Gas-related Symptoms Research Articles

Effect of Iberogast (STW5) on tolerance to colonic gas in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo control clinical trial.

STW5 is an herbal medicinal product that, in previous studies, reduced abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The effect of STW5 on gas-related abdominal symptoms is unknown. To determine the effects of STW5, compared to placebo, on the responses to colonic gas in IBS. Using a cross-over design, two gas challenge tests were performed in 10 patients with IBS and bloating after 2-weeks treatment with (a) STW5 and (b) placebo. The challenge test consisted in continuous infusion of gas into the colon (24 mL/min for 60 min), followed by a 30-min free evacuation period. Gas evacuation, symptom perception, and abdominal distension were continuously registered. Colonic gas filling was associated to a significant rise in abdominal symptom perception, that was significantly greater when patients were on-placebo (score increment 4.0 ± 0.3) compared with on-STW5 (score increment 3.2 ± 0.4; p = 0.035). Gas filling was associated to a progressive abdominal distension that was similar with both treatments. Opening of the rectal cannula produced a massive gas evacuation, similar after both treatments, associated to a return of abdominal perception and distension to basal levels when patients were on-STW5 (score increment -0.1 ± 0.4; distension 0.3 ± 0.2 cm; p = 0.399, and p = 0.112 vs. basal), whereas both remained increased on-placebo (score increment 0.5 ± 0.3; distension 0.8 ± 0.3 cm; p = 0.048, and p = 0.016 vs. infusion start). STW5 improves colonic gas tolerance in IBS patients with bloating without a significant effect on gas retention and evacuation. This medicinal product can be beneficious for treatment of gas-related abdominal symptoms in patients with bloating. EudraCT: 2019-003976-38.

Postprandial effect of gastrointestinal hormones and gastric activity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Altered gut regulation, including motor and secretory mechanisms, is characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The severity of postprandial symptoms in IBS patients is associated with discomfort and pain; gas-related symptoms such as bloating and abdominal distension; and abnormal colonic motility. The aim of this study was to assess the postprandial response, i.e., gut peptide secretion and gastric myoelectric activity, in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. The study was conducted on 42 IBS patients (14 males, 28 females, mean age 45.1 ± 15.3 years) and 42 healthy participants (16 males, 26 females, mean age 41.1 ± 8.7 years). The study assessed plasma gut peptide levels (gastrin, CCK—Cholecystokinin, VIP—Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, ghrelin, insulin) and gastric myoelectric activity obtained from electrogastrography (EGG) in the preprandial and postprandial period (meal–oral nutritional supplement 300 kcal/300 ml). Mean preprandial gastrin and insulin levels were significantly elevated in IBS patients compared to the control group (gastrin: 72.27 ± 26.89 vs. 12.27 ± 4.91 pg/ml; p < 0.00001 and insulin: 15.31 ± 12.92 vs. 8.04 ± 3.21 IU/ml; p = 0.0001), while VIP and ghrelin levels were decreased in IBS patients (VIP: 6.69 ± 4.68 vs. 27.26 ± 21.51 ng/ml; p = 0.0001 and ghrelin: 176.01 ± 88.47 vs. 250.24 ± 84.55 pg/ml; p < 0.0001). A nonsignificant change in the CCK level was observed. IBS patients showed significant changes in postprandial hormone levels compared to the preprandial state—specifically, there were increases in gastrin (p = 0.000), CCK (p < 0.0001), VIP (p < 0.0001), ghrelin (p = 0.000) and insulin (p < 0.0001). Patients with IBS showed reduced preprandial and postprandial normogastria (59.8 ± 22.0 vs. 66.3 ± 20.2%) compared to control values (83.19 ± 16.7%; p < 0.0001 vs. 86.1 ± 9.4%; p < 0.0001). In response to the meal, we did not observe an increase in the percentage of normogastria or the average percentage slow-wave coupling (APSWC) in IBS patients. The postprandial to preprandial power ratio (PR) indicates alterations in gastric contractions; in controls, PR = 2.7, whereas in IBS patients, PR = 1.7, which was significantly lower (p = 0.00009). This ratio reflects a decrease in gastric contractility. Disturbances in the postprandial concentration of gut peptides (gastrin, insulin and ghrelin) in plasma may contribute to abnormal gastric function and consequently intestinal motility, which are manifested in the intensification of clinical symptoms, such as visceral hypersensitivity or irregular bowel movements in IBS patients.

Partially-hydrolyzed guar gum plus simethicone in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a real-life survey

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical condition characterized by different phenotypes. Constipation and excessive gas production are prevalent in IBS patients, but diarrhea also frequently affects them. Conventional therapies do not modify the IBS natural history. However, a new medical device containing partially hydrolyzed gum guar (PHGG) and simethicone is currently on the market. The present real-life survey investigated this product in IBS patients.METHODS: A large number of Greek gastroenterologists (N.=114) enrolled an ample sample of IBS patients. For three months, patients took the compound (PHGG 5 g and simethicone 100 mg) one sachet daily. A questionary evaluated IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, distention, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, urgent bowel movement, and incomplete bowel movement) scored on a seven-level scale. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.RESULTS: The survey included 1190 patients (683 females and 507 males; mean age of 45.8 years). The medical device significantly reduced all symptoms (P<0.001). Constipation and gas-related symptoms (flatulence, distention, and abdominal pain) were the IBS complaints that obtained the highest reduction. The treatment was well tolerated and received high compliance (more than three-quarters took the product for more than 90 days as satisfied).CONCLUSIONS: This real-life survey demonstrated that PHGG plus simethicone could be suitable for managing IBS patients.

MAGNETIC SPHINCTER AUGMENTATION DEVICE FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: EFFECTIVE, BUT POSTOPERATIVE DYSPHAGIA AND RISK OF EROSION SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

Magnetic ring (MSA) implantation in the esophagus is an alternative surgical procedure to fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A systematic literature review of articles on MSA was performed using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) database between 2008 and 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) across all studies. A total of 22 studies comprising 4,663 patients with MSA were analysed. Mean follow-up was 27.3 (7-108) months. The weighted pooled proportion of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction were 93% (95%CI 83-98%) and 85% (95%CI 78-90%), respectively. The mean DeMeester score (pre-MSA: 34.6 vs. post-MSA: 8.9, p=0.03) and GERD-HRQL score (pre-MSA: 25.8 vs. post-MSA: 4.4, p<0.0001) improved significantly after MSA. The proportion of patients taking proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) decreased from 92.8 to 12.4% (p<0.0001). The weighted pooled proportions of dysphagia, endoscopic dilatation and gas-related symptoms were 18, 13, and 3%, respectively. Esophageal erosion occurred in 1% of patients, but its risk significantly increased for every year of MSA use (odds ratio - OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.77, p=0.004). Device removal was needed in 4% of patients. Although MSA is a very effective treatment modality for GERD, postoperative dysphagia is common and the risk of esophageal erosion increases over time. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety of MSA placement in patients with GERD.

The probiotic Bacillus subtilis BS50 decreases gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ABSTRACT Durable spore-forming probiotics are increasingly formulated into foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. To help meet this demand, the safety and efficacy of daily supplementation of Bacillus subtilis BS50 for 6 weeks was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial of 76 healthy adults. Before and during supplementation, gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded daily using a multi-symptom questionnaire. Clinical chemistry, hematology, plasma lipids, and intestinal permeability and inflammation markers were measured at baseline and end of study. Compared to placebo, 2 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) BS50 per day increased the proportion of participants showing improvement from baseline to week 6 in the composite score for bloating, burping, and flatulence (47.4% vs. 22.2%), whereby the odds of detecting an improvement were higher with BS50 (OR [95% CI]: 3.2 [1.1, 8.7], p = .024). Analyses of individual gastrointestinal symptoms indicate that BS50 increased the proportion of participants showing an improvement at week 6 compared to placebo for burping (44.7% vs. 22.2%, p = .041) and bloating (31.6% vs. 13.9%, p = .071), without affecting other symptoms. There were no clinically meaningful changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, plasma lipids and intestinal permeability and other inflammation markers. In conclusion, the results suggest that dietary supplementation of 2 × 109 CFU Bacillus subtilis BS50 per day is a well-tolerated and safe strategy to alleviate gas-related gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults. Abbreviations AE adverse event; BHD bowel habits diary; BMI body mass index; BSS Bristol Stool Scale; CFU colony-forming unit; CRP C-reactive protein; FGID functional gastrointestinal disorder; GI gastrointestinal; GITQ Gastrointestinal Tolerance Questionnaire; GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide 1; GSRS Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale; HDL-C high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; IBS irritable bowel syndrome; IL-10 interleukin-10; ITT intent-to-treat; LBP lipopolysaccharide binding protein; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; PP per protocol; PYY peptide YY; TG triglyceride; total-C total cholesterol

S561 The Gas and Bloating Diary APP: A Prospective Comparison With Daily Paper Diary

Introduction: Physicians rely on subject's recall of gas-related symptoms to facilitate diagnosis and treatment, but patient's recall may be unreliable or biased. Aim: To develop and prospectively test the reliability of a novel Gas and Bloating digital Diary APP and compare with a validated paper diary in healthy subjects. Methods: In a randomized, prospective, cross over study, healthy subjects recorded daily symptoms on either a paper diary or digital phone APP for 2 weeks each. Symptoms include bloating, gas, nausea, belching, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms frequency (0=none, 1=1/day, 2=2-3/day and 3=more than 3/day), duration (0=none,1=1-10 minutes, 2=10-30 mins, and 3= ≥ 30 mins), and severity (VAS (0 (none) to 10 (several)) were assessed. An overall index score was calculated for each symptoms, range from 9 (none) to 60 (severe). Correlational analysis were performed to determine the test-retest reliability, subject's preference, and validity of APP. Results: Thirty subjects (F/M=16/14; 18-75 yrs) participated. The APP symptom scores significantly correlated (ICC > 0.915, p< 0.001) between week 1 and 2, except diarrhea (ICC+0.099, p=0.390) (Table). There were significant correlations for 14-day APP diary and paper diary for bloating, gas, belching, abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion (ICC >0.585, p< 0.010). However, mean indices for nausea, distension, diarrrhea, and vomiting were low in both diaries suggesting infrequent occurrence of these symptoms in health, and lack of significant association (icc< 0.102, P >0.602). Significantly more subjects preferred the APP to paper diary (63.3% vs 33.3%, p=0.018). Conclusion: Gas and Bloating Diary APP is a reliable and reproducible digital tool for assessing gas-related symptoms and highly correlates with paper diary. APP was significantly preferred over paper diary. The detailed daily log and summary report together with normative data allows for improved understanding and management of patients with gas and bloating but requires validation in patients. The research module provides accurate analysis of symptoms and saves time for research use. Table 1. - Test-retest/Reliability, and Validity of Gas and Bloating APP versus Paper Form Diary in Healthy Subjects APP Test-retest/Reliability (n=30) Validity (n=30), APP vs Paper First week Second week ICC P APP Paper ICC P Bloating index 0.91 ± 0.40 0.67 ± 0.30 0.926 <0.001 0.75 ± 0.34 0.32 ± 0.13 0.585 0.010 Gas index 2.37 ± 0.58 1.92 ± 0.50 0.915 <0.001 2.04 ± 0.53 1.90 ± 0.72 0.889 <0.001 Nausea index 0.29 ± 0.27 0.23 ± 0.21 0.984 <0.001 0.26 ± 0.25 0.05 ± 0.02 0.210 0.265 Belching index 0.62 ± 0.32 0.82 ± 0.43 0.936 <0.001 0.67 ± 0.36 0.92 ± 0.45 0.873 <0.001 Distention index 0.27 ± 0.19 0.31 ± 0.21 0.969 <0.001 0.27 ± 0.20 0.09 ± 0.45 0.226 0.248 Abdominal pain index 0.19 ± 0.12 0.17 ± 0.14 0.964 <0.001 0.16 ± 0.13 0.09 ± 0.04 0.680 0.002 Constipation index 2.87 ± 0.71 2.94 ± 0.68 0.962 <0.001 2.84 ± 0.68 0.93 ± 0.72 0.925 <0.001 Indigestion index 0.25 ± 0.21 0.31 ± 0.25 0.988 <0.001 0.28 ± 0.23 0.33 ± 0.21 0.969 <0.001 Vomiting index 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 0.000 0.500 Diarrhea index 0.03 ± 0.01 0.03 ± 0.01 0.099 0.390 0.02 ± 0.01 0.04 ± 0.03 -0.065 0.566

A poor diet quality is associated with more gas-related symptoms and a decreased quality of life in French adults.

This study evaluated the association between dietary patterns, Gas-Related Symptoms (GRS) and their impact on quality of life (QoL) in a representative sample (n=936) of the French adult population. During the 2018-2019 "Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France" (CCAF) survey (Behaviors and Food Consumption in France), online evaluation of GRS in adult participants was performed using the validated Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ), which captures the perception of GRS and their impact on QoL via 6 symptom dimensions scores (range 0-100; 100=worse) and a global score (mean of the sum of the 6 symptom dimensions scores). Socio-demographics, lifestyle parameters and dietary habits (7-day e-food diary) were also collected online. Quality of diet was determined using the NRF9.3 score (range 0-900; 900=best). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors associated with IGQ global score. K-means was used to identify clusters of subjects based on their dietary records. Data from 936 adults who completed both the IGQ and the food diary showed a mean (SD) IGQ global score of 11.9 (11.2). Younger age and female gender were associated with a higher IGQ global score. Only 7% of subjects reported no symptom at all and nearly 30% of study participants reported a high impact of GRS on their QoL. Two dietary clusters were identified: cluster1, characterized by a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, lower sugars intake and higher NRF9.3 score and cluster 2, characterized by higher intake of sugars, lower intake in dietary fibers and lower NRF9.3 score. The IGQ global score was lower in cluster1 and higher in cluster2 vs. the total sample average (p<0.001). Prevalence of GRS in the French adult population is high and is associated with impaired QoL and dietary patterns. A change in food habits towards healthier patterns could help reducing the burden of GRS.

Management of bloating.

Abdominal bloating is a subjective sensation of trapped abdominal gas, producing abdominal pressure, fullness sensation, and, in some patients, associated objective abdominal distension. In this month's edition of the journal, a new validated questionnaire to assess the prevalence and impact of gas-related symptoms is presented by Duracinsky et al., showing that gas-related abdominal symptoms are prevalent in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and have a measurable impact on patients daily life. A parallel study by Gardiner et al. assessing the severity of bloating in functional gastrointestinal disorders shows that severe bloating is associated with the severity of abdominal pain, constipation, and somatization, advancing our understanding of the clinical characteristics and relevance of gas-related symptoms in the broad spectrum of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Management of bloating includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Dietary interventions to reduce intestinal fermentation and ingestion of food supplements like prebiotics or probiotics can reduce bloating by reducing gas production. The main targets of pharmacological treatments are to improve transit and evacuation with prokinetics, to improve intestinal gas tolerance with antispasmodics and/or neuromodulators, and to modify intestinal microbiota with antibiotics. Secretagogues act by increasing intestinal secretion and decreasing visceral sensitivity and have been reported to be an effective treatment alternative for patients with bloating associated with constipation. Biofeedback therapy addressed to correct abdomino-phrenic dysynergia may be useful for patients with objective abdominal distension, and patients with bloating associated with outlet obstructed defecation may benefit from anorectal biofeedback.

Human gut metatranscriptome changes induced by a fermented milk product are associated with improved tolerance to a flatulogenic diet

Healthy plant-based diets rich in fermentable residues may induce gas-related symptoms, possibly mediated by the gut microbiota. We previously showed that consumption of a fermented milk product (FMP) containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-2494 and lactic acid bacteria improved gastrointestinal (GI) comfort in response to a flatulogenic dietary challenge in healthy individuals. To study the effects of the FMP on gut microbiota activity from those participants, we conducted a metatranscriptomic analysis of fecal samples (n = 262), which were collected during the ingestion of a habitual diet and two series of a 3-day high-residue challenge diet, before and following 28-days of FMP consumption.Most of the FMP species were detected or found enriched upon consumption of the product. FMP mitigated the effect of a flatulogenic diet on gas-related symptoms in several ways. First, FMP consumption was associated with the depletion of gas-producing bacteria and increased hydrogen to methane conversion. It also led to the upregulation of activities such as replication and downregulation of functions related to motility and chemotaxis. Furthermore, upon FMP intake, metabolic activities such as carbohydrate metabolism, attributed to B.animalis and S.thermophilus, were enriched; these activities were coincidentally found to be negatively associated with several GI symptoms. Finally, a more connected microbial ecosystem or mutualistic relationship among microbes was found in responders to the FMP intervention.Taken together, these findings suggest that consumption of the FMP improved the tolerance of a flatulogenic diet through active interactions with the resident gut microbiota.

A Fermented Milk Product Containing B. lactis CNCM I-2494 Improves the Tolerance of a Plant-Based Diet in Patients with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions.

Healthy, plant-based diets, rich in fermentable residues, may induce gas-related symptoms. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the effects of a fermented milk product, containing probiotics, on the tolerance of a healthy diet in patients with disorders of gut–brain interactions (DGBI), complaining of excessive flatulence. In an open design, a 3-day healthy, mostly plant-based diet was administered to patients with DGBI (52 included, 43 completed) before and at the end of 28 days of consumption of a fermented milk product (FMP) containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-2494 and lactic acid bacteria. As compared to a habitual diet, the flatulogenic diet increased the perception of digestive symptoms (flatulence score 7.1 ± 1.6 vs. 5.8 ± 1.9; p < 0.05) and the daily number of anal gas evacuations (22.4 ± 12.5 vs. 16.5 ± 10.2; p < 0.0001). FMP consumption reduced the flatulence sensation score (by –1.6 ± 2.2; p < 0.05) and the daily number of anal gas evacuations (by –5.3 ± 8.2; p < 0.0001). FMP consumption did not significantly alter the overall gut microbiota composition, but some changes in the microbiota correlated with the observed clinical improvement. The consumption of a product containing B. lactis CNCM I-2494 improved the tolerance of a healthy diet in patients with DGBI, and this effect may be mediated, in part, by the metabolic activity of the microbiota.

Role of Probiotics in Reducing GERD

Probiotic is little known for its benefits on upper gastrointestinal health. The objective of this systematicreview was to examine the efficacy of probiotics in alleviating the frequency and severity of symptoms ingastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the general adult population.. In total, 13 prospective studiesthat were published in 12 articles were included in the analysis and scored per the Jadad scale as high- (fivestudies), medium- (two), and low- (six) quality. One article reported on two probiotic groups; thus, 14comparisons were included in the selected studies, of which 11 (79%) reported positive benefits of probioticson symptoms of GERD. Five out of 11 positive outcomes (45%) noted benefits on reflux symptoms: threenoted reduced regurgitation; improvements in reflux or heartburn were seen in one study; five (45%) sawimprovements in dyspepsia symptoms; and nine (81%) saw improvements in other upper gastrointestinalsymptoms, such as nausea (three studies), abdominal pain (five), and gas-related symptoms (four), such asbelching, gurgling, and burping. In conclusion, probiotic use can be beneficial for GERD symptoms, suchas regurgitation and heartburn.

The Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ): Psychometric validation of a new instrument for measuring gas-related symptoms and their impact on daily life among general population and irritable bowel syndrome.

BackgroundGas‐related symptoms (GRS) are common in the general population (GPop) and among patients with disorders of gut‐brain interactions but there is no patient‐reported outcome evaluating these symptoms and their impact on daily life. We have previously developed a 43‐item intestinal gas questionnaire (IGQ). The aim of the present study is to perform a psychometric validation of this instrument.MethodsParticipants (119 from the GPop and 186 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients) were recruited from 3 countries (UK, Spain, France). IBS patients fulfilled ROME IV criteria with an IBS severity score between 150 and 300. Participants completed the IGQ, the functional Digestive Disorders Quality of Life (FDDQL), and the EQ‐5D. A subgroup (n = 90) repeated the IGQ completion after 7 days on paper or electronically.ResultsFrom the original IGQ questionnaire, 26 items were deleted because of poor performance. Confirmatory factorial analysis on the remaining 17 items (7 symptom and 10 impact items) yielded a 6‐factor structure accounting for 67% of the variance for bloating (6 items), flatulence (3), belching (2), bad breath (2), stomach rumbling (2), and difficult gas evacuation (2). Global score (0‐100) was worse among IBS vs GPop (40 ± 15 vs 33 ± 17; p = 0.0016). At the second visit, the intraclass correlation coefficient of IGQ scores was between 0.71 and 0.86 (n = 67) for test‐retest reliability and 0.61‐0.87 (n = 64) for equivalence between electronic and paper versions of IGQ.ConclusionThe IGQ available in paper and electronic versions in 3 languages is a robust instrument for capturing and measuring GRS and their impact on daily life.

The prevalence of intestinal dysbiosis in patients referred for antireflux surgery

BackgroundPrior to antireflux surgery, most patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been taking long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs have been shown to cause changes to the intestinal microbiota, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is characterised by symptoms of gas bloating. Patients undergoing antireflux surgery are not routinely screened for SIBO, yet many patients experience gas-related symptoms postoperatively.MethodsData from consecutive patients (n = 104) referred to a speciality reflux centre were retrospectively assessed. Patients underwent a routine diagnostic workup for GERD including history, endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and 24-h pH-impedance monitoring off PPIs. Intestinal dysbiosis was determined by hydrogen and methane breath testing with a hydrogen-positive result indicative of SIBO and a methane-positive result indicative of intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO).Results60.6% of patients had intestinal dysbiosis (39.4% had SIBO and 35.6% had IMO). Patients with dysbiosis were more likely to report bloating (74.6% vs 48.8%; P = 0.01) and belching (60.3% vs 34.1%; P = 0.01). The oesophageal acid exposure time and number of reflux episodes were similar between dysbiosis and non-dysbiosis groups, but patients with dysbiosis were more likely to have a positive reflux-symptom association (76.2% vs 31.7%; P < 0.001), especially for regurgitation in those with SIBO (P = 0.01). Hydrogen gas production was significantly greater in patients with a positive reflux-symptom association for regurgitation (228.8 ppm vs 129.1 ppm, P = 0.004) and belching (mean AUC 214.8 ppm vs 135.9 ppm, P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal dysbiosis is high in patients with GERD, and these patients are more likely to report gas-related symptoms prior to antireflux surgery. Independently, SIBO may be a contributory factor to refractory reflux symptoms and gas bloating in antireflux surgery candidates.

Results after minimally invasive Toupet fundoplication technique: a narrative review

: Posterior partial fundoplication (PPF) was developed as an alternative surgical strategy to Nissen fundoplication, in attempt to reduce the rate of side-effects, mainly dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome. Allowing patients to maintain belching ability, this operation could lead to minor gas-related symptoms than total fundoplication. The procedure was first described by Andrè Toupet in 1963 and consisted of a posterior 180° wrap of the gastric fundus through a midline incision. After the first report of anti-reflux surgery performed with the laparoscopic approach, several authors have translated PPF into a minimally invasive approach. A review of literature has been performed to evaluate the results of minimally invasive PPF, focusing on the rate of dysphagia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) recurrence. The evidence suggests that laparoscopic PPF is a safe and feasible procedure, and provides similar reflux control compared to laparoscopic total fundoplication, with lower risk of postoperative dysphagia. However, the duration of laparoscopic PPF effect on reflux control over time is questioned, as data on long-term results after laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication are lacking. Further studies are needed to provide long-term functional and clinical results of laparoscopic PPF in order to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore, the controversy regarding the optimal surgical strategy for the management of gastroesophageal reflux continues.

PGI29 Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ): An Online Survey in French General Population to Assess Prevalence of Gas-Related Symptoms and IMPACT on Daily Life.

PGI29 Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ): An Online Survey in French General Population to Assess Prevalence of Gas-Related Symptoms and IMPACT on Daily Life.

Responses to gastric gas in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Gas-related abdominal symptoms are common in patients with functional gut disorders, but the responses to cope with the large volumes of gas that enter daily into the stomach have not been studied in detail. Our aim was to evaluate transit and tolerance of gastric gas in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. In eight healthy volunteers and 24 patients with functional gut disorders (eight functional dyspepsia, eight belching disorder, and eight functional bloating) 1500ml of a gas mixture were infused into the stomach at 25ml/min. Belching, rectal gas evacuation, and abdominal perception were continuously recorded for 90minutes. Healthy subjects expelled the infused gas per rectum (1614±73ml), with a small rise in epigastric perception (score increment 1.0±0.4) and virtually no belching (1±1 belches). Patients with functional dyspepsia had a hypersensitive response to gastric gas, with a significant rise in epigastric perception (score increment 2.5±0.6; P=.045), a transient delay in rectal gas evacuation and similar belching as healthy controls. Patients with belching disorders responded to gastric gas with continuous belches (33±13 belches; P=.002), low epigastric perception, and a small reduction in rectal gas evacuation. Patients with functional bloating exhibited a slow transit response, with reduced rectal gas evacuation (1017±145ml; P=.002) and abdominal symptoms (score increment 2.5±0.7), but without compensatory belching. Different pathophysiological mechanisms underlay specific adaptive responses to gastric gas in patients with different functional gut disorders. Therapeutic interventions for gas-related abdominal symptoms should be addressed towards these specific pathophysiological disturbances.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Probiotics: A Systematic Review.

Probiotic is little known for its benefits on upper gastrointestinal health. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of probiotics in alleviating the frequency and severity of symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the general adult population. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for prospective studies on GERD, heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia, without any limitation on sample size. The Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials. In total, 13 prospective studies that were published in 12 articles were included in the analysis and scored per the Jadad scale as high- (five studies), medium- (two), and low- (six) quality. One article reported on two probiotic groups; thus, 14 comparisons were included in the selected studies, of which 11 (79%) reported positive benefits of probiotics on symptoms of GERD. Five out of 11 positive outcomes (45%) noted benefits on reflux symptoms: three noted reduced regurgitation; improvements in reflux or heartburn were seen in one study; five (45%) saw improvements in dyspepsia symptoms; and nine (81%) saw improvements in other upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea (three studies), abdominal pain (five), and gas-related symptoms (four), such as belching, gurgling, and burping. In conclusion, probiotic use can be beneficial for GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation and heartburn. However, proper placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trials with a sufficient number of participants are warranted to confirm its efficacy in alleviating these symptoms. Further, interventions with longer durations and an intermediate analysis of endpoints should be considered to determine the proper therapeutic window.

P169 COMPARISON OF LAPAROSCOPIC TOUPET FUNDOPLICATION AND MAGNETIC SPHINCTER AUGMENTATION IN PATIENTS WITH 3-5 CM HIATUS HERNIA

Abstract Aim To compare quality of life in patients with large hiatus hernia undergoing laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication and magnetic sphincter augmentation. Background and Methods Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) have been compared in a previous retrospective study (Asti E et al, Medicine, 2016) in patients with small hiatal hernia (&lt;3 cm). There is no universal consensus in the use of MSA in patients with large hiatus hernia. This is an observational, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Patients with &lt;3 cm or &gt;5 cm hiatus hernia measured by endoscopy and barium swallow study and those with previous esophago-gastric surgery were excluded. The primary outcome was quality of life based on the Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use, incidence of dysphagia and gas-related symptoms, and hiatus hernia recurrence rate. Results Between March 2007 and June 2018, 150 patients with GERD met the inclusion criteria; 88 underwent a LTF and 62 a MSA procedure. Both groups had similar preoperative features. The mean follow-up was 64 months and all patients were followed for at least one year after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between LTF and MSA in GERD-HRQL scores (p=0.178), PPI use (p=0.327), gas-related symptoms (p=0.162), dysphagia (p=0.254), and reoperation rate (p=0.167). Conclusion Both LTF and MSA have similar safety profile and disease-specific quality of life in patients with large hiatal hernia.

Clinical Presentation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Study on Symptom Diversity and Modification of Questionnaire Application

Introduction: Symptoms occurring in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) such as heartburn, regurgitation, thoracic pain, epigastric pain, respiratory symptoms, and others can show a broad overlap with symptoms from other foregut disorders. The goal of this study is the accurate assessment of symptom presentation in GERD. Methods: Patients with foregut symptoms were investigated for symptoms as well as endoscopy and gastrointestinal-functional studies for presence of GERD and symptom evaluation by standardized questionnaire. Questionnaire included a graded evaluation of foregut symptoms documenting severity and frequency of each symptom. The three types of questionnaires include study nurse solicitated, self-reported, and free-form self-reported by the patient. Results: For this analysis, 1,031 GERD patients (572 males and 459 females) were enrolled. Heartburn was the most frequently reported chief complaint, seen in 61% of patients. Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common (82.4/58.8%, respectively) in overall symptom prevalence. With regard to modification in questionnaire technique, if patients fill in responses without prompting, there is a trend toward more frequent documentation of respiratory symptoms (up to 54.5% [p < 0.01]), fullness (up to 93.9%), and gas-related symptoms (p < 0.001). Self-reported symptoms are more diverse (e.g., throat-burning [12%], mouth-burning [9%], globus [6%], dyspnea [9%], and fatigue [7%]). Conclusions: GERD symptoms are commonly heartburn and regurgitation, but overall symptom profile for patients may change depending on the type of questionnaire.

Flatulence After Anti-reflux Treatment (FAART) Study.

Flatulence is known to be a common side effect of laparoscopic fundoplication, yet the true incidence is unclear and its impact on patients' quality of life not well understood. This study aimed to assess the long-term incidence of flatulence, and its effect on quality of life, following fundoplication. All patients who underwent primary laparoscopic fundoplication between 1999 and 2009 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. A cross-sectional analysis of post-operative gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life was performed using a symptom-specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis of outcomes stratified by sex and type of fundoplication was performed. 462 eligible patients were identified from the database, with follow-up obtained in 265 (57%). Median age at surgery was 53 (22-78) years. 137 patients (52%) were female. 138 (52%) underwent a 360° fundoplication, the remainder a partial fundoplication. At median follow-up of 11 (8-15) years, excessive flatulence was reported by 85%. Only 12% reported an adverse impact on social life, and 11% an adverse impact on quality of life. Flatulence was worse following a total than partial fundoplication, women reported more gas-related symptoms than men, yet neither sex nor wrap type had a significant impact on social life or quality of life. The majority of patients report excessive flatulence at long-term follow-up after anti-reflux surgery, yet the impact on social life and quality life was small. There was no evidence to support tailoring of wrap type by sex to avoid gas-related symptoms. The authors advocate that all patients understand the inevitable side effects of fundoplication to help manage expectations from surgery.