Gas-related Symptoms Research Articles

Perioperative manometric studies in laparoscopic Watson’s repair versus Nissen’s fundoplication

Background: Hiatus Hernia (HH) and GERD are common upper gastroesophageal disorders, The Nissen`s fundoplication is one of the most effective and commonly used surgical techniques in management of both GERD and hiatus hernia (HH). many surgeons are searching for alternative procedures due to the mechanical obstructive effects of Nissen's fundoplication, one of these procedures is partial anterior fundoplication (Watson’s repair).Methods: Eighty two patients, diagnosed to have GERD and/or HH, were scheduled for present study for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. They were randomized to either Watson’s repair (anterior partial fundoplication) (group I) or Nissen repair (group II) in the period between June 2012 and March 2017. Forty two patients for group I and forty patients were included in group II. Group I had partial anterior fundoplication and group II had Nissen's fundoplication. Follow up for all patients included in our study was scheduled at (2, 4weeks and 3, 6, 12months postoperatively) both subjectively - using a standardized scoring system for reflux symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia), gas bloating and objectively-using esophago-gastroscopy at 6ms and 12ms postoperatively, esophageal manometry, 24hours PH monitoring at 6ms and 12ms post operatively.Results: Three cases were excluded from the study because they were converted to open procedure, one of group I and two of group II. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in group I. As regarding to reflux symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) Nissen was significantly higher in control of reflux symptoms at 3months but at 6, 12months Nissen still higher but without a clear significant difference. On the opposite side dysphagia was significantly higher in Nissen group than in Watson group at 3months and remained higher at 6,12months but with no significant difference, also gas related symptoms were higher in Nissen group than in Watson group all the time of follow up. Objectively, esophagitis improved to a similar extent in both groups. Watson was less effective in improving LES characters, and 24hours PH parameters in comparison to Nissen group but without any significant difference in both groups.Conclusions: Partial anterior fundoplication (Watson repair) can be safe, effective and simple alternative procedure for Nissen's fundoplication with less obstructive symptoms and complications.

Reflux and Belching after Laparoscopic 270 degree Posterior Versus 180 degree Anterior Partial Fundoplication

BackgroundLaparoscopic 270 degree posterior, or Toupet (LTF), and 180 degree anterior partial fundoplication (LAF) ensure equal reflux control and reduce the risk of gas-related symptoms compared to 360 degree (Nissen) fundoplication. It is unclear which type of partial fundoplication is superior in preventing gas-related side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine differences in effect of LTF and LAF on reflux characteristics and belching patterns. MethodsUpper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h combined pH-impedance monitoring were performed before and 6 months after fundoplication (n = 10, LTF vs. n = 10, LAF). Observed changes after surgery (∆) were compared between the two procedures. ResultsSymptomatic reflux control as well as the reduction in the mean number of acid (∆ − 58.5 vs. − 66.5; P = 0.912), liquid (∆ − 17.0 vs. − 43.5; P = 0.247), and mixed liquid gas reflux episodes (∆ − 38.0 vs. − 40.0; P = 0.579) were comparable following LTF and LAF. There were no differences in the mean number of weakly acidic reflux episodes after LTF and LAF (1.0 (0.8–4) vs. 1.0 (0–3), P = 0.436). The reduction in proximal (P = 1.000), mid-esophageal (P = 0.063), and distal reflux episodes (P = 0.315) was comparable. Both procedures equally reduced the number of gastric belches (P = 0.278) and supragastric belches (P = 0.123), with no significant reduction in the number of air swallows after either procedure (P = 0.278). ConclusionLTF and LAF provide similar reflux control, with a comparable effect on acidic, liquid, and gas reflux. Both procedures equally reduced the number of belches and supragastric belches. This study provides the physiological evidence for the published randomized trials reporting similar symptomatic outcome after both types of partial fundoplication.

Case 1: Neck Swelling in a Neonate

A 32-day-old term African American male infant presents to the emergency department with a 1-day history of congestion and fussiness. The mother notes that his 2 siblings had a cold about 2 weeks ago, but she denies fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes. The infant has been breastfeeding without issues and has had a normal number of voids/stools. Earlier that morning, the infant had been taken to his pediatrician’s office for his fussiness and was prescribed simethicone for possible gas-related symptoms. Later that afternoon, the infant’s father had noted neck swelling on the right that spread toward the left side and he was brought to the emergency department. His initial vital signs include a rectal temperature of 100.5°F (37.7°C), heart rate of 194 beats/min, respiratory rate of 46 breaths/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on room air, and a blood pressure of 98/50 mm Hg. The patient is well appearing and in no acute distress. His lungs are clear to auscultation, a II/VI systolic murmur is heard best at the left sternal border, and abdominal examination findings are normal. He has submental/neck fullness (right greater than left) with no erythema, warmth, masses, or fluctuance noted. No lymphadenopathy is appreciable on examination. On further history taking, the mother states that the neonate was born at 38 …

Evaluation of bowel function in healthy children: untreated constipation iscommon.

We evaluated bowel function in healthy children with regard to gender and age. The study was carried out in 2016 at a tertiary children's hospital. Healthy children aged 3.5years to 15years who were admitted to the hospital, siblings to patients or offspring of staff members were included. Validated self-report questionnaires and internally developed questions regarding obstructive outlet- and gas-related symptoms were used. A total of 310 participants (50% girls) were included, which corresponded to a 94% answer frequency. Respondents were divided into a younger age group (3.5years to seven years), consisting of 135 children, and an older age group (eight years to 15years), consisting of 175 children. Younger children reported more foul odours than older children (50% vs. 29%, p=0.001) and more obstructive symptoms (21% vs. 10%, p=0.01). There was no difference between the age groups regarding constipation (19% vs 16%, NS). Overall, 55% of those with constipation had no treatment for the condition, although they reported abdominal pain (51%) and problems with foul odours (57%). Healthy children frequently reported constipation, abdominal pain and gas-related problems, but treatment was rare. Overall, bowel function seemed to improve during childhood, although constipation remained largely untreated.

Clinical Response of Rifaximin Treatment in Patients with Abdominal Bloating.

Abdominal bloating is a troublesome complaint due to insufficient understanding of the pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rifaximin in reducing bloating associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). A total of 63 patients were treated with rifaximin for FGIDs with bloating or gas-related symptoms between 2007 and 2013 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Rifaximin was administered at a dose between 800 mg/day and 1,200 mg/day for 5 to 14 days. The proportion of patients who had adequate relief of global FGID symptoms and FGID-related bloating was retrospectively assessed. The response was recorded when the symptoms were reduced by at least 50% at the follow-up after treatment cessation. The mean age was 56.8±14.2 years; 49.2% were females. According to Rome III criteria, 20.6% (13/63) had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation, 9.5% (6/63) had IBS with diarrhea, 4.8% (3/63) had mixed IBS, 23.8% (15/63) had functional dyspepsia, and 12.7% (8/63) had functional bloating. Of the 51 subjects who were followed-up, 30 (58.8%) had adequate relief of global FGID symptoms and 26 (51.0%) experienced improvement of abdominal bloating after rifaximin treatment. The proportion of female was slightly higher in non-response group than in the response group (60.0% vs. 34.6%, p=0.069). Otherwise, there was no difference between the two groups. Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, our data confirms that rifaximin may be beneficial for abdominal bloating. Further prospective clinical trial with a larger cohort is needed.

Gas swallow during meals in patients with excessive belching

Swallowed gas is an important source of abdominal gas, and aerophagia is often believed as a putative cause of gas-related abdominal symptoms. However, altered gas-swallow during meals has not been demonstrated. Our aim was to characterize the number of gas swallows during meals in patients complaining of excessive belching and gaseousness and a control group without abdominal symptoms during a 24-h period. A 24-h pH-impedance monitoring was performed in 10 patients with excessive belching, and 11 patients without digestive symptoms or reflux in the pH-impedance study. During the study, patients followed their daily routine and customary meals, without any specific limitation. In each patient the number and content of swallows and belches were analyzed. Total meal periods were similar in controls (75±26min) and patients (79±21min; P=.339), but the number of gaseous swallows was greater in patients (114±13 swallows) than controls (71±8 swallows; P=.007), due to a greater frequency of gaseous swallows during meals (15±2 swallows/10min vs 10±1 swallows/10min, respectively; P=.008). During the 24-h study period, 66±13 belches were recorded in patients, but only 13±3 belches in controls (P<.001), mainly gastric belches (80±4% and 92±2% of belches, patients, and controls, respectively) which showed a good correlation with the number of gaseous swallows performed during meals (r=.756; P=.011). Gas is frequently swallowed during meals. Patients complaining of excessive belching have a different swallow pattern during meals, with an increased ingestion of gas that correlates with increased gastric belching events.

Secrets for successful laparoscopic antireflux surgery: adequate follow-up

A laparoscopic fundoplication achieves long-term reflux symptom control in most patients. However, dysphagia, recurrence of symptoms and gas-related symptoms are experienced in 10% to 20% of patients postoperatively. To date, the adequate follow-up of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication is not well established. In addition, the outcomes of patients undergoing antireflux surgery for Barrett’ esophagus (BE) are controversial. This article reviews the current evidence about the most effective follow-up after antireflux surgery, focusing on the management of the symptomatic patients and the need for surveillance in Barrett’s esophagus patients.

Long-term symptom control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease 12 years after laparoscopic Nissen or 180° anterior partial fundoplication in a randomized clinical trial.

Laparoscopic 180° anterior fundoplication has been shown to achieve similar reflux control to Nissen fundoplication, with fewer side-effects, up to 5 years. However, there is a paucity of long-term follow-up data on this technique and antireflux surgery in general. This study reports 12-year outcomes of a double-blind RCT comparing laparoscopic Nissen versus 180° laparoscopic anterior fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Patients with proven GORD were randomized to laparoscopic Nissen or 180° anterior fundoplication. The 12-year outcome measures included reflux control, dysphagia, gas-related symptoms and patient satisfaction. Measures included scores on a visual analogue scale, a validated Dakkak score for dysphagia and Visick scores. Of the initial 163 patients randomized (Nissen 84, anterior 79), 90 (55·2 per cent) completed 12-year follow-up (Nissen 52, anterior 38). There were no differences in heartburn, dysphagia, gas-related symptoms, patient satisfaction or surgical reintervention rate. Use of acid-suppressing drugs was less common after Nissen than after 180° anterior fundoplication: four of 52 (8 per cent) and 11 of 38 (29 per cent) respectively (P = 0·008). The proportion of patients with absent or only mild symptoms was slightly higher after Nissen fundoplication: 45 of 50 (90 per cent) versus 28 of 38 (74 per cent) (P = 0·044). The two surgical procedures provided similar control of heartburn and post-fundoplication symptoms, with similar patient satisfaction and reoperation rates on long-term follow-up.

Metabolic adaptation of colonic microbiota to galactooligosaccharides: a proof-of-concept-study.

Prebiotics have been shown to reduce abdominal symptoms in patients with functional gut disorders, despite that they are fermented by colonic bacteria and may induce gas-related symptoms. To investigate changes in the metabolic activity of gut microbiota induced by a recognised prebiotic. Healthy subjects (n = 20) were given a prebiotic (2.8 g/day HOST-G904, HOST Therabiomics, Jersey, Channel Islands) for 3 weeks. During 3-day periods immediately before, at the beginning and at the end of the administration subjects were put on a standard diet (low fibre diet supplemented with one portion of high fibre foods) and the following outcomes were measured: (i) number of daytime gas evacuations for 2 days by means of an event marker; (ii) volume of gas evacuated via a rectal tube during 4 h after a test meal; and (iii) microbiota composition by faecal Illumina MiSeq sequencing. At the beginning of administration, HOST-G904 significantly increased the number of daily anal gas evacuations (18 ± 2 vs. 12 ± 1 pre-administration; P < 0.001) and the volume of gas evacuated after the test meal (236 ± 23 mL vs. 160 ± 17 mL pre-administration; P = 0.006). However, after 3 weeks of administration, these effects diminished (11 ± 2 daily evacuations, 169 ± 23 mL gas evacuation). At day 21, relative abundance of butyrate producers (Lachnospiraceae) correlated inversely with the volume of gas evacuated (r = -0.52; P = 0.02). The availability of substrates induces an adaptation of the colonic microbiota activity in bacterial metabolism, which produces less gas and associated issues. Clinical trials.gov NCT02618239.

Longitudinal comparison of quality of life in patients undergoing laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication versus magnetic sphincter augmentation

Only a minority of patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are offered a surgical option. This is mostly due to the fear of potential side effects, the variable success rate, and the extreme alteration of gastric anatomy with the current gold standard, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. It has been reported that laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and laparoscopic sphincter augmentation using a magnetic device (LINX) can treat reflux more physiologically and with a lower incidence of side-effects and reoperation rate. We present the first comparing quality of life in patients undergoing LTF versus LINX.Observational cohort study. Consecutive patients undergoing LTF or LINX over the same time period were compared by using the propensity score full matching method and generalized estimating equation. Criteria of exclusion were >3 cm hiatal hernia, grade C–D esophagitis, ineffective esophageal motility, body mass index >35, and previous upper abdominal surgery. The primary study outcome was quality of life measured with the Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use, presence of gas-related symptoms or dysphagia, and reoperation-free probability.Between March 2007 and July 2014, 238 patients with GERD met the criteria of inclusion in the study. Of these, 103 underwent an LTF and 135 a LINX procedure. All patients had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Over time, patients in both groups had similar GERD-HRQL scores (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, confidence interval [CI] 0.89–1.27; P = 0.578), PPI use (OR 1.18, CI 0.81–1.70; P = 0.388), gas-related symptoms (OR 0.69, CI 0.21–2.28; P = 0.542), dysphagia (OR 0.62, CI 0.26–1.30; P = 0.241), and reoperation-free probability (stratified log-rank test = 0.556).In 2 concurrent cohorts of patients with early stage GERD undergoing LTF or LINX and matched by propensity score analysis, health-related quality of life significantly improved and GERD-HRQL scores had a similar decreasing trend over time up to 7 years of follow-up. We conclude that LTF and LINX provide similar disease-specific quality of life over time in patients with early stage GERD.

Laparoscopic Mesh-augmented Hiatoplasty With Cardiophrenicopexy Versus Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Double-center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Laparoscopic mesh-augmented hiatoplasty with cardiophrenicopexy (LMAH-C) might represent an alternative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may provide durable reflux control without fundoplication. The expected benefit is the prevention of fundoplication-related side effects. Aim of the present trial was to compare LMAH-C with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in patients with GERD. In a double-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) patients with proven GERD were eligible and assigned by central randomization to either LMAH-C (n = 46) or LNF (n = 44). The indigestion subscore of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire (GSRS) indicating gas-related symptoms as possible side effects of LNF was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints comprised pH testing and endoscopy and other symptoms measured by the GSRS, dysphagia, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. The follow-up period was 36 months. Indigestion subscore (LMAH-C 2.9 ± 1.5 vs LNF 3.7 ± 1.6; P = 0.031) but not dysphagia (2.8 ± 1.9 vs 2.3 ± 1.7; P = 0.302) and quality of life (106.9 ± 25.5 vs 105.8 ± 24.9; P = 0.838) differed between the groups at 36 months postoperatively. Although the reflux subscore improved in both groups, it was worse in LMAH-C patients (2.5 ± 1.6 vs 1.6 ± 1.0; P = 0.004) corresponding to a treatment failure of 77.3% in LMAH-C patients and of 34.1% in LNF patients (P < 0.001). LNF is more effective in the treatment of GERD than LMAH-C. Procedure-related side effects seem to exist but do not affect the quality of life. Laparoscopic fundoplication therefore remains the standard surgical treatment for GERD.

The Intestinal Gas Questionnaire: development of a new instrument for measuring gas‐related symptoms and their impact on daily life

Although gas-related symptoms (GRS) are common and intrusive, there are no questionnaires to quantitate this problem. This study aimed to develop an instrument to rectify this gap in our knowledge. Concepts were initially identified from the literature and interviews with gastroenterologists. Exploratory one-to-one interviews and focus groups with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients (n = 28) and non-IBS subjects (n = 27) with GRS were conducted in UK, France, and Spain leading to a conceptual framework for the questionnaire. Last, iterative rounds of cognitive debriefing were performed with IBS (n = 16) and non-IBS subjects (n = 14). From the first three steps, nine GRS (bloating, distension, flatulence, odorous flatulence, difficult gas evacuation, stomach rumbling, belching, bad breath, and abdominal movement) were identified although abdominal movement was subsequently excluded. Twelve quality of life domains affected by these symptoms were identified as: Clothing, emotional, physical appearance, diet, daily living, work, social life, physical activity, relationships, sex life, sleep, and cognitive function. A 24-h recall for symptoms and a 7-day recall for impact assessment were supported by the qualitative findings. Cognitive debriefing confirmed the understanding of the instrument. Across the three languages, the instrument was conceptually and linguistically consistent. The International Gas Questionnaire is a 2-part instrument, developed rigorously and simultaneously in three languages assessing seven symptoms (17 items) and their impact on 12 domains (26 items) in IBS and general population. It is now undergoing psychometric validation and should provide a unique tool for epidemiological surveys and clinical trials for developing new treatments for these symptoms.

Intestinal gas homeostasis: disposal pathways.

Patients with functional gut disorders frequently complain of gas-related symptoms, but the role of intestinal gas in this context is not clear, because intestinal gas homeostasis is incompletely understood. Our aim was to compare the proportion of the gas produced by colonic fermentation that is evacuated per anus and that eliminated via alternative pathways. In 20 healthy subjects, gas evacuated per anus was collected for 4h after a standard flatulogenic test meal. Paired studies were performed without and with high-rate infusion of exogenous gas (24mL/min) into the jejunum to wash-out of the gut the endogenous gas produced by bacterial fermentation. The exogenous gas infused was labeled (5% SF6) to calculate the proportion of endogenous gas evacuated. In the experiments with gaseous wash-out, 1817±139mL of endogenous gas was produced over the 4-h study period. However, in the experiments without wash-out (basal conditions), 376±43mL were evacuated, indicating that only 23±3% of the gas produced was finally eliminated per anus, while the rest (77±3%) had been previously eliminated via alternative pathways. Intestinal gas homeostasis is a highly dynamic process by which a large proportion of the gas produced by bacterial fermentation of meal residues is rapidly absorbed into the blood and/or metabolized by gas-consuming microorganisms, and only a relatively modest proportion is eliminated per anus. These data contribute to clarify the complex dynamics of intestinal gas and may help interpret the pathophysiology of gas-related symptoms.

Effect of a low‐flatulogenic diet in patients with flatulence and functional digestive symptoms

Diets rich in fermentable residues increase intestinal gas production. Our aim was to demonstrate the potential effects of diet on gas-related symptoms. The effect of a low-flatulogenic test diet (restricted to foodstuffs low in fermentable residues; n=15) was compared to that of a balanced control diet (Mediterranean type; n=15) in 30 patients complaining of flatulence and other abdominal symptoms using a randomized parallel design. The following outcomes were measured daily: number of anal gas evacuations by an event marker, severity of gas-related symptoms by 0-10 scales, and sensation of digestive comfort by a -5 (unpleasant) to +5 (pleasant) scale. Measurements were taken pretreatment for 3days on their habitual diet and for 7days during the treatment phase. No pretreatment differences were detected between patients allocated to the control or test diets. The test diet significantly reduced the number of gas evacuations (by 54±10%; p=0.002 vs basal diet) whereas the control diet had a lesser effect (reduction by 28±9%; p=0.059 vs basal diet; p=0.089 vs test diet). Compared to the control diet, the test diet significantly reduced flatulence (by 48±7% vs 27±8%, respectively; p=0.018), abdominal distension (by 48±4% vs 22±12%, respectively; p=0.038), and enhanced digestive well-being (by 149±18% vs 58±22%, respectively; p=0.006). In patients with gas-related symptoms, a low-flatulogenic diet produces immediate beneficial effects with digestive, cognitive, and emotive dimensions. The number of gas evacuations is an objective biological marker of response to dietary treatment.

Gastric Emptying as a Prognostic Factor for Long-term Results of Total Laparoscopic Fundoplication for Weakly Acidic or Mixed Reflux

To evaluate the long-term effect of laparoscopic total fundoplication (LTF) on symptoms and reflux control in patients with combined (acidic and weakly acidic) (CR) or weakly acidic reflux (WAR), according to the gastric emptying (GE) rate. After LTF, 12% to 15% of patients experience persistent reflux symptoms and 20% and 25% develop gas-related symptoms. Both WAR and inability to belch have been suggestive of these symptoms. Consecutive patients with CR and WAR selected for LTF were included in a prospective clinical study. Gastroesophageal function was assessed by clinical validated questionnaires, upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring before and 12 and 60 months after LTF. Gastric scintigraphy was preoperatively performed in all patients to evaluate GE. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT01741441). Between June 2002 and June 2007, a total of 188 patients with CR and WAR underwent LTF; 172 (91.5%) completed the 5-year protocol. Among them, 42 (24.4%) had preoperative mild/moderate delayed GE (DGE). Quality of life at 12 and 60 months improved in patients with normal GE (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life score 18.2/2.5, P < 0.001; Health-Related Quality of Life score from 52.1 to 68.3, P < 0.001) but not in DGE patients. Manometric values of "gastroesophageal junction" significantly increased at 12 and 60 months in all patients with normal GE, whereas the values returned to the baseline at 60 months in 66.7% of DGE patients. Acidic and liquid reflux episodes significantly reduced in both groups, whereas a significant reduction of WAR and mixed (gas + liquid) reflux episodes occurred only in patients with normal GE (P < 0.001). DGE affects long-term results of LTF in CR and WAR patients.

Efficacy and tolerability of α-galactosidase in treating gas-related symptoms in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

BackgroundGas-related symptoms represent very common complaints in children. The reduction of gas production can be considered as a valuable target in controlling symptoms. α-galactosidase has been shown to reduce gas production and related symptoms in adults. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of α-galactosidase in the treatment of gas-related symptoms in pediatric patients.MethodsSingle center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study performed in tertiary care setting. Fifty-two pediatric patients (32 female, age range 4–17) with chronic or recurrent gas-related symptoms were randomized to receive placebo (n = 25) or α-galactosidase (n = 27). Both treatments were given as drops or tablets, according to body weight for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the reduction in global distress measured by the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) at the end of treatment compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints were the reduction in severity and frequency of gas-related symptoms as recorded by parents and/or children.Resultsα-galactosidase significantly reduced global distress (p = 0.02) compared to placebo. The digestive enzyme decreased the number of days with moderate to severe bloating (p = 0.03) and the proportion of patients with flatulence (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found for abdominal spasms and abdominal distension. No adverse events were reported during treatment.ConclusionsAlthough larger and longer trials are needed to confirm this result, α-galactosidase seems to be a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment for gas-related symptoms in the pediatric population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01595932

Objective Outcomes 14 Years After Laparoscopic Anterior 180-Degree Partial Versus Nissen Fundoplication

To investigate late objective outcomes 14 years after laparoscopic anterior 180-degree partial versus Nissen fundoplication. Clinical outcomes from randomized clinical trials suggest good outcomes for anterior 180-degree partial fundoplication, with similar control of reflux symptoms and less side effects, compared with Nissen fundoplication. However, objective outcomes at late follow-up have not been reported. A subset of participants from a randomized trial of anterior 180-degree versus Nissen fundoplication underwent stationary esophageal high-resolution manometry and ambulatory 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring at 14 years' follow-up. The subset and other patients in the trial also completed a standardized clinical questionnaire to ensure that they were representative of the overall trial. Eighteen patients (8 anterior, 10 Nissen) underwent objective testing and had a symptom profile similar to those who did not (n = 59) have testing. Total esophageal acid exposure time and the total number of acid and weakly acidic reflux episodes per 24 hours were higher after anterior fundoplication than after Nissen fundoplication. Proximal, midesophageal and distal reflux were proportionately increased after anterior 180-degree fundoplication. The number of liquid and mixed reflux episodes was also higher after anterior fundoplication, which was accompanied by higher clinical heartburn scores. There were no differences in gas reflux, gastric belches, and supragastric belches, which is in line with the observation that gas-related symptoms were similar for both groups. Mean LES resting and relaxation nadir pressure were lower after anterior fundoplication, which was reflected by lower dysphagia scores. Patient satisfaction was similar after both procedures. At 14 years after randomization, this study demonstrated that acid, weakly acidic, liquid and mixed reflux episodes are more common after anterior 180-degree fundoplication than after Nissen fundoplication. On the contrary, gas reflux and gastric belching and patient satisfaction are similar for both procedures. Mean LES resting and relaxation nadir pressure are lower after anterior fundoplication. Overall, these findings suggest less effective reflux control after anterior 180-degree partial fundoplication, offset by less dysphagia, leading to a clinical outcome that is equivalent to Nissen fundoplication at late follow-up.

Gas-related symptoms after antireflux surgery

Gas-related symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and impaired ability to belch are frequent after antireflux surgery, but it is not known how these symptoms affect patient satisfaction with the procedure or what determines the severity of these complaints. We aimed to assess the impact of gas-related symptoms on patient-perceived success of surgery and to determine whether the severity of gas-related complaints after antireflux surgery is associated with objectively measured abnormalities. Fifty-two patients were studied at a median of 27months after antireflux surgery. The influence of gas-related symptoms on their quality of life and satisfaction with surgical outcome was assessed. The rates of air swallows and gastric and supragastric belches before and after surgery were assessed using impedance measurements. Bloating and flatulence were associated with a decreased quality of life and less satisfaction with surgical outcome. Notably, 9% of the patients would not opt for surgery again due to gas-related symptoms. Antireflux surgery decreased the total number of gastric belches but did not affect the number of air swallows. The severity of gas-related symptoms was not associated with an increased number of preoperative air swallows and/or belches or a larger postoperative decrease in the number of gastric belches. Gas-related symptoms are associated with less satisfaction with surgical outcome. The severity of gas-related symptoms is not determined by the number of preoperative air swallows or a more severe impairment of the ability to belch after surgery. Preoperative predictors of postoperative gas-related symptoms therefore could not be identified.

Laparoscopic Anterior 180-Degree Versus Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

To compare short- and long-term outcome after 180-degree laparoscopic anterior fundoplication (180-degree LAF) with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). LNF is currently the most frequently performed surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Alternatively, 180-degree LAF has been alleged to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas-related symptoms, with similar reflux control. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and web of Knowledge CPCI-S were searched for randomized clinical trials comparing primary 180-degree LAF with LNF. The methodological quality was evaluated to assess bias risk. Primary outcomes were esophageal acid exposure, esophagitis, heartburn score, dilatation for dysphagia, modified Dakkak dysphagia score (0-45), and reoperation rate. Meta-analysis was conducted at 1 and 5 years. Five distinct randomized clinical trials comparing 180-degree LAF (n = 227) with LNF (n = 231) were identified. At 1 year, the Dakkak dysphagia score [2.8 vs 4.8; weighted mean difference: -2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.66 to -1.83; P < 0.001], gas bloating [11% vs 18%; relative risk (RR) 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.97; P = 0.04], flatulence (14% vs 25%; RR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.91; P = 0.02), inability to belch (19% vs 31%; RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40-0.99; P = 0.05), and inability to relieve bloating (34% vs 44%; RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55-0.99; P = 0.04) were lower after 180-degree LAF. Esophageal acid exposure (standardized mean difference: 0.19; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.46; P = 0.15), esophagitis (19% vs 13%; RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.69-2.91; P = 0.34), heartburn score (standardized mean difference: 1.27; 95% CI:-0.36 to 2.90; P = 0.13), dilatation rate (1.4% vs 2.8%; RR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.19-1.91; P = 0.39), reoperation rate (5.7% vs 2.8%; RR: 2.08; 95% CI: 0.80-5.41; P = 0.13), perioperative outcome, regurgitation, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and patient satisfaction were similar after 180-degree LAF and LNF. At 5 years, the Dakkak dysphagia score, flatulence, inability to belch, and inability to relieve bloating remained lower after 180-degree LAF. The 5-year heartburn score, dilatation rate, reoperation rate, PPI use, and patient satisfaction were similar. At 1 and 5 years, dysphagia and gas-related symptoms are lower after 180-degree LAF than after LNF, and esophageal acid exposure and esophagitis are similar, with no differences in heartburn scores, patient satisfaction, dilatations, and reoperation rate. These results lend level 1a support for the use of 180-degree LAF for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PGI33 Assessing Gas-Related Symptoms and Their Associated Impact on the Daily Life of the General Population and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: International Development of a Questionnaire–Qualitative Steps

PGI33 Assessing Gas-Related Symptoms and Their Associated Impact on the Daily Life of the General Population and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: International Development of a Questionnaire–Qualitative Steps