Endoscopic Myotomy Research Articles

FA02.02: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA: OUR EXPERIENCE ON 1000 LAPAROSCOPIC HELLER-DOR OPERATIONS

Abstract Background In the past decades, Laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) progressively became the treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia. Aim of this study was to assess our 25-year experience with LHD at a single high-volume institution. Methods 1000 patients underwent LHD from 1992–2017 by 6 staff surgeons. Patients who had already been treated with surgical or endoscopic myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium swallow, endoscopy, manometry (conventional or High Resolution) were performed, before and after surgery, while 24-hour pH monitoring was performed 6 months after surgery. Treatment failure was defined as a postoperative symptom score >10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e. >8). Results LHD was performed on 1000 patients (M: F = 536:464); the median age was 46 (IQR 36–54), 183 (18.3%) had a history of endoscopic treatments (pneumatic dilation or botox injections, or both). The surgical procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but 7 patients (0.7%) and there was one perioperative death for heart attack. There were 25 perforations (2.5%): 22 were recognized and repaired during the operation, 3 were detected by postoperative contrast swallow. In 674 patients the manometric pattern was classified as follows: 310 (46%) pattern I, 315 (46.7%) pattern II and 49 (7.3%) pattern III. The outcome was positive in 902 patients (90.2%). In patients who had a previous treatment the failures were 25/183 (13.7%) while in the primary treatment group the failures were 73/817 (8.9%) (P = 0.055). All the 98 patients whose LHD failed underwent one or more pneumatic dilations, which ameliorated their symptoms in all but 11 patients (10 required reoperation). The overall success rate of combined LHD and dilations was 98.4%. At univariate analysis, manometric pattern (P = 0.001), absent sigmoid megaesophagus (P = 0.003) and chest pain score (P = 0.002) were the only factors predictive of the result. At multivariate analysis, these three factors were independently associated with good outcome. Postoperative 24-hour pH was abnormal in 50/590 patients (8.5%). Two patients developed an esophageal cancer during follow-up. Conclusion In a university tertiary referral center, LHD relieves achalasia symptoms durably. The preoperative manometric pattern, the absence of a sigmoid esophagus and the chest pain score represent the strongest predictors of outcome. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

VS02.01: FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPIC CRICOPHARYNGEAL MYOTOMY WITH THULIUM LASER

Abstract Description Flexible endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum is feasible, but electrocautery and CO2 laser technology carry the risk of collateral thermal injury. Thulium laser septum incision may overcome this limitation. We describe for the first time the use of thulium laser through flexible endoscopy in a small cohort of patients with Zenker diverticulum. Methods Thulium laser septum division was performed via flexible endoscopy under general anesthesia in 11 consecutive symptomatic patients with primary or recurrent Zenker diverticulum. Primary study aims were feasibility and safety of the procedure. To improve exposure and stabilize the septum during the procedure, either a transparent cap or a bivalve soft overtube were used. The laser system used was Opera® (Quanta System SpA, Varese, Italy), emitting a 1.9 μm Thulium wavelength radiation. A continuous laser configuration and an emission power of 5 to 16 W were chosen to allow incision of the mucosa and cricopharyngeal myotomy. Using 272 and 365 μm optical fibres in a non-contact mode, laser incision was performed in the midline of the septum until cricopharyngeal muscle fibers were encountered and a V-shaped myotomy was completed under visual control. Results Between May and January 2018, 11 consecutive patients were treated. Four patients presented with recurrent symptomatic diverticulum after previous transoral septum stapling or endoscopic myotomy. Median dysphagia and regurgitation scores were 4.1 ± 0.7 and 3.3 ± 0.8 respectively. Complete division of the septum was achieved in all patients. There was no bleeding nor need of adjunctive electrocautery devices to complete the procedure. The post-operative course was uneventful in all patients; the chest film and gastrographin swallow study on post-operative day one were negative for pneumomediastinum or leaks. All patients were discharged within 48 hours on a soft diet. At the 2-month follow-up visit, all patients were satisfied with the procedure with a post-operative dysphagia score of 2.0 ± 0.6 and a regurgitation score of 1.5 ± 0.4. Conclusions Division of Zenker's septum with Thulium laser is feasible and safe through flexible endoscopy. Longer term follow-up is required to establish effectiveness and reproducibility of this novel procedure. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Non-cardiac chest pain: a 2018 update.

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is defined as recurring, angina-like, chest pain of non-cardiac origin. Studies have estimated that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common contributing factor for NCCP. In patients with non-GERD related NCCP, esophageal motility disorders, and functional chest pain of presumed esophageal origin are the main underlying mechanisms for symptoms. Epidemiologic studies show a high prevalence of panic disorder, anxiety and major depression in NCCP patients. The diagnostic esophageal workup starts only after that cardiac and pulmonary diseases have been ruled out. NCCP patients with typical reflux symptoms are more likely to have GERD-related NCCP than those without typical reflux symptoms. High-dose proton pump inhibitor trial (PPI test) can be used to confirm the diagnosis of GERD-related NCCP. Negative upper endoscopy is quite common. For patients unresponsive to antireflux treatment and with negative endoscopy, impedance-pH monitoring should be done. Treatment of patients with non-GERD-related NCCP has focused on esophageal (hypercontractile or spastic) motility disorders and esophageal visceral hypersensitivity. In the first case, several trials using calcium channel blockers, nitrates, anticholinergics, or botulinum toxin injection and recent trials with endoscopic myotomy have been conducted. In case of visceral hypersensitivity, studies found that the amelioration, when compared to placebo, was significant with venlafaxine, sertraline, and imipramine. In this context, also cognitive behavioral therapy has been proposed.

Endoscopic Myotomy and Pyloroplasty of Benign NSAID-Induced Pyloric Stricture With Combination Needle Knife Papillotome and Balloon Dilation

Endoscopic Myotomy and Pyloroplasty of Benign NSAID-Induced Pyloric Stricture With Combination Needle Knife Papillotome and Balloon Dilation

The impact of flexible endoscopy in esophageal surgery.

Achalasia and Treatment of esophageal Adenocarcinoma are commonly associated to surgical resection. Newer technologies in interventional endoscopy gave way to a substantial paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In the case of achalasia, endoscopic myotomy is rapidly displacing Heller's myotomy as the gold standard in many centers. Early stage neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) comprising high-grade dysplasia (HGD), intramucosal and, in some cases, submucosal carcinoma is now being treated without the need of esophagectomy. This review presents a summary of the most relevant endoscopic techniques for both achalasia and esophageal cancer. Endoscopic advances in diagnostic and therapeutic arenas allow for minimally invasive therapies and organ preservation in most settings of achalasia and early stage neoplasia of the esophagus provided that the clinical setting and physician's expertise are prepared for this approach.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare neurogenic motility disorder of the esophagus, occurring in approximately 0.11 cases per 100,000 children. The combination of problems (aperistalsis, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and lack of receptive LES relaxation) results in patients having symptoms of progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and regurgitation. Treatment modalities have evolved over the past few decades from balloon dilation and botulinum toxin injection to laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopic myotomy. Most data on achalasia management is extrapolated to children from adult experience. This article describes understanding of the pathogenesis and discusses newer therapeutic techniques as well as controversies in management.

Managing Esophageal Dysphagia in the Elderly

Esophageal dysphagia in the elderly is a common clinical problem. Achalasia is a disease in which there is loss of ganglion in the myenteric plexus of the lower esophageal sphincter resulting in incomplete relaxation of that muscle causing a functional obstruction to outflow. Treatment is aimed at reducing sphincter pressure allowing for gravity and the oral portion of the swallow to propel the bolus through the esophagus. Pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy (laparoscopic), and the newest procedure peroral endoscopic esophageal myotomy (POEM) are all reasonable options for effective treatment even in the elderly. The choice depends on the decision of the patient, subtype of achalasia, local expertise, and fitness for surgery. Patients over 45 with type 2 achalasia respond exceptionally well to pneumatic dilation, and we recommend consideration of this technique if expertise is available. POEM has achieved excellent short-term results and if local expertise exists, it should be strongly considered especially in patients with type 3 achalasia. Type 1 achalasia may respond slightly better to myotomy, either Heller or POEM. Proton pump inhibitors remain the treatment of choice for GERD and should not be avoided in the elderly for fear of adverse reactions. While none of the FDA warnings nor concern for chronic renal failure or dementia can be dismissed, much more research is needed before we accept that PPIs are truly causal. Surgery for GERD in patients over 65 is as effective as in the young and should be considered in appropriate candidates. Eosinophilic esophagitis, while not common in the elderly, frequently results in clinically important dysphagia. PPIs, topical oral steroids, and dietary interventions are all used individually and together to improve symptoms. PPIs remain first line and are required twice daily for at least 8weeks as an initial trial. Dilation with either balloons or polyvinyl dilators are highly effective in patients with rings and focal strictures, can be performed safely, and limit the number of medications an elderly patient needs to take.

Endoscopic approach to cricopharyngeal hypertonicity and hypopharyngeal diverticulum

Cricopharyngeal (CP) muscle dysfunction may be an etiology for oropharyngeal dysphagia. The CP muscle may fail to relax fully, or in a coordinated fashion during the swallowing reflex. Alone this may cause dysphagia, but may also precipitate a pulsion diverticulum, known as Zenker's diverticulum. When symptom severity and radiographic and endoscopic evaluation warrant intervention, endoscopic and open surgical options to manage these issues are available. This article strives to describe the techniques of endoscopic CP myotomy and Zenker's diverticulostomy. Patient selection, contraindications for the surgery, and potential complications are described.

POEM Procedure: What the Radiologist Needs to Know for This New Surgical Intervention for Achalasia

Achalasia is a debilitating condition resulting from the failure of appropriate lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Traditionally, the treatment of choice for achalasia has been a Heller myotomy, performed either via laparotomy or laparoscopically. The latter method has gained wide popularity in its documented lower postoperative morbidity. Recently, however, a new technique has been developed that can be performed by both thoracic surgeons and endoscopists-Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy. This procedure offers an alternative to invasive surgery and provides excellent outcomes with minimal recovery time.1 This article would help familiarize radiologists with this new technique, as well as both normal and abnormal postoperative appearances.

Outcomes After Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy Using a Diode Laser and Mucosal Closure

Outcomes After Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy Using a Diode Laser and Mucosal Closure

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction: A systematic review comparing outcomes of dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, and myotomy.

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction may lead to severe dysphagia and aspiration. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing studies on the effectiveness of myotomy, dilatation, and botulinum toxin (BoT) injection in the management of cricopharyngeal dysphagia. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible studies by using the terms "cricopharyngeal dysfunction," "cricopharyngeal myotomy," "cricopharyngeal botox," "cricopharyngeal dilation," and their combinations from 1990 to 2013. This was supplemented by hand-searching relevant articles. Eligible articles were independently assessed for quality by two authors. Statistical analysis was performed. The database search revealed 567 articles. Thirty-two articles met eligibility criteria and were further evaluated. The reported success rates of BoT injections was between 43% and 100% (mean = 76%), dilation 58% and 100% (mean = 81%), and myotomy 25% and 100% (mean = 75%). In logistic regression analysis of the patient-weighted averages, the 78% success rate with myotomy was significantly higher than the 69% success rate with BoT injections (P = .042), whereas the intermediate success rate of 73% with dilation was not significantly different from that of either myotomy (P = .37) or BoT (P = .42). There was a statistically significant difference between endoscopic and open myotomy success rates (P = .0025). Endoscopic myotomy had a higher success rate, with a 2.2 odds ratio. The success rate of myotomy is significantly higher than the success rate of BoT injections in cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Moreover, endoscopic myotomy was found to have a higher success rate compared to open myotomy.

Per‐oral endoscopic myotomy: Emerging indications and evolving techniques

Esophageal achalasia is a benign esophageal motility disorder resulting from an impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The principles of treatment involve disruption of the sphincter at the esophagogastric junction. Treatment techniques include balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, and surgical myotomy. In 2008, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was introduced by Inoue et al. as an endoscopic myotomy with no skin incision. The procedure has been well accepted and widely applied owing to its minimal invasiveness and high cure rates. Moreover, there have been discussions on wider indications for POEM and new technical developments have been reported. The present article reviews the historical background and present status of POEM, as well as future prospects for its application in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.

Advances in the Treatment of Achalasia

Achalasia, although rare, remains one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of esophageal motility. It results from an idiopathic loss of ganglion cells responsible for esophageal motility and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). As a result, patients present with worsening dysphagia to both liquids and solids and often suffer from significant regurgitation of retained food in the esophagus. When the diagnosis of achalasia is suspected, patients should undergo evaluation with esophageal motility testing, endoscopic examination, and contrast esophagram. Once the diagnosis of achalasia has been established, options for treatment rely on controlling patient symptoms. Medical options are available, but their effectiveness is inconsistent. Endoscopic options include injection of botulinum toxin, which can achieve good short-term results, and pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD), considered the most effective non-surgical option. Surgical options, including laparoscopic, open, or endoscopic myotomy, and provide long-lasting results. This chapter will review achalasia and the treatment options available.

Functional outcomes following endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy with mucosal repair

Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy is an effective treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction, but concern remains over the risk of serious complications following the procedure. Some authors have therefore considered endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy with mucosal repair; however, outcome data for the procedure is scanty. This study aims to identify functional outcomes in a series of patients following endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy with mucosal repair. Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy with mucosal repair was performed on 38 subjects in two centres over a period of 33 months. Pre- and post-operative outcomes were evaluated in 32 subjects using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire and Reflux Symptom Index. An improvement in swallowing scores was seen in 30 subjects (94%, p < 0.001). The Reflux Symptom Index improved 28 subjects (88%, p < 0.001). Mean procedure time was 58 min. One subject (2.6%) developed mediastinitis following surgery, and four experienced (12.5%) a recurrence of dysphagic symptoms. Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy with mucosal repair is an effective treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction. The complication rate observed in this study was comparable or lower than previously reported studies into endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy without mucosal repair. Larger studies may be required to determine the additional benefit of mucosal repair over endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy alone.

内視鏡下輪状咽頭筋切除術の手技と切除効果の検討

内視鏡下輪状咽頭筋切除術の手技と切除効果の検討

Morphology of cricopharyngeal muscle under suspension laryngeal endoscope

To observe the morphologic features of cricopharyngeal muscle (CPM) under suspension laryngeal endoscope. This prospective study was conducted on a series of 100 consecutive patients who undergone endoscopic microlaryngeal surgery with intubation general anesthesia. The suspension laryngoscope was introduced down to postcricoid area approaching esophageal inlet. By lifting the larynx with the laryngoscope, the mucosa-covered cricopharyngeal muscle was easily identified as the mound of tissue just at the posterior pharyngeal wall. The image of cricopharyngeal muscle under the laryngoscope was saved. In 94 out of 100 patients, CPM could be visualized with laryngoscope. In the other 6 patients, both CPM and glottic could not be exposed because of cervical vertebra stiffness and obesity. According to the image of CPM under the laryngoscope, the shape of the CPM was divided into three types. It was named for flat type in which there was no mound of tissue visible at the posterior pharyngeal wall and esophageal cavity could be visible completely, semi-bar type in which there was a bar at the posterior pharyngeal wall and partial esophageal cavity could be visible and full-bar type in which the bar contact esophageal anterior wall and esophageal cavity could not be visible. There were 14(14.9%) patients as flat type, 59(62.8%) as semi-bar type and 21(22.3%) as full-bar type. No significant difference was found between adults group and the aged (≥ 65 years old) group (χ(2) = 1.224, P = 0.747) and reflux associated group and non-reflux associated group respectively (χ(2) = 5.252, P = 0.072). The CPM could be well exposed in most of the patients with suspension laryngeal endoscope. It provides anatomy basis for endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy.

Carbon Dioxide Laser—Assisted Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy with Primary Mucosal Closure

Carbon dioxide laser-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (ECPM) has emerged as a viable therapy for dysphagia. The risks of the procedure include pharyngoesophageal perforation and mediastinitis, which may discourage adoption of this technique. To address these complications, we examined outcomes of ECPM with primary mucosal closure. A case series of 7 patients who underwent ECPM between 2006 and 2008 were reviewed for length of operation, length of hospitalization, postoperative complications, and outcomes by use of the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Index (MDADI) and the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS). The results were compared to those of a control group of 7 patients treated during the same period via open cricopharyngeal myotomy. All patients who had ECPM were treated successfully without complications. The operative times averaged 128 minutes. The hospitalization averaged 2.1 days. Statistically significant improvements in swallowing were seen (MDADI score from 51.3 to 77.7, p < 0.0006; FOSS score from 3.7 to 1.3, p < 0.0005), and were similar to those in the patients who had the open procedure (FOSS score from 3.0 to 1.0, p <0.006). Trends toward decreased blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower complication rate were observed in the patients who had ECPM. ECPM is beneficial as a primary treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Closure of the mucosal defect may help reduce the incidence of postoperative cervical emphysema and mediastinitis, and does not appear to compromise functional outcome.

Heller-type cardiomyotomy using NOTES

We read with interest the article by Pasricha et al. on endoscopic myotomy [1]. It is clear that esophageal myotomy could be one of the procedures easily done using natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Unfortunately the described technique would not enable achievement of a complete Heller-type cardiomyotomy extending into the gastric wall. While accessing the esophageal submucosal plane and incising the muscle layer is easy, performing an adequate cardiomyotomy may be difficult using this reported technique.

Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy for zenker's diverticulum: Evaluation of technical and clinical results

Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy for zenker's diverticulum: Evaluation of technical and clinical results

Balloon Dilation—Assisted Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication

Two methods are currently used in the treatment of achalasia: endoscopic balloon dilation and surgical Heller myotomy. Laparoscopy has come into use in achalasia surgery, and good outcomes have been achieved. This study included 11 patients (mean age, 30.7 years). Balloon dilation-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication were performed in all patients. A 36-F orogastric tube was placed under visualization. The balloon of the tube was placed in the esophagogastric junction. After laparoscopic cardiomyotomy, the balloon was removed and Dor fundoplication was performed. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. The patients were discharged on the second and third postoperative days (mean [standard deviation], 3 +/- 0.46). One month after the operation, the patients were tested with barium swallowing, and no complications or recurrences were observed. Laparoscopic distal esophagomyotomy combined with partial fundoplication may be the surgical approach of choice in achalasia because it is safer, provides good to excellent relief of symptoms and excellent cosmetic results, involves a shorter hospital stay, and is easy to execute. Balloon dilation makes myotomy easier because it separates the muscle fibers. Placing and insufflation of the balloon become safer because the entire procedure is executed under visualization; thus, excessive dilation is avoided.