suggests that intragastric bile contamination does not have a deleterious effect on LES competence and does not seem to predispose to gastroesophageal reflux. Of the drugs generally used in premedication for or induction of anesthesia, atropine decreased LES pressure significantly. Metoclopramide, in turn, produced a significant rise in LES pressure and, when administered before atropine, was capable of preventing the depressant effect of atropine on LES pressure. Thus, routine use of metoclopramide in premedication for or induction of anesthesia to prevent the depressant effect of atropine on LES pressure and the possible consequent gastroesophageal reflux, pulmonary aspiration, and postoperative pulmonary complications should be considered. The mean LES pressure after surgery for reflux esophagitis was significantly greater in patients with an objectively good operative result than in those with an objectively poor result. However, some overlapping occurred in LES pressure values between these two groups. The correlation between LES manometry and other examination methods in the evaluation of the operative result of reflux esophagitis seems to be rather good.

---

Résumé Des facteurs extrêmement variés intéressant les structures et le contrôle fonctionnel du mécanisme anti-reflux gastro-oesophagien ont été étudiés expérimentalement chez le chien et dans une série clinique de patients en accordant une attention toute spéciale à l'étude manométrique du sphincter du bas oesophage (LES). L'amélioration de la compression active des structures extrinsèques paraoesophagiennes n'entraine aucune modification de pression au niveau du LES pas plus qu'une modification dans les réponses du LES à une augmentation de la pression abdominale. Le mécanisme extrinsèque de la jonction gastro-oesophagienne (LES) semble constituer le facteur essentiel pour le maintien de la continence gastro-oesophagienne, de même la réponse du LES à une augmentation de la pression intra-abdominale parait être une fonction du LES lui même.La vagotomie réalisée à différents niveaux, n'a pas produit de modification dans les pressions au niveau du LES bien que les réponses à ce niveau soient significativement atténuées après chaque type de vagotomie. Les nerfs vagues n'ont apparemment pas de rôle important au niveau du LES, encore que cette réponse semble être commandée par un réflexe vagal.L'introduction intra-gastrique de bile entraine une élévation significative de la pression dans le LES mais la présence permanente de bile dans l'estomac n'aboutit pas à des modifications dans la continence gastro-oesophagienne. Ceci suggère que la présence de bile dans l'estomac n'a pas d'effet négatif sur la continence du LES et ne parait pas prédisposé à un reflux gastro oesophagien.Parmi les drogues utilisées habituellement en prémédication ou lors de l'induction anesthésique l'atropine diminue significativement la pression au niveau du LES. A l'inverse la metoclopramide entraine une élévation nette de la pression au niveau du LES et lorsqu'elle est administrée avant l'atropine parait capable de prevenir l'effet dépresseur de l'atropine sur les pressions du LES. D'après ces résultats l'utilisation systématique de la metoclopramide en prémédication ou à l'induction anesthésique ce afin de prévenir l'effet dépresseur de l'atropine sur les pressions du LES et les conséquences possibles du reflux gastro-oesophagien telle l'inhalation de liquide et ses complications pulmonaires postopératoires devraient être prises en considération.La pression moyenne au niveau du LES après chirurgie pour reflux gastro-oesophagien était significativement plus importante chez les patients ayant un bon résultat post opératoire objectif que chez ceux avec un mauvais résultat cependant quelques discordances sont apparues au niveau des pressions dans le LES entre ces 2 groupes. Les corrélations entre la manométrie au niveau du LES et les autres procédés d'investigation dans l'évaluation des résultats post opératoires pour reflux gastro-oesophagien semblent être assez bonnes.

     

Lower esophageal sphincter augmentation by endoscopic injection of dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer in a porcine gastroesophageal reflux disease model

Background

We previously demonstrated feasibility, safety, and a reproducible histologic bulking effect after injection of dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer (DxHA) into the gastroesophageal junction of rabbits. In the current study, we investigated the potential for DxHA to augment the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in a porcine model of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Twelve Yucatan miniature pigs underwent LES manometry and 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring at baseline, after cardiomyectomy, and 6 weeks after randomization to endoscopic injection of either DxHA or saline at the LES. After necropsy, the foregut, including injection sites, was histologically examined.

Results

Pigs in both groups had similar weight progression. Cardiomyectomy induced GERD in all animals, as measured by a rise in the median % of time pH < 5 from 0.6 to 11.6 (p = 0.02). Endoscopic injection of DxHA resulted in a higher median difference in LES length (1.8 cm vs. 0.4 cm, p = 0.03). In comparison with saline injection, DxHA resulted in 120% increase in LES pressure, and 76% decrease in the mean duration of reflux episodes, but these results were not statistically significant. Injection of DxHA induced a foreign body reaction with fibroblasts and giant cells.

Conclusions

Porcine cardiomyectomy is a reproducible animal GERD model. Injection of DxHA may augment the LES, offering a potential therapeutic effect in GERD.     

Use of radiofrequency ablation of the lower esophageal sphincter to treat recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease

Purpose

Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after gastroesophageal surgery is a troublesome problem. Reoperative surgery often is complicated by adhesions and recurrence. Radiofrequency ablation or energy delivery (RF or the Stretta procedure) is a new method for treating GERD. This study is the first report describing the use of the Stretta procedure in pediatric patients.

Methods

Six patients who underwent previous gastroesophageal surgery presented with recurrent GERD. Medical records were reviewed and the severity of reflux graded using a modified scoring system. All underwent RF and were graded for GERD at 6 months postprocedure.

Results

Mean operating time was 80 ± 12 minutes. Mean age at initial operation was 12 ± 4 years and for the RF, 18.0 ± 3.4 years. All patients were discharged as outpatients. Early complications occurred in one child with self-resolving acute gastric distension. Five of 6 patients were completely asymptomatic at 3 months after the procedure, and 3 stopped anti secretory agents. One patient was improved but still symptomatic and needed a redo fundoplication. Another required a repeat application of RF 10 months after the initial one. Mean GERD score pre-Stretta was 5.2 ± 1.0, which improved to 1.6 ± 1.9 at 6 months postprocedure (P < .05; paired t test).

Conclusions

Use of RF treatment of the lower esophageal sphincter is a potentially successful modality to treat recurrent GERD in children. Long-term follow-up is required.     

Electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter to address gastroesophageal reflux disease after sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can result in de novo and worsen preexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Post-LSG patients with GERD refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) usually undergo more invasive, anatomy-altering Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) electrical stimulation (ES) preserves the anatomy and has been shown to improve outcomes in GERD patients.

Surgical treatment of esophageal strictures secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease

The end point in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) evolution is oesophageal stenosis. The aim of this study is merely to establish the absolute requisite of treating simultaneously the oesophageal stenosis and the causal disorder, GERD. This article analyses the diversity of surgical treatment in relationship with the location and length of the oesophageal stenosis using a group of 35 patients with GERD over a period of 25 years. Treatment of this condition has enriched and diversified in the last decades with more conservative and complex techniques, having the task to preserve, whenever possible, the oesophagus. The ability to decide the optimal moment for the surgical treatment, to elect the most suitable procedure, to treat simultaneously the stenosis and to prevent further reflux guarantee a successful, free of recurrence outcome.     

Role of the lower esophageal sphincter and hiatal hernia in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The relative importance of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and hiatal hernia in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is controversial. To identify the role of hiatal hernia and LES in reflux disease, 375 consecutive patients with foregut symptoms and no previous foregut surgery were evaluated. All patients underwent upper endoscopy, stationary manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed endoscopically, when the distance between the crural impression and the gastroesophageal junction was ≥2 cm. The LES was considered structurally defective when the resting pressure was ≤6 mm Hg, the overall length was less than 2 cm, and/or the abdominal length was less than 1 cm. Factors predicting abnormal esophageal acid exposure (composite score >14.7) were analyzed using multivariate analysis. The presence of a hiatal hernia and a defective LES were identified as independent predictors of abnormal esophageal acid exposure. LES pressure and abdominal length were reduced in patients with hiatal hernia by 4 mm Hg and 0.4 cm, irrespective of the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is concluded that both a structurally defective LES and hiatal hernia are important factors in the pathogenesis of reflux disease. It is hypothesized that in the presence of a structurally normal LES, the altered geometry of the cardia imposed by a hiatal hernia facilitates the ability of gastric wall tension to pull open the sphincter. Presented at the Thirty-Ninth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, New Orleans, La., May 17–20, 1998 (poster presentation).     

磁力环治疗胃食管反流性疾病的实验研究

目的胃食管反流性疾病(GERD)是指胃内容物反流入食管,磁括约肌增强器能够增加食管下括约肌(LES)张力达到抗反流的效果,该研究应用宁波胜杰康生物科技有限公司生产的磁括约肌增强器,验证该手术的安全性和有效性。 方法12例实验动物(猪)通过开腹或腹腔镜的方式放置磁力环于LES处,观察饲养1、3、6个月后实验动物的饮食行为、体重和手术前后LES压力的变化;通过钡剂造影观察进食通畅度、磁力环的扩张、闭合情况。解剖实验动物后,观察植入器械是否出现移位和腐蚀,是否有食管梗阻,以及是否出现植入区域食管组织炎症、糜烂和缺血坏死等。 结果实验动物均能正常进食,3例偶有呕吐,3例进食较快有呕吐,三组实验动物体重均增加;吞钡显示钡剂通过顺畅,无明显近端食管扩张等阻碍吞咽的相关影像表现。LES测压提示术后压力较术前明显增加;大体标本显示磁力环固定于食管下段外膜附近,贴近肌层,形成纤维组织囊;10例标本磁珠附近组织镜下未见炎症细胞浸润,2例标本见少量—中等量中性粒细胞及少量淋巴细胞浸润。 结论磁力环装置可通过开腹或腔镜方便植入,研究表明该装置以及安装技术安全、可靠,可转化到GERD患者中。     

Improvement in lower esophageal sphincter pressure following surgery for complicated gastroesophageal reflux.

A comparison was made of the pre- and postoperative lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures in nine patients undergoing a posterior gastropexy for complicated gastroesophageal reflux. LES pressure was increased from 4.4 plus or minus 0.4 mm Hg to 13.9 plus or minus 0.5 mm Hg following surgery (p less than .01). The ratio of the change in LES pressure compared to the change in gastric pressure during increases in intra-abdominal pressure delta S/delta G, was 0.59 plus or minus 0.05 preoperatively and 0.94 plus or minus .01 postoperatively (p less than .01). All patients were asymptomatic after surgery. Both the resting LES pressure and the S/G ratio following surgery were significantly less than the comparable values obtained in an age-matched control population (p less than .01). These studies suggest that the clinical improvement following surgery for gastroesophageal reflux may be due to the increase in resting LES pressure and the improved response of the LES to increased intra-abdominal pressure.     

Revaluation of the efficacy of magnetic sphincter augmentation for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent disease which severely impacts the quality of life of the patients. The surgical options are limited to such patients who are not satisfied with medical therapies. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a new antireflux surgical technique for treating GERD, which could physiologically reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter by magnetic force. Many clinical and animal studies have focused on this new therapy. The purpose of this work was to review the feasibility, efficacy and safety of MSA as a new treatment for GERD.

Methods

We performed a PubMed database search for the MSA and GERD-related studies between 2008 and September 22, 2015. One animal study, two case reports and fifteen clinical studies were identified in this review.

Results

The MSA device reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter to antireflux via magnetic force. The feasibility of this laparoscopic technique has been proved by the experimental and clinical studies. The clinical studies demonstrate that MSA treatment could effectively reduce the percent time of esophageal acid exposure (pH < 4) and improve the GERD health-related quality of life score. The operation time of MSA is shorter than that of the Nissen fundoplication, and the efficacy of MSA treatment is equal to that of fundoplication. The most frequent postoperative complication is dysphagia, and the majority of them could be self-resolved with conservative treatment.

Conclusion

MSA (or LINX) devices provide an alternative surgical option for the patients who had failed in medical therapy. This review of the current literatures demonstrates that MSA is as effective as the medical and conventional surgical therapies. In the future, MSA will play a more important role in the treatment of GERD because of its unique advantage.

     

Endoscopic treatment modalities for gastroesophageal reflux disease

A debate has been going for decades between surgeons and gastroenterologists about the treatment of choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has been historically far from the reach of gastroenterologists, who adopted the symptomatic treatment as their approach to reflux disease through reduction of gastric acid. As for surgeons, reaching the LES was only possible by invading the thoracic or abdominal cavity. Although their approach was later refined to become minimally invasive, it was still deemed too invasive by others to allow it to be the gold standard. Simple logic should lead one to think about the natural route as the easiest way to reach the LES. This concept has opened the door for the new era of GERD treatment through endoscopic modality. Seven different techniques are currently being used to treat patients with GERD. We review the mechanism of action, potential side effects, efficacy, durability, and results from the most recent or largest experience of each. This review shows that endoscopic treatment has definitely earned its place as a viable option for GERD treatment in selected patients. With the available data from clinical trials, it is not possible to determine the best modality available, and the endoscopic treatment of choice is to be determined with further studies.     

胃食管反流病患者伴有或不伴有食管黏膜损伤与食管上、下括约肌压力相关性研究

目的研究伴或不伴食管黏膜损伤的胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD）患者在食管动力方面的差异。 方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年12月,解放军总医院就诊的有反酸、烧心、胸痛等症状的患者,24 h食管pH监测Demeester积分≥14.72分,根据内镜检查结果分为糜烂性反流病（ERD）组和非糜烂性反流病（NERD）组,比较2组患者食管动力学指标的变化。 结果NERD组与ERD组UESP平均值数值相似,差异无统计学意义（P=0.168）。其余指标UESRP平均值、LESP最小值、LESP平均值、LESRP平均值、LESRP最大值、DCI中NERD组均高于ERD组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.001）。NERD组平均年龄明显小于ERD组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.000 1）。NERD组患者身高较ERD组偏低,体重较轻,身体质量指数（body mass index,BMI）也较小,差异有统计学意义（P<0.000 1）。 结论随着年龄的增大或BMI的增加,可能增加GERD患者食管黏膜损伤的风险。此外,糜烂性反流病患者较非糜烂性反流病的上、下食管括约肌动力障碍更严重。     

Magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease: review of clinical studies

Use of the magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) device for the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is increasing since the first clinical implant performed a decade ago. The MSA procedure is a minimally invasive and highly standardized surgical option for patients who are partially responders to proton-pump inhibitors, which have troublesome regurgitation or develop progressive symptoms despite continuous medical therapy. The procedure has proven to be highly effective in improving typical reflux symptoms, reducing the use of proton-pump inhibitors, and decreasing esophageal acid exposure. Observational cohort studies have shown that MSA compares well with fundoplication in selected patients and has an acceptable safety profile. The device can be easily removed if necessary, thereby preserving the option of fundoplication in the future. The majority of the removals have occurred within 2 years after implant and have been managed non-emergently, with no complications or long-term consequences. “Expanded” indications to MSA (large hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus) need to be tested in further comparative studies with classic fundoplication procedures.     

Factors affecting esophageal motility in gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data concerning the effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on esophageal motor function. HYPOTHESIS: Duration of GERD might affect severity of symptoms, grade of esophageal mucosal injury, and esophageal motor behavior. DESIGN: Retrospective study of a defined cohort. SETTINGS: Two referral centers, one of them academic, for esophageal gastrointestinal motility disorders. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-seven patients with documented GERD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms, grade of mucosal injury on esophagoscopy, esophageal manometry, ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, and esophagogram. RESULTS: Patients with GERD had significantly decreased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (P =.02), lower amplitude of esophageal peristalsis at all levels of measurement (P<.001), and more delayed esophageal transit (P =.007) compared with control subjects. Patients with dysphagia, severe esophagitis, and Barrett esophagus presented with a longer history of the disease, significantly worse esophageal motor function (P<.01), and more prolonged esophageal transit than patients without the above features of the disease. Impairment of esophageal peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure were significantly inversely related to the duration of the disease (P<.001). Also, delay of esophageal transit was significantly related to the duration of the disease (P =.002) and inversely related to the amplitude of esophageal peristalsis (P<.001). Unlike the manometric variables, the extent of reflux, as assessed by ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, was not related to the duration of the disease. CONCLUSION: A long history of GERD is more commonly associated with presence of dysphagia, delayed esophageal transit, severe esophagitis, presence of Barrett esophagus, and impaired esophageal motility.     

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.     

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is by far the most prevalent disorder of the foregut. For a long time during the twentieth century, surgical therapy was the mainstay of treatment and the only chance for cure for patients with severe symptoms. Later, after introduction of proton pump inhibitor therapy in the early 1990s, surgical therapy was considered widely a second choice option due to its potential morbidity and side effects. More recently, however, there is growing evidence that long-term antisecretory therapy might be associated to a number of adverse effects such as osteoporosis and increased risk of cardiovascular events. This is the rationale why interventional and surgical options are coming back into focus.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to analyze and to discuss the current spectrum of surgical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

胃食管反流病的腹腔镜外科治疗

目的:探讨腹腔镜手术治疗胃食管反流病的临床效果.方法:回顾性分析2008年1月—2011年9月对33例胃食管反流病患者行腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补和胃底折叠术的临床资料.腹腔镜单纯胃底折叠术5例(Toupet式),腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补加胃底折叠术25例(Nissen式3例,Toupet式22例),腹腔镜单纯食管裂孔疝修补术3例.结果:全组患者手术均获成功,手术时间90～185 min.术后平均住院6d.无中转开腹及死亡病例,无术后严重并发症.术后随访1～24个月,32例临床症状完全消失,1例明显好转.结论:对于胃食管反流性疾病,腹腔镜食管裂孔疝修补和胃底折叠术是一种微创、安全、有效的治疗方法.