Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease Group Research Articles

IBC-Oxford University2023_BJSOral_15Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Indications, Management and Results

Abstract Introduction Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) represents more than 60% of bariatric procedures worldwide. Conversion of SG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for weight loss failure (WLF) or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing. Intrathoracic migration of the sleeve often seems associated. Aim The aim of our study was to analyse the relevance of the indications, the prevalence of an associated de novo hiatal hernia, and the outcomes of the conversion of SG to RYGB. Methods This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data including all the patients who underwent a conversion of SG to RYGB from August 2013 to December 2022. 2 groups were compared: patients operated on because of weight loss failure (WLF group) and those operated on for GERD (GERD group). Results We analysed in both groups demographic data, the incidence of an associated hiatal hernia, morbidity, weight loss outcomes and resolution of symptoms. 59 patients were included with an average follow-up of 30.5 months: 46 patients in the GERD group (78%) were compared to 13 patients (22%) in the WLF group. Groups were comparable regarding age (47) and gender (women: 74%); BMI at conversion and prevalence of comorbidities were significantly higher in the WLF group (41.8 kg/m² vs 33.3, p=0.0001). In the GERD group: on preoperative gastroscopy, 30% (14/46) had a grade B esophagitis, 48% (22/46) had a significant hiatal hernia which required a posterior crural closure versus 23% (3/13) in the WLF group, not requiring a surgical treatment (p = 0.02). Conversion was very effective on GERD symptoms (93% of improvement), 52% of the patients stopped proton pump inhibitor treatment. In the WLF group, mean percentage total weight loss (% TWL) was 15.3%, significantly greater than in the GERD group (% TWL=4.6%, p = 0.01). The complication rate was 10% at 30 days and 3.4% after 30 days, not significantly different between groups (p = 1 and 1 respectively). Conclusions The main indication of conversion of SG to RYGB was because of GERD: in these indications, the incidence of intrathoracic migration of the sleeve is high requiring a surgical treatment with a very good efficacy on resolution of symptoms. Weight loss results were disappointing.

IBC-Oxford University2023_BJSOral_12Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Indications, Management and Results

Abstract Introduction Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) represents more than 60% of bariatric procedures worldwide. Conversion of SG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for weight loss failure (WLF) or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing. Intrathoracic migration of the sleeve often seems associated. Aim The aim of our study was to analyse the relevance of the indications, the prevalence of an associated de novo hiatal hernia, and the outcomes of the conversion of SG to RYGB. Methods This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data including all the patients who underwent a conversion of SG to RYGB from August 2013 to December 2022. 2 groups were compared: patients operated on because of weight loss failure (WLF group) and those operated on for GERD (GERD group). Results We analysed in both groups demographic data, the incidence of an associated hiatal hernia, morbidity, weight loss outcomes and resolution of symptoms. 59 patients were included with an average follow-up of 30.5 months: 46 patients in the GERD group (78%) were compared to 13 patients (22%) in the WLF group. Groups were comparable regarding age (47) and gender (women: 74%); BMI at conversion and prevalence of comorbidities were significantly higher in the WLF group (41.8 kg/m² vs 33.3, p=0.0001). In the GERD group: on preoperative gastroscopy, 30% (14/46) had a grade B esophagitis, 48% (22/46) had a significant hiatal hernia which required a posterior crural closure versus 23% (3/13) in the WLF group, not requiring a surgical treatment (p = 0.02). Conversion was very effective on GERD symptoms (93% of improvement), 52% of the patients stopped proton pump inhibitor treatment. In the WLF group, mean percentage total weight loss (% TWL) was 15.3%, significantly greater than in the GERD group (% TWL=4.6%, p = 0.01). The complication rate was 10% at 30 days and 3.4% after 30 days, not significantly different between groups (p = 1 and 1 respectively). Conclusions The main indication of conversion of SG to RYGB was because of GERD: in these indications, the incidence of intrathoracic migration of the sleeve is high requiring a surgical treatment with a very good efficacy on resolution of symptoms. Weight loss results were disappointing.

Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave is impaired in laryngopharyngeal and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) result from the reflux of gastric contents. The post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) is an oesophageal reflex that facilitates chemical clearance of gastric contents following reflux events. PSPW index is a novel parameter that has been validated in assessing the effectiveness of chemical clearance in GORD, but not in LPR. This study aimed to assess chemical clearance in LPR and GORD by measuring PSPW indices in a consecutive series of patients. Reviewers blindly analysed off-therapy impedance-pH tracings from 187 patients clinically categorized as LPR (n=105) or GORD (n=82) by predominant symptom profile. Conventional impedance-pH measures and PSPW indices were analysed. Mean PSPW index in the LPR group was higher than in the GORD group (39.7% (±17.7%) vs. 20.6% (±13.4%); p<0.001). Abnormally low PSPW index (<61%) was seen in 85 (81%) of the LPR group, and 80 (97.6%) of the GORD group (p<0.001). Area under the ROC curve for PSPW index to diagnose LPR was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.767-0.889; p<0.001). Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave was impaired in patients with LPR as well as oesophageal GORD, indicating an abnormality of chemical clearance following a reflux episode in both groups. PSPW index was more severely impaired in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study shows PSPW index is useful in the diagnosis of both LPR and GORD and exposes an abnormality of clearance of the oesophagus.

Association of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

SUMMARYObjectiveWe determined the influence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on quality of life (QOL) before and after functional-endoscopic-sinus-surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).MethodsMedically-recalcitrant CRS patients were recruited prior to FESS. GERD was diagnosed endoscopically. QOL was compared between patients with vs without GERD at baseline and one-year post-FESS.ResultsOf 187 CRS patients receiving FESS, 40 had GERD. Pre-operative QOL was significantly worse in CRS patients with vs without GERD. Pre-operative GERD health-related QOL (GERD-HRQL) and reflux symptom index (RSI) scores were both correlated with pre-operative SNOT-22 scores. Compared with non-GERD CRS patients, GERD patients demonstrated larger SNOT-22 improvements after FESS, such that post-operative SNOT-22 values were no longer significantly different between GERD and non-GERD groups. However, post-FESS, in patients with CRS without nasal polyps (unlike those with nasal polyps), the GERD (vs non-GERD) group suffered from greater sleep dysfunction and otologic/facial symptoms.ConclusionsCompared to CRS patients without GERD, those with GERD experienced poorer pre-operative QOL and greater QOL improvement after FESS.

711 POST-REFLUX SWALLOW-INDUCED PERISTALTIC WAVE IS IMPAIRED IN LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL AND GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) result from the reflux of gastric contents. The post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) induces chemical clearance following reflux events. PSPW index is a novel parameter that has been validated in GORD, but not in LPR. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of chemical clearance by assessing PSPW indices in patients with LPR and GORD. Methods Reviewers blindly analysed off-therapy impedance-pH tracings from 187 patients divided into LPR (n = 105) or GORD (n = 82) by predominant symptom profile. Conventional impedance-pH measures and PSPW indices were analysed for the two groups. Results Mean PSPW index in the LPR group was higher than in the GORD group (39.7% (±17.7%) vs. 20.6% (±13.4%); p &amp;lt; 0.001). Abnormally low PSPW index (&amp;lt;61%) was seen in 85 (81%) of the LPR group, and 80 (97.6%) of the GORD group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Area under the ROC curve for PSPW index to diagnose LPR was 0.828 (95% CI: 0.767–0.889; p &amp;lt; 0.001). The LPR group had a lower AET (1.5% vs. 8.1%; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and fewer distal reflux episodes (46.5 (±24.5) vs. 64.4 (±39); p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion PSPW was impaired in patients with LPR as well as oesophageal GORD, indicating an abnormality of chemical clearance following a reflux episode in both groups. PSPW index was more severely impaired in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study shows PSPW index is useful in aiding in the diagnosis of both LPR and GORD.

709 PL11.05 NOVEL DIGITAL REFLUX SCINTIGRAPHY DETECTS PULMONARY MICROASPIRATION IN SEVERE GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL AND LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract No gold-standard diagnostic test for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) exists. Symptoms alone are non-diagnostic, and pH-impedance studies have poor sensitivity. Pulmonary micro-aspiration is under-recognised in LPR and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study aimed to describe the results of a novel digital technique for scintigraphic reflux studies in two groups with severe reflux: those with typical reflux symptoms and those with laryngopharyngeal manifestations of reflux. Methods A prospective database of severely symptomatic, treatment-resistant reflux patients was grouped based upon predominant symptom profile of typical GORD or LPR. All patients underwent novel reflux scintigraphy. Results were obtained for early scintigraphic reflux contamination of the pharynx and proximal oesophagus, and delayed contamination of the pharynx and lungs after two hours. Results The LPR patients were predominantly female (70.5% vs. 56.1%; p = 0.042) and older than the GORD group (median age 60 years vs. 55.5 years; p = 0.002). Early scintigraphic reflux was seen at the pharynx in 89.2% (GORD 87.7%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.133), and at the proximal oesophagus in 89.7% (GORD 88.9%, LPR 90.4%; p = 0.147). Delayed contamination of the pharynx was seen in 95.2% (GORD 93.9%, LPR 96.2%; p = 0.468). Delayed pulmonary aspiration was seen in 46% (GORD 36.6%, LPR 53.3%; p = 0.023). Conclusion Reflux scintigraphy demonstrated a high rate of digitally identified reflux pulmonary aspiration. Contamination of the proximal oesophagus and pharynx was observed frequently in both groups of severe disease. The likelihood of pulmonary aspiration and potential pulmonary disease needs to be entertained in severe GORD and LPR.

Novel impedance-pH parameters are associated with proton pump inhibitor response in patients with inconclusive diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease according to Lyon Consensus.

SummaryBackgroundThe Lyon Consensus delineates impedance‐pH parameters that can demonstrate/exclude gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In patients with acid exposure time between 4% and 6%, GERD diagnosis has been considered inconclusive. In these cases, mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index may either confirm or refute GERD diagnosis and represent predictors of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response.AimsTo investigate the diagnostic yield of MNBI and PSPW index and their relationship with PPI response in patients with inconclusive GERD diagnosis.MethodsReview of impedance‐pH tracings from PPI responder/non‐responder patients with typical reflux symptoms. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the association of MNBI and PSPW index to PPI response.ResultsAmong 233 patients evaluated, 145/233 (62.2%) were PPI responders; 62 had conclusive and 65 inconclusive evidence of GERD, 46 had reflux hypersensitivity, and 60 functional heartburn. Abnormal MNBI and PSPW index were significantly more frequent in inconclusive GERD as compared to the functional heartburn group (P < 0.001). Within the inconclusive GERD group, 35/65 (54%) patients were PPI responders and displayed a significantly higher proportion of cases with pathological MNBI or PSPW index as compared to non‐responders (32/35 [91.4%] and 30/35 [85.7%] vs 9/30 [30%] and 7/30 [23.3%], P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, pathological PSPW index and/or MNBI values were significantly associated with PPI response in all groups.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the value of MNBI and PSPW index as adjunctive metrics in characterising patients with inconclusive evidence of GERD and identifying those responsive to PPI treatment.

Does acid reflux precipitate ischaemia in subjects with acute coronary syndrome?

It has been postulated that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) may trigger coronary ischaemia through viscerocardiac reflex vasoconstriction in subjects with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of GORD in subjects with IHD who present with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to determine whether GORD may serve as a trigger for ischaemic events. Twenty patients with isolated reflux oesophagitis and 39 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS with concomitant GORD) were studied. Twenty-two subjects comprising normal volunteers and those who were admitted for minor surgical trauma were used as normal controls. All subjects underwent oesophago-gastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) and acid instillation with hydrochloric acid (0.1 M), as well as nuclear imaging (sestaMIBI) with technetium99. Ischaemia was detected by ST depression using ECG monitoring for one hour during and immediately after EGD. Of the 111 subjects with ACS, 39 (35.1%) had erosive GORD and comprised the study group. Subjects with ACS had more incidence of diabetes (p = 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.002), a history of smoking (p = 0.006) and elevated serum triglyceride levels (p = 0.008) compared to the GORD group. Risk-factor clustering in the form of the metabolic syndrome was more common in ACS subjects (44 vs 5%; p = 0.008). ST depression was documented in 8/39 (20.5%) patients in the ACS group and 5/20 (25%) in the GORD group (p = 0.958). Reversible perfusion defects on sestaMIBI scan were seen in 35.6% of the ACS subjects. Although GORD is common in subjects with ACS, we have not been able to show that GORD may serve as a trigger for ischaemia in these subjects.

PTU-126 High Incidence of Oesophageal Dysmotility and Increased Inspiratory Gastro-Oesophageal Pressure Gradients in Patients with Unexplained Respiratory Symptoms

Introduction It has been suggested that reflux and aspiration are common precipitants in respiratory diseases such as cough, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. An excess of acid in these patients has been demonstrated by conventional pH monitoring, but correlation with symptoms are relatively poor. We have previously hypothesised that oesophageal dysmotility leading to both acid and non-acid aspiration may be an important etiological mechanism. Studies have also highlighted the importance of the gastro-oesophageal pressure gradient (GOPG) in the prevalence of reflux. 1 Methods High Resolution Oesophageal Manometry (HRM) was performed in 121 patients, 61 of whom presented primarily with unexplained respiratory symptom and complained predominantly of chronic cough (50), or breathlessness (11). An age and sex matched control group was chosen from patients presenting with suspected gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The HRM findings of 61 patients (38 female), mean age 56 (range 18–81) with respiratory symptoms were compared with those of 60 suspected GORD patients (39 female), mean age 57, (range 19–81). Results Mean lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) resting pressures were similar between the two groups. There were fewer intact swallows in the respiratory group compared to those of the GORD group (42% vs 57%, P = 0.03). Intraoesophageal pressure was significantly lower during inspiration in the respiratory group compared to those of the GORD group (-11.5mmHg vs -8.7, p = 0.001). Consequently, there was a significantly higher GOPG was found in respiratory patients compared to those of the GORD group (46 mmHg vs 33 mmHg, p Conclusion Using High Resolution Oesophageal Manometry, we have demonstrated a higher prevalence of oesophageal dysmotility in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms than those presenting with typical GORD. Moreover, we have shown that those with unexplained respiratory symptoms exhibit higher inspiratory GOPGs and greater LOS peak contractions possibly stimulating an afferent vagal cough response. Reference 1 Ayazi S, DeMeester SR, et al . Thoracic-abdominal pressure gradients during the phases of respiration contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Digestive Disease and Sciences 2011; 56 :1718–22. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Dilated intercellular space diameter as marker of reflux‐related mucosal injury in children with chronic cough and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

The diagnostic corroboration of the relationship between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic cough remains challenging. To compare oesophageal mucosal intercellular space diameter (ISD) in children with GERD, children with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER)-related cough (GrC) and a control group, and to explore the relationship between baseline impedance levels and dilated ISD in children with GER-related cough. Forty children with GERD, 15 children with GrC and 12 controls prospectively underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with oesophageal biopsies taken 2-3cm above squamocolumnar junction. ISD were quantified using transmission electron microscopy. Impedance-pH monitoring with evaluation of baseline impedance in the most distal impedance channel was performed in both patient groups. A significant difference in mean ISD values was found between GrC patients (0.9±0.2μm) and controls (0.5±0.2μm, P<0.001), whereas there was no difference between GrC and GERD group (1±0.3μm, NS). No difference was found in the mean ISD between GrC children with or without pathological oesophageal acid exposure time (1±0.3 vs. 0.9±0.2μm), and there was no correlation between ISD and any reflux parameter. Finally, there was no correlation between ISD and distal baseline impedance values (r:-0.35; NS). In children with reflux-related cough, dilated intercellular space diameter appears to be an objective and useful marker of oesophageal mucosal injury regardless of acid exposure, and its evaluation should be considered for those patients where the diagnosis is uncertain. In children with reflux-related cough, baseline impedance levels have no role in identifying reflux-induced oesophageal mucosal ultrastructural changes.

The pattern of oesophageal acid exposure and oesophageal pressure morphology in patients with hiatus hernia

<h3>Introduction</h3> Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) generally presents as pathological Upright, Supine or Bi-positional reflux. Hiatus hernia (HH) and dysmotility are common in chronic GORD. However, in the presence of HH, it is unclear how age, severity of oesophageal acid exposure and dysmotility are related to the different postural types of GORD. <h3>Methods</h3> From March 2006 to July 2010, 1242 patients with GORD symptoms had high resolution manometry (HRM; Manoscan 360, Sierra) and 24-h catheter-based pH-monitoring (Slimline™, Medtronic) performed. 124 consecutive patients with both pathologic reflux and HH were collected. Patients were classified as Upright (n = 24), Supine (n = 38) or Bi-positional (n = 62) predominant reflux. Total (TR &gt; 4.2%), upright (UR &gt; 8.15%) and supine (SR &gt; 3.45%) reflux parameters were used to classify GORD into position subtypes. HH was defined as Type II (lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS)-crural diaphragm (CD), 1–2 cm) and Type III (LOS-CD &gt; 2 cm) in accordance with the Chicago Classification. Student9s t test, χ² tests and Mann–Whitney-U test were used for statistical analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Mean ±SD age was 54 ± 14 years (range 16–85 years; 64 males). Patients with Bi-positional reflux (57 years) were older than those with Supine (49 years) (p = 0.013) or Upright reflux (53 years) (p = 0.04). Furthermore the severity of oesophageal acid exposure (TR, UR and SR) was greater in the Bi-positional (18.1%, 17.6%, 19.7%) than Supine (8.6%, 4.8%, 14.8%) (p &lt; 0.001) or Upright (8.5%, 12.8%, 1.1%) (p &lt; 0.001) reflux group. Total supine reflux episodes in the Supine group were fewer in number (54) compared to the total upright reflux episodes in the Upright group (127) (p &lt; 0.001), although the total reflux time was similar in both positions (124 min supine vs 127 min upright; p = NS). Although there was no significant difference in the mean peristaltic wave contractility and velocity between the three groups, the % of successful peristalsis was higher in the Upright (65%) than Supine (54%) or Bi-positional (52%) GORD group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively). Patients with Type III HH were older (mean age 57 years; n = 71) than Type II HH (mean age 50 years; n = 53) (p = 0.013). There was no difference in HH length between the GORD position subtypes (range 2.0–8.4 cm). Although there was no difference in TR, UR and SR, the LOS basal pressure was lower in Type III (8.9 mmHg) than Type II (12.0 mmHg) HH patients (p = 0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In patients with manometry-proven HH who present with symptoms suggestive of GORD, Bi-positional and Supine reflux predominance are associated with more severe disease and are more likely to be associated with failed peristalsis. Furthermore Bi-positional reflux disease is more common with increasing age as is Type III HH.

Barrett’s esophagus and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

To review the records of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS) children, affected by Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to detect the presence of Barrett's Esophagus (BE). A total of 62 CDLS patients were investigated for GERD (1 month-35 years). In all of them a pH-metry, an upper endoscopy with multiple biopsies and a complete radiologic digestive evaluation were carried out. BE was diagnosed in case of replacement of oesophageal mucosa by specialized intestinal-type columnar mucosa. Anti-reflux surgery was considered in case of persistence of BE after medical therapy. Follow-up (mean 3.5 years) consisted in endoscopy every 6 months . Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was found in 50 CDLS patients (80%) and BE in six of them (12% of the GERD group, 9.6% of the entire population, mean age 17 years, range 6-32 years). A short segment BE was observed in three patients, a long one in two patients and an infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus in one patient. A higher frequency of BE in CDLS patients than in a normal population is found. A delayed diagnosis because of atypical GERD symptoms and an altered intestinal motility as a result of neurological impairment can be recognized as the main cause.

Reduced quality of life in children with Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

To assess self-reported Quality of life (QoL) in children with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) aged 5-18 and compare this with both disease and healthy control children in a prospective consecutive sample. All children attending a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology clinic from February 2009 to May 2009 with GORD, chronic constipation and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were asked to complete the validated PedsQL generic QoL assessment (self-report) at their clinic appointment. The PedsQL considers physical, emotional, social and school domains and is scored from 0 to 100. Healthy children were also recruited from the same site. Groups were compared using the independent samples Student's t-test. A total of 184 children completed the assessment [103 (56%) male, mean age 10.7 years +/- 3.3] including 40 children with GORD, 44 with chronic constipation, 59 with IBD and 41 healthy children. QoL was significantly lower in the GORD group compared with both children with IBD (74 vs. 82) and healthy children (74 vs. 84), and was comparable to that of children with chronic constipation (74 vs. 74). Self-reported QoL in children with GORD attending a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology clinic is significantly reduced compared with both healthy children and children with IBD.

HP17P BARRETT'S OESOPHAGUS AND THE SYMPTOMATIC EFFICACY OF FUNDOPLICATION

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of fundoplication for patients with uncomplicated gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and to compare the outcomes for patients with BO following either Nissen or Toupet fundoplication.Methods: A prospectively collected database identified 2990 patients who underwent either Nissen or Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication for GORD or BO between 1991 and 2008. Pre‐ and post‐operative outcomes were measured using a simplified DeMeester scoring system. The scores were recorded for up to 5 years by the same research nurse and compared using small sample statistics.Results: Of the 2990 patients, 390 (13%) had BO and 2600 (87%) had GORD. Preoperatively, the BO group experienced significantly more symptoms of heartburn than did the GORD group (86 vs. 91% p &lt; 0.01). However, both groups responded equally favourably to fundoplication with high patient satisfaction at 5 years (88 vs. 93%, p = NS). There were no statistically significant differences in post‐operative medication and re‐operations rates between the two groups. Nissen and Toupet procedures were both equally effective for patients with Barrett's disease with respect to heartburn and regurgitation. At five years there was an increased occurrence of dysphagia in the Toupet group (17%) compared with the Nissen group (4%, p = 0.01). This may follow from the Toupet procedure being favoured for patients with documented primary oesophageal motility disorder (Toupet 47% vs. Nissen 30%, p &lt; 0.01).Conclusions: The symptoms of uncomplicated GORD and BO respond very well to fundoplication. Both the Nissen and Toupet procedures are equally effective in patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Efficacy of rabeprazole on heartburn symptom resolution in patients with non‐erosive and erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: a multicenter study from Japan

Few studies have compared the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in resolving the symptoms of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and of erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Japan. To investigate and compare the efficacy of 4-week course of rabeprazole 10 mg/day on symptom resolution in NERD and erosive GERD in Japan. The modified Los Angeles classification was used to grade endoscopically GERD in patients with heartburn (Grades N and M: NERD, Grades A and B: mild reflux oesophagitis (RO), and Grades C and D: severe RO). Rabeprazole 10 mg/day was administered for 4 weeks to 180 patients who kept symptom diaries. Complete relief of the symptoms was achieved in 35.8% of the NERD group and 55.4% of the erosive GERD group (mild RO: 51.1% and severe RO: 77.8%). Rabeprazole was significantly more effective in erosive GERD than in NERD patients. Among the NERD subgroups (Grades N and M), no difference in symptom improvement was observed. Four-week, rabeprazole 10 mg/day acid suppression therapy was effective in resolving symptoms in Japanese GERD patients. This therapy was more effective in erosive GERD than in NERD patients, and in those with severe RO than in those with mild RO.

Role of oesophageal manometry in clinical practice.

The present study evaluates the role of oesophageal manometry in clinical practice. Over 5 years, 347 consecutive patients were evaluated in our oesophageal laboratory. The reasons for referral were: dysphagia (11.5%), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (46.7%), non-cardiac chest pain (28.5%), connective tissue disease (6.9%) and other symptomatology (6.3%). Patients were classified into the following five groups according to the referral diagnosis: dysphagia (40 patients), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (162 patients), non-cardiac chest pain (99 patients), connective tissue disease (24 patients) and other symptomatology (22 patients). Abnormalities in oesophageal motility were detected in 90% of patients with dysphagia, in 40.1% of patients with GORD, in 47.5% of subjects with non-cardiac chest pain, in 45.8% of patients with connective tissue disease and in 18.2% of subjects with other symptomatology. The high prevalence of abnormalities in the dysphagia group was statistically significant (p < 0.001), and the range of 95% confidence intervals (0.81-0.99) suggests that the value found may be a reasonably good estimate of percentage of anomalies detectable in the dysphagia patient population. In the dysphagia group, the initial diagnosis was confirmed in 40% of patients and changed in 52.5%; in only 7.5% of cases were the manometry results not relevant for determining an appropriate diagnosis. Manometry substantially contributed to patients receiving the correct treatment in 82.5% of cases (p < 0.001 among all groups). In the GORD group and in the non-cardiac chest pain group, the results of manometry were not relevant for confirming or changing a diagnosis in 59.8% and 53.5% of cases respectively; nevertheless, in both groups, on the basis of manometry results, the treatment was changed in 42.5% of patients (p < 0.01 vs. other symptomatology group). In conclusion, on the basis of the present data, we can emphasize the usefulness of oesophageal manometry assessment in patients with dysphagia or non-cardiac chest pain, with negative routine examinations, and also in patients with refractory GORD who have been considered for antireflux surgery.