Comparison of Anterior Gastric Wall and Greater Gastric Curvature Invaginations for Weight Loss in Rats

BACKGROUND: Many bariatric endoscopic or surgical procedures performed today reduce gastric capacity and/or induce an early sensation of gastric satiety, alone or in combination with a distal enteric intervention. A form of prosthetic wrap of the folded stomach was used in the past for treating obesity with a high rate of prosthesis-related reintervention. Nissen gastric fundoplication used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease induces a small but significant weight loss without gastric stapling, partitioning, or prosthesis-related morbidity. We recently reported greater gastric curvature invagination without stapling, partitioning or prosthesis use, for weight loss in rats. We now compare anterior gastric wall and greater gastric curvature invaginations for weight loss. The anterior invagination would be technically easier, should it be tested in humans. METHODS: 20 rats were randomized in 2 groups. The anterior gastric wall of 10 rats was invaginated in the first group (AGW). The greater gastric curvature of 10 rats was invaginated in the second group (GGC). All animals were weighed weekly for 4 weeks. They were then autopsied on the 28th day. RESULTS: The mean body weight of the GGC group became statistically less than the AGW group at 21 days. The mean weight of the peritesticular fat pad and the mean gastric volume were not statistically different at 28 days (autopsy). CONCLUSION: Greater gastric curvature invagination significantly reduces body weight compared to anterior gastric wall invagination at 21 days.     

A comparison of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy placement in the neonatal intensive care unit population

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after laparoscopic and open techniques for Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy placement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population.

Methods

The medical records for NICU inpatients who underwent laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy placement from August 2002 to August 2008 were reviewed after Institutional Review Board approval. Each technique was compared with regard to operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative 24-hour narcotic requirements, time to goal feeds, and complication rates. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistical significance. Data are quoted as mean ± SEM.

Results

Fifty-seven NICU patients underwent fundoplication and gastrostomy placement (25 laparoscopic and 32 open). The time to goal feeds was significantly shorter for the laparoscopic group (4.3 ± 0.4 vs 6.1 ± 0.6 days, P = .04). The 24-hour postoperative narcotic requirement was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (0.24 ± 0.05 vs 0.55 ± 0.08 mg/kg, P = .007). Operation times (111 ± 5 [open] vs 113 ± 5 minutes, P = .76) and estimated blood loss (13 ± 2 [open] vs 11 ± 1 mL, P = .33) were comparable for both groups.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic and open techniques for Nissen fundoplication with gastrostomy placement are safe and appropriate treatment methods with equivalent operating times for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in the NICU population.     

Influence of psychopathological changes on quality of life after laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux

There are references in medical literature to the influence of psychopathological changes and their negative impact on the results of laparoscopic fundoplication. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of psychological changes, as assessed by the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), on patients undergoing surgery for gastroesophageal reflux.
This is a prospective study in a series of 103 consecutive patients (62 males and 41 females with a mean age of 40 years) undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication. In addition to functional studies, patients completed the SF-36, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, and GHQ-28 before surgery. Functional tests and questionnaires were repeated 6 months after surgery. Patients were also questioned about their degree of satisfaction. Postoperative results of patients with a normal GHQ-28 and patients showing psychopathological changes as defined by the GHQ-28 questionnaire before surgery were compared.
Overall, all patients experienced an improvement in their quality of life. Forty-one patients showed a pathological result in the preoperative GHQ-28 questionnaire. No differences were found in functional results and degree of satisfaction with surgery between patients with normal and pathological results in the preoperative GHQ-28 questionnaire. However, patients with a pathological result in the preoperative GHQ-28 had poorer results in all domains of the postoperative Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and SF36 quality of life questionnaires as compared to patients with a normal preoperative GHQ-28 questionnaire.
Patients with pathological results in the preoperative GHQ-28 had poorer results in terms of postoperative quality of life despite having normal postoperative physiological studies; this decreased quality of life did not have an impact on the degree of satisfaction with surgery performed. The GHQ-28 does not therefore appear to serve as a predictor of postoperative satisfaction.     

The Evolution and Long-Term Results of Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background:

For nearly 2 decades, the laparoscopic correction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has demonstrated its utility. However, the surgical technique has evolved over time, with mixed long-term results. We briefly review the evolution of antireflux surgery for the treatment of GERD, provide an update specific to the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), and analyze the factors predictive of a desirable outcome.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed and Medline database searches were performed to identify articles regarding the laparoscopic treatment of GERD. Emphasis was placed on randomized control trials (RCTs) and reports with follow-up >1 year. Specific parameters addressed included operative technique, resolution of symptoms, complications, quality of life, division of short gastric vessels (SGVs), mesh repair, and approximation of the crura. Those studies specifically addressing follow-up of <1 year, the pediatric or elderly population, redo fundoplication, and repair of paraesophageal hernia and short esophagus were excluded.

Results:

LARS has varied in technical approach through the years. Not until recently have more long-term, objective studies become available to allow for evidenced-based appraisals. Our review of the literature found no long-term difference in the rates of heartburn, gas-bloat, antacid use, or patient satisfaction between laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication. In addition, several studies have shown that more patients had an abnormal pH profile following laparoscopic partial as opposed to total fundoplication. Conversely, dysphagia was more common following laparoscopic total versus partial fundoplication in 50% of RCTs at 12-month follow-up, though this resolved over time, being present in only 20% with follow-up >24 months. We confirmed that preoperative factors, such as hiatal hernia, atypical symptoms, poor antacid response, body mass index (BMI), and postoperative vomiting, are potential predictors of an unsatisfactory long-term outcome. Last, no trial disfavored division of the short gastric vessels (SGVs), closure of the crura, or mesh repair for hiatal defects.

Conclusion:

LARS has significantly evolved over time. The laparoscopic total fundoplication appears to provide more durable long-term results than the partial approach, as long as the technical elements of the operation are respected. Division of the SGVs, closure of the crura, and the use of mesh for large hiatal defects positively impacts long-term outcome. Hiatal hernia, atypical symptoms, poor antacid response, body mass index (BMI), and postoperative vomiting are potential predictors of failure in LARS.     

Esophageal angulation after hiatoplasty and fundoplication: a cause of dysphagia?

Hiatoplasty is generally considered an essential part of antireflux operations. Posterior closure of an enlarged hiatus may lead to anterior displacement of the esophagus and it may be contributory to postoperative dysphagia. The aims of this study were to (i) measure the normal esophageal anteroposterior angulation, (ii) evaluate the variation of the angulation after laparoscopic hiatoplasty and fundoplication, and (iii) correlate the angulation with postoperative dysphagia. Normal esophageal anteroposterior angle determined by barium preoperative barium esophagram was evaluated based on the study of 100 patients. Postoperative angulation was evaluated based on the study of 32 patients who underwent barium esophagram after laparoscopic hiatoplasty and fundoplication. The results showed that the normal esophageal anteroposterior angle was 150.4 ± 10.7 (range 119–169) degrees. There was no correlation between the angle and gender ( P  = 0.6) or age ( P  = 0.1). Postoperative angle averaged 146.6 ± 11.7 (range 122–170) degrees. Normal and post-operative angle were not different ( P  = 0.1). The difference between post- and preoperative angle averaged 0.7 ± 8.9 (range –15–14). There was no statistically significant difference when pre- and post-operative angles were compared ( P  = 0.6). De novo dysphagia was present in 31% of the 32 postoperative patients. There was no statistically significant difference when the angles in patients with and without de novo dysphagia were compared ( P  = 0.2). We concluded that (i) laparoscopic hiatoplasty and fundoplication does not significantly change the esophageal anteroposterior angle; and (ii) de novo dysphagia is not with the esophageal anteroposterior angle.     

Laparoscopic calibrated total vs partial fundoplication following Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia

AIM:To compare the mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with Dor fundoplication performed after Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia.METHODS:Fifty-six patients(26 men,30 women;mean age 42.8±14.7 years)presenting for minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal achalasia,were enrolled.All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by a 180°anterior partial fundoplication in 30 cases(group 1)and calibrated NissenRossetti fundoplication in 26(group 2).Intra...     

Patients with upright reflux have less favorable postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery than those with supine reflux

The aim of this study was to compare symptomatic outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with upright vs. supine reflux. A prospective database was used to assess postoperative clinical outcomes in relation to positional patterns of reflux in 117 patients. Supine reflux was present in 31%, upright in 24%, and the remaining 44% had bipositional reflux. Preoperatively there were no differences in the frequency of typical or atypical symptoms between groups. At a mean follow-up of 18_11 months postoperatively, there were marked differences in symptoms between groups. Patients with upright reflux noted significantly more heartburn, chest pain, odynophagia, and bloating postoperatively when compared to patients with supine and bipositional reflux (P<0.05). According to visual analog scales, patients with upright reflux expressed less satisfaction with operative results, ascribing more symptoms to the esophagus and stomach, when compared to those with supine reflux (P<0.05). Although all patients reported improvement, the extent of the relief from preoperative symptoms was less in patients with upright reflux (P<0.05). When asked if, in retrospect, they favored operative therapy, the patients with upright reflux were less enthusiastic (P<0.05). Although antireflux surgery eliminates reflux in nearly all patients, postoperative symptomatic outcome is related to the preoperative pattern of reflux. Although all patients showed symptomatic improvement, the extent of that improvement was significantly less in patients with upright reflux. These patients should be carefully counseled preoperatively regarding expected symptomatic outcomes. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation). Supported by the Washington University Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery.     

Minimally invasive management of achalasia cardia: results from a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Since the performance of the first laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia cardia in 1991, the popularity of the minimally invasive approach for this troublesome disease has been growing. We present our experience of 226 patients who underwent laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and discuss the relevant issues. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 226 patients who have undergone laparoscopic cardiomyotomy since 1993. The preoperative workup, surgical technique, and postoperative management are described. RESULTS: Patients included 146 males and 80 females; average age was 36.4 years (range, 6 to 85). Mean duration of symptoms was 1.4 years. Nearly half of the patients (112) had undergone prior pneumatic dilatation. In 20 patients, myotomy alone was done, 44 patients had a Dor's fundoplication, and 162 had Toupet's fundoplication. The average operating time was 96 minutes. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.2 days. Dysphagia was eliminated in 88.9% of the patients with an overall morbidity of 4.4% and nil mortality over a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with Toupet's fundoplication is a safe and effective treatment of achalasia cardia. Dor's fundoplication is done selectively, especially when suspicion is present of mucosal injury.