Minimal Dysphagia Research Articles

Realistic long-term dysphagia rates after anterior cervical discectomy with fusion: is there a correlation with postoperative sagittal alignment and lordosis at a minimum 2-year follow-up?

Postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has many contributing factors, and long-term data are sparse. The authors evaluated dysphagia after ACDF based on levels fused and cervical sagittal parameters. Patients who underwent ACDF between 2009 and 2018 at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), were retrospectively studied. Dysphagia was evaluated preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at last follow-up using the UCSF dysphagia score. Dysphagia was categorized as normal (level 7), mild (levels 5 and 6), moderate (levels 3 and 4), and severe (levels 1 and 2). The UCSF mild dysphagia score was further classified as "minimal dysphagia," while moderate and severe dysphagia were classified as "significant dysphagia." "Any dysphagia" included any dysphagia, regardless of grade. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at last follow-up. A total of 131 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 43.89 (24-142) months. Seventy-eight patients (59.5%) reported dysphagia immediately postoperatively, and 44 patients (33.6%) reported some dysphagia at last follow-up (p < 0.001). The rates of moderate dysphagia were 13.0% immediately postoperatively and 1.5% at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Twenty-two patients (16.8%) had significant dysphagia immediately postoperatively, and 2 patients (1.5%) had significant dysphagia at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with immediate postoperative dysphagia had less C2-7 preoperative lordosis (-9.35°) compared with patients without (-14.15°, p = 0.029), but there was no association between C2-7 lordosis and dysphagia at last follow-up (p = 0.232). The prevalence rates of immediate postoperative dysphagia and long-term dysphagia were 87.5% and 58.3% in ≥ 3-level ACDF; 64.0% and 40.0% in 2-level ACDF; and 43.9% and 17.5% in 1-level ACDF, respectively (p < 0.001). The realistic incidence of any dysphagia after ACDF was 59.5% immediately postoperatively and 33.6% at the minimum 2-year follow-up, higher than previously published rates. However, most dysphagia was not severe. The number of fused levels was the most important risk factor for long-term dysphagia, but not for immediate postoperative dysphagia. Loss of preoperative C2-7 lordosis was associated with immediate postoperative dysphagia, but not long-term dysphagia. ACDF segmental lordosis and cervical sagittal vertical axis were not associated with long-term dysphagia in ACDF.

Squamous cell carcinoma paradox in thyroid

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the thyroid is extremely unusual, contributing to less than 1% of all primary thyroid carcinomas. It may be primary SCC of thyroid gland or secondary spread to the gland, owing to direct extension of SCC from neighboring structures or distant metastases. Most of the cases of thyroid malignancy present as a rapidly expanding mass in the neck, followed by symptoms of invasion and compression of nearby structures. This case report presents an atypical presentation of SCC in the thyroid gland. In this study, the patient presented with a huge thyroid swelling, with minimal dysphagia, mimicking a primary thyroid malignancy; unusually, the primary lesion in the esophagus was much smaller and found on endoscopic evaluation.

Network meta-analysis of surgical management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults.

Proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but are associated with ongoing costs and side-effects. Antireflux surgery is cost-effective and is preferred by many patients. A total (360o or Nissen) fundoplication is the traditional procedure, but other variations including partial fundoplications are also commonly performed, with the aim of achieving durable reflux control with minimal dysphagia. Many RCTs and some pairwise meta-analyses have compared some of these procedures but there is still uncertainty about which, if any, is superior. Network meta-analysis allows multiple simultaneous comparisons and robust synthesis of the available evidence in these situations. A network meta-analysis comparing all antireflux procedures was performed to identify which has the most favourable outcomes at short-term (3-12 months), medium-term (1-5 years) and long-term (10 years and more than 10 years) follow-up. Article databases were searched systematically for all eligible RCTs. Primary outcomes were quality-of-life measures and dysphagia. Secondary outcomes included reflux symptoms, pH studies and complications. Fifty-one RCTs were included, involving 5357 patients and 14 different treatments. Posterior partial fundoplication ranked best in terms of reflux symptoms, and caused less dysphagia than most other interventions including Nissen fundoplication. This was consistent across all time points and outcome measures. Posterior partial fundoplication provides the best balance of long-term, durable reflux control with less dysphagia, compared with other treatments.

Flexible endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: thirteen years' experience in Spain.

Flexible endoscopic treatment is one of the alternative approaches for the management of Zenker's diverticum. The present paper shows our short-term and long-term results with flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy/septotomy. A retrospective analysis of our experience in patients with Zenker's diverticulum treated using a flexible endoscope, assisted by a flexible diverticuloscope, between 2002 and 2015. Myotomy/septotomy was performed with a needle-knife papillotome under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Among the 64 patients treated, two died within 10 days of surgery from causes not directly related to the procedure, and one presented with pharyngo-esophageal perforation, which recovered with conservative management at 47 days after admission. Four additional patients were lost to short-term follow-up. Among the 57 remaining patients, 52 had complete relief of dysphagia after 6 weeks. Eleven of these had recurrent symptoms on the mid and the long term. Eight were retreated with the same flexible endoscopic technique, one with a hybrid endoscopic approach, one with classical open surgery and one refused retreatment. After a mean follow-up of 2 years and a half, 33 of 37 patients reported absent or minimal dysphagia, controllable with punctual dietary restrictions. Flexible endoscopic treatment for Zenker's diverticulum is effective and safe. It represents an option on an equal footing to rigid endoscopy and classical open surgery and may also be used when the latter two are technically impracticable or contraindicated.

Long-term outcomes of a primary complete endoscopic resection strategy for short-segment Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and/or early esophageal adenocarcinoma

Complete endoscopic resection (CER) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EEA) is a comprehensive and precise staging tool and may produce a sustained treatment response, preventing metachronous disease. There are limited data on long-term clinical outcomes and the sustainability of dysplasia eradication after CER. We aimed to describe long-term outcomes of a primary CER strategy of BE with HGD/EEA. Patients with biopsy-proven HGD and EEA in short-segment BE (≤ 3 cm in circumferential length and ≤ 5 cm in maximal length) underwent staged CER by multiband mucosectomy or the cap method. The primary endpoint was remission of HGD or EEA (complete resection of HGD/EEA), dysplasia (complete resection of any dysplasia), and complete resection of intestinal metaplasia. Of 153 patients (126 HGD, 27 EEA; 83.7% male, median age of 66 years) considered suitable for CER, 138 met all inclusion criteria. CER was technically successful in all patients and was established after a median of 2 sessions. Covert synchronous EEA was found in 1 patient. At a mean follow-up of 40.7 months by intention-to-treat analysis, complete remission of HGD/EEA, dysplasia, and intestinal metaplasia was achieved in 98.5%, 89.1%, and 71.0%, respectively. In 47.1% of patients, CER changed the histological grade compared with pretreatment biopsies (28.1% downstaged and 19.0% upstaged). Esophageal dilation was performed in 36.8% in a mean of 2.5 sessions. At the end of follow-up, 96.4% of patients had no or minimal dysphagia and 90.6% of patients found CER an acceptable treatment. On long-term follow-up, a primary CER strategy was a highly effective, safe, and durable treatment for HGD and EEA. Despite the need for post-CER dilation in one-third of patients, the majority found it an acceptable treatment on long-term follow-up.

IMRT in Hypopharyngeal Tumors

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) data on hypopharyngeal cancer (HC) are scant. In this study, the authors report on early results in an own HC patient cohort treated with IMRT. A more favorable outcome as compared to historical data on conventional radiation techniques was expected. 29 consecutive HC patients were treated with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) IMRT between 01/2002 and 07/2005 (mean follow-up 16 months, range 4-44 months). Doses of 60-71 Gy with 2.0-2.2 Gy/fraction were applied. 26/29 patients were definitively irradiated, 86% received simultaneous cisplatin-based chemotherapy. 60% presented with locally advanced disease (T3/4 Nx, Tx N2c/3). Mean primary tumor volume measured 36.2 cm(3) (4-170 cm(3)), mean nodal volume 16.6 cm(3) (0-97 cm(3)). 2-year actuarial local, nodal, distant control, and overall disease-free survival were 90%, 93%, 93%, and 90%, respectively. In 2/4 patients with persistent disease (nodal in one, primary in three), salvage surgery was performed. The mean dose to the spinal cord (extension of > 5-15 mm) was 26 Gy (12-38 Gy); the mean maximum (point) dose was 44.4 Gy (26-58.9 Gy). One grade (G) 3 dysphagia and two G4 reactions (laryngeal fibrosis, dysphagia), both following the schedule with 2.2 Gy per fraction, have been observed so far. Larynx preservation was achieved in 25/26 of the definitively irradiated patients (one underwent a salvage laryngectomy); 23 had no or minimal dysphagia (G0-1). Excellent early disease control and high patient satisfaction with swallowing function in HC following SIB IMRT were observed; these results need to be confirmed based on a longer follow-up period. In order to avoid G4 reactions, SIB doses of < 2.2 Gy/fraction are recommended for large tumors involving laryngeal structures.

Thoracoscopic versus laparoscopic modified Heller myotomy for achalasia: efficacy and safety in 87 patients

Background: The ideal treatment for achalasia permanently eliminates the dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, relieving dysphagia and regurgitation; prevents gastroesophageal reflux; and has an acceptable morbidity rate. Controversy exists concerning whether the thoracoscopic Heller Myotomy (THM) or laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) technique is the best approach to a modified Heller myotomy for achalasia. Study Design: We performed a retrospective comparison of the patient characteristics, operative results, postoperative symptoms, and the learning curves for the procedures of 24 patients undergoing THM and 63 patients undergoing LHM between 1991 and 1998. Results: Preoperative patient variables in each group revealed similar distributions for age, gender, and prevalence of previous pneumatic dilation. Mean operating room (OR) times were 4.3 hours (range 2.9 to 5.6 hours) for THM and 3.0 hours (range 1.5 to 6.5 hours) for LHM (p = 0.01). Three esophageal perforations occurred in the THM group and two in the LHM group. Conversion to an open procedure took place in five THM operations (21%) and one LHM operation (2%) (p = 0.005). There were no postoperative esophageal leaks. Mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) for THM was 6.1 days (range 1 to 17 days) and for LHM was 4.0 days (range 1 to 12 days) (p = 0.03). Learning-curve analysis of the first 24 LHM patients compared with the most recent 24 revealed greater OR time in the first 24 mean 3.6 hours, (range 2.0 to 6.5 hours) versus mean 2.3 hours, (range 1.5 to 3.7 hours; p = 0.01), and greater LOS mean 5.5 days, (range 3 to 12 days) versus mean 3.1 days, (range 1 to 8 days; p < 0.01). One esophageal perforation occurred in each subgroup. A similar analysis in the first 12 THM patients compared with the most recent 12 revealed no significant improvement in OR times or LOS. Three esophageal perforations occurred in the latter subgroup only. All patients had preoperative daily dysphagia to solids. Followup data for LHM (n = 49) (median 17 months, range 1 to 39 months) and THM (n = 15) (median 42 months, range 1 to 69 months) revealed no or minimal dysphagia in 90% (44 of 49) after LHM and 31% (4 of 13) after THM (p < 0.01). No or minimal heartburn was present in 89% (41 of 46) after LHM and 67% (8 of 12) after THM (p < 0.05). Regurgitation was absent or minimal in 94% (46 of 49) after LHM and 86% (12 of 14) after THM (p = 0.3). Conclusions: LHM was associated with decreased OR time, decreased rate of conversion to an open procedure, and shorter LOS compared with THM. LHM was superior to THM in relieving dysphagia and preventing heartburn. LHM may be the preferred surgical treatment of achalasia in some patients.

Achalasia of the oesophagus: Treatment with pneumatic dilatation

A series of 51 patients with achalasia of the oesophagus treated by pneumatic dilatation between 1980 and 1988 is reported. Treatment was assessed as effective (no or minimal dysphagia) in 78% of patients, followed for a mean of 30 months. Thirty-four patients required only one dilatation and only two patients had more than 3 dilatations. There were no deaths, but perforation occurred in seven patients, four of whom required early surgical repair. A further five patients were referred for elective surgery. Factors possibly contributing to oesophageal perforation are discussed.

Surgery for the Aged

To the Editor.— Daring surgical feats are performed daily. Unfortunately, some surgeons and physicians are concerned primarily with technical elements and do not give sufficient consideration to the human factors involved. Two index histories illustrate the point. Report of Cases.—Case 1.— An 87-year-old man with occasional minimal dysphagia, after two myocardial infarctions and suffering with pulmonary emphysema, was diagnosed as having carcinoma in the hiatus hernia of the stomach. A surgeon advised extensive curative surgery after a gastroenterologist gave medical clearance. The patient and his family had been told that the risk involved was probably no more than 10%. In order to obtain the patient's consent, the physicians painted a horrible pain-filled death as the alternative. The patient underwent a total gastrectomy through an abdominal-thoracic approach. Multiple complications included tracheoesophageal fistula, recurrent infections, and decubiti ulcers developed; he underwent many additional procedures, including tracheostomy and hyperalimentation. Most of

Ruptured anterior nucleus pulposus between T1 and T2 causing a discrete esophageal defect and minimal dysphagia

1. 1. An unusual case of esophageal defect is reported due to rupture of the nucleus pulposus between T1 and T2. The only symptoms were a vague pressure sensation in the neck and slight difficulty in swallowing saliva. 2. 2. Review of the literature fails to reveal a similar case. 3. 3. This type of esophageal defect must be rare but should be listed in the differential diagnosis of extrinsic defects of the esophagus.