Esophageal Lengthening Research Articles

Gastroesophageal reflux and congenital gastrointestinal malformations.

Although the outcome of newborns with surgical congenital diseases (e.g., diaphragmatic hernia; esophageal atresia; omphalocele; gastroschisis) has improved rapidly with recent advances in perinatal intensive care and surgery, infant survivors often require intensive treatment after birth, have prolonged hospitalizations, and, after discharge, may have long-term sequelae including gastro-intestinal comorbidities, above all, gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This condition involves the involuntary retrograde passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, with or without regurgitation or vomiting. It is a well-recognized condition, typical of infants, with an incidence of 85%, which usually resolves after physiological maturation of the lower esophageal sphincter and lengthening of the intra-abdominal esophagus, in the first few months after birth. Although the exact cause of abnormal esophageal function in congenital defects is not clearly understood, it has been hypothesized that common (increased intra-abdominal pressure after closure of the abdominal defect) and/or specific (e.g., motility disturbance of the upper gastrointestinal tract, damage of esophageal peristaltic pump) pathological mechanisms may play a role in the etiology of GER in patients with birth defects. Improvement of knowledge could positively impact the long-term prognosis of patients with surgical congenital diseases. The present manuscript provides a literature review focused on pathological and clinical characteristics of GER in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for congenital abdominal malformations.

Laparoscopy With Left Chest Collis Gastroplasty: A Simplified Technique for Shortened Esophagus

Axial shortening of the esophagus is caused by repetitive esophageal injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease resulting in esophagitis, submucosal fibrosis, and esophageal dysmotility. A short esophagus (<2 cm of intraabdominal length after type II mediastinal dissection) isencountered in 20% to 63% of patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair. An esophageal lengthening procedure can be a useful adjunct to fundoplication to reduce the 50% recurrence rate reported at 5years. We describe a simplified Collis gastroplasty technique that negates the need for wedge fundectomy, potentially saving operating room time and cost, while hypothetically reducing morbidity.

Laparoscopic redo paraesophageal hernia repair with collis gastroplasty for shortened esophagus.

Esophageal shortening can be seen in patients with chronic inflammation associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and paraesophageal hernias. During surgical treatment of these conditions, it is important to address the esophageal shortening during the operation for optimal outcomes. Ideally, 2.5-3 cm of tension-free intraabdominal esophagus is recommended. During this video, we show a redo paraesophageal hernia repair in which we were unable to achieve adequate esophageal lengthening despite extensive mediastinal dissection. We therefore proceeded with Collis gastroplasty with Toupet fundoplication.

469 Laparoscopic Redo Paraesophageal Hernia Repair With Collis Gastroplasty for Shortened Esophagus

Esophageal shortening can be seen in patients with chronic inflammation associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and paraesophageal hernias. During surgical treatment of these conditions, it is important to address the esophageal shortening during the operation for optimal outcomes. Ideally, 2.5–3 cm of tension-free intraabdominal esophagus is recommended. During this video, we show a redo paraesophageal hernia repair in which we were unable to achieve adequate esophageal lengthening despite extensive mediastinal dissection. We therefore proceeded with Collis gastroplasty with Toupet fundoplication.

Gastric and lower esophageal sphincter pressures during nausea: a study using visual motion-induced nausea and high-resolution manometry

Nausea is the subjective unpleasant sensation that immediately precedes vomiting. Studies using barostats suggest that gastric fundus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation precede vomiting. Unlike barostat, high-resolution manometry allows less invasive, detailed measurements of fundus pressure (FP) and axial movement of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Nausea was induced in 12 healthy volunteers by a motion video and rated on a visual analog scale. FP was measured as the mean value of the five pressure channels that were clearly positioned below the LES. After intubation, a baseline (BL) recording of 15 min was obtained. This was followed by presentation of the motion video (at least 10 min, maximum 20 min) followed by 30 min recovery recording. Throughout the experiment we recorded autonomic nervous system (ANS) parameters [blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and cardiac vagal tone (CVT), which reflects efferent vagal activity]. Ten out of 12 subjects showed a drop in FP during peak nausea compared with BL (-4.0 ± 0.8 mmHg; P = 0.005), and 8/10 subjects showed a drop in LES pressure (-8.8 ± 2.5 mmHg; P = 0.04). Peak nausea preceded peak fundus and LES pressure drop. Nausea was associated with configuration changes at the GEJ such as LES shortening and esophageal lengthening. During nausea we observed a significantly increased HR and decreased CVT. In conclusion, nausea is associated with a drop in fundus and LES pressure, configuration changes at the GEJ as well as changes in the ANS activity such as an increased sympathetic tone (increased HR) and decreased parasympathetic tone (decreased CVT).

A safer way of suturing in Foker’s technique

Background/PurposeFoker’s technique allows esophageal lengthening facilitating end to end anastomosis in long gap esophageal atresia. The problem faced with this technique is that the traction sutures cut through the tissues leading to re-operations. Our aim was to find a technique of suturing that will prevent the sutures from cutting through the esophagus. MethodsAfter dissection of the upper and lower esophageal pouches, purse string sutures were placed, two each on both pouches. Clips were applied at the ends of both the pouches. Sutures were brought out on the posterior chest wall and traction applied. This was tried in a total of three cases. Case 1 was a newborn with pure esophageal atresia, Case 2 was an eighteen month old child with cervical esophagostomy and gastrostomy, and Case 3 had esophageal atresia with distal fistula. Two cases were done thoracoscopically and the third one by thoracotomy. ResultsIn all three cases sutures held and lengthening could be obtained. In the first case it took twelve days, in the second case six days, and in third case eight days for the ends to come together. ConclusionThis modification of traction sutures is simple and reduces the risk of suture disruption.

Hiatal Hernia Repair with or without Esophageal Lengthening

The need for esophageal lengthening (EL) as part of hiatal hernia (HH) repair is perceived to elevate perioperative risk and provide functionally inferior outcomes. Our objectives were to determine the risk factors of undergoing EL and to compare outcomes between operations with and without EL. We hypothesized that operative and functional outcomes for HH repair were similar in patients whether they required EL or not. We reviewed institutional experience with EL as part of HH repair. The patients underwent symptom evaluation before and after surgery using a validated tool. Between 1999 and 2009, a total of 375 patients underwent HH repair. The operative approach was thoracotomy, 153 (41%); laparotomy, 18 (5%); laparoscopy, 167 (44%); or combined, 37 (10%). Of these, 168 (45%) required EL. There was a higher need for thoracotomy in the patients undergoing EL (79/168 vs 74/207, χ = 4.88, P = 0.034). The incidence of perioperative complications (leak, pneumonia, ileus, respiratory failure, and bleeding) was similar between the groups. Sixty-five selected patients undergoing EL were compared with 63 patients with comparable demographics not requiring EL. In a well-validated questionnaire that assessed symptoms before and after surgery, the patients undergoing EL showed significant improvement in their heartburn (76.8%), dysphagia (67.6%), regurgitation (71.7%), chest pain (91.9%), and nausea (86.5%) (P < 0.05). The patients not undergoing EL also showed significant improvement in their heartburn (81.1%), dysphagia (71.1%), regurgitation (64.4%), chest pain (64.1%), and nausea (61.0%) (P < 0.05). Improvement in symptoms, the continued use of antacid medications, and overall surgery satisfaction score were statistically similar between the two groups. Operative and functional outcomes for HH repair with or without EL are acceptable and comparable. Thoracic surgeons should use EL without reservations for appropriate indications.

Hiatal Hernia Repair with or without Esophageal Lengthening

Hiatal Hernia Repair with or without Esophageal Lengthening

1034 The Dual Action of the KAMPO MEDICINE Rikkunshito Offers a Promising New Approach for the Treatment of Ghrelin Resistance in Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia

G A A b st ra ct s using HRM. Methods: Studies were performed in 12 healthy volunteers (5 males, median age 23 years). Nausea was induced by a motion video of a rotating and tilted view of a landscape and rated on a VAS scale ranging from 1-4 (no/mild/moderate/severe nausea) every minute until complete recovery. GEP and anatomical changes were assessed with HRM. FP was measured from the five pressure channels positioned below the LES. Reflux was assessed by impedance-pH (MII-pH). After intubation, a baseline (BL) recording of 15min was obtained. This was followed by the motion video (until the volunteer perceived nausea VAS≥3 (at least 10min, max 20min)) followed by 30min recovery recording. Results correspond to measurements at peak nausea, early recovery (first 5 min after the end of the motion video) and late recovery (last 5min of the 30min recovery period). Results: 10/12 subjects showed a drop in FP during peak nausea compared to BL (-4.0±0.8mmHg; p= 0.005) with 8/10 subjects showing a partial or complete FP return during late recovery. 8/ 10 subjects who showed FP drop also showed a drop of LES pressure during peak nausea (-8.8±2.5mmHg; p=0.04) with 9/10 subjects showing a partial or complete return of LES pressure during late recovery. Peak nausea preceded peak fundus and LES relaxation. 8/10 subjects showed increase in length of the oesophageal body during peak nausea and early recovery (+0.8±0.2cm and +0.7±0.1cm; p,0.05) whereas a shortening of the oesophagus was observed during late recovery (-0.6±0.2cm; p,0.05). There was a significant decrease in LES thickness during peak nausea (-0.8±0.3cm; p,0.05). The number of swallows was comparable during BL/nausea/recovery. MII-pH showed normal acid exposure and 0-2 reflux episodes during total recording times. The number of TLESRs was significantly greater during the recovery period compared to the nausea period (p=0.01). Conclusion: Fundus and GEJ changes during nausea are different from those observed during meals, TLESRs and vomiting. Peak nausea is followed by a drop in fundus and LES pressure, oesophageal lengthening and a decrease in LES thickness. LES relaxation during nausea is incomplete and not accompanied by reflux. Whether anatomical changes provoke the sensation of nausea or vice versa is unknown, however the time sequence in our experiment suggests the latter.

1035 Subpopulation Analysis Based on Background Responds to Rabeprazole Dose in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia in a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial; the Samurai Study

G A A b st ra ct s using HRM. Methods: Studies were performed in 12 healthy volunteers (5 males, median age 23 years). Nausea was induced by a motion video of a rotating and tilted view of a landscape and rated on a VAS scale ranging from 1-4 (no/mild/moderate/severe nausea) every minute until complete recovery. GEP and anatomical changes were assessed with HRM. FP was measured from the five pressure channels positioned below the LES. Reflux was assessed by impedance-pH (MII-pH). After intubation, a baseline (BL) recording of 15min was obtained. This was followed by the motion video (until the volunteer perceived nausea VAS≥3 (at least 10min, max 20min)) followed by 30min recovery recording. Results correspond to measurements at peak nausea, early recovery (first 5 min after the end of the motion video) and late recovery (last 5min of the 30min recovery period). Results: 10/12 subjects showed a drop in FP during peak nausea compared to BL (-4.0±0.8mmHg; p= 0.005) with 8/10 subjects showing a partial or complete FP return during late recovery. 8/ 10 subjects who showed FP drop also showed a drop of LES pressure during peak nausea (-8.8±2.5mmHg; p=0.04) with 9/10 subjects showing a partial or complete return of LES pressure during late recovery. Peak nausea preceded peak fundus and LES relaxation. 8/10 subjects showed increase in length of the oesophageal body during peak nausea and early recovery (+0.8±0.2cm and +0.7±0.1cm; p,0.05) whereas a shortening of the oesophagus was observed during late recovery (-0.6±0.2cm; p,0.05). There was a significant decrease in LES thickness during peak nausea (-0.8±0.3cm; p,0.05). The number of swallows was comparable during BL/nausea/recovery. MII-pH showed normal acid exposure and 0-2 reflux episodes during total recording times. The number of TLESRs was significantly greater during the recovery period compared to the nausea period (p=0.01). Conclusion: Fundus and GEJ changes during nausea are different from those observed during meals, TLESRs and vomiting. Peak nausea is followed by a drop in fundus and LES pressure, oesophageal lengthening and a decrease in LES thickness. LES relaxation during nausea is incomplete and not accompanied by reflux. Whether anatomical changes provoke the sensation of nausea or vice versa is unknown, however the time sequence in our experiment suggests the latter.

The Foker Technique (FT) and Kimura Advancement (KA) for the Treatment of Children with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia (LGEA): Lessons Learned at Two European Centers

We present the experiences from two European centers performing the Foker technique (FT) of esophageal lengthening by axial traction and the Kimura advancement (KA) method of lengthening the upper pouch by extrathoracic resiting a spit fistula (SF) in children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA, gap length > 5 cm). A total of 15 children were treated (8 pure EA, 6 lower tracheoesophageal fistula [TEF], and 1 upper TEF). Gaps ranged from 5 to 14 cm. Nine children already had a SF. Patients were grouped according to the presence of a SF and the subsequent surgical strategy: Group A (no SF, n = 6) received FT on both pouches. Group B (with SF, n = 6) received KA of SF and FT of the lower pouch. Group C (with SF, n = 3) received closure of the SF and subsequent Foker traction (CSFT) on both pouches. Group A: Primary repairs for all six children (mean age 3 months, gap length 6.5 cm) after a mean traction time of 3 weeks and a mean of 2.1 thoracotomies (range 2 to 3). Dilations were required in three out of six for anastomotic strictures with one perforation during the second dilation. Group B: All six children (mean age 16.4 months, gap length 9.5 cm) had a primary anastomosis, although for two it was significantly delayed (48 and 143 weeks traction time) because of infections. The number of thoracotomies ranged from 2 to 8 (mean 3.6). Leaks occurred in five out of six anastomoses (responsive to conservative management). Two children developed severe strictures, which required the anastomosis to be redone. In group C (mean age 10.6 months, gap length 6.5 cm), several major complications occurred. The three SF closures leaked (one iatrogenic) causing severe mediastinitis. CSFT was successful in only one case and the other two children had an esophageal replacement (stomach, jejunum). No deaths occurred in the series. FT of both pouches (group A) resulted in primary repairs of all six LGEA patients. The combination of KA and FT (group B) resulted in an equivalent rate of primary repairs, but with an increased number of thoracotomies and rate of complications compared with group A. CSFT (group C) resulted in a high failure rate. More data are needed (we propose a multicenter registry) to elucidate the safety and efficacy of each elongation technique and to establish an algorithm with clearer inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Extensive cervical spine and foregut anomaly in ‘serpentine syndrome’

INTRODUCTIONWe report an extremely rare and challenging combination of congenital anomalies. Only five similar cases have been described in the English language medical literature to date. PRESENTATION OF CASEA male infant was born at 30+5 weeks gestation by emergency caesarian section. Cervical spine rachischisis, shortened oesophagus, intrathoracic stomach, atretic duodenum and absent spleen were noted, in addition to respiratory insufficiency. Gastrointestinal re-anastomosis, particularly oesophageal lengthening, was not feasible at the initial thoracotomy. Surgical stabilization of the cervical spine was unlikely to be successful until two years of age. Asplenia predisposed the infant to sepsis from encapsulated organisms, and recurrent respiratory infections occurred. DISCUSSIONA close relationship exists between the upper gastrointestinal tract and cervical spine during embryonic development. An embryonic aberration at this level could account for all the deformities present in this infant. Tethering of the embryonic cervical oesophagus to the somites in the first trimester, preventing foregut elongation, and producing ischaemia at the coeliac axis, is suggested as the aetiology. CONCLUSIONThis case presented a challenge to the multi-disciplinary team involved in his management and prompted extensive consultation with international experts. After considerable counseling of the parents, care was directed towards palliation.

Development of a novel approach to safely couple the intestine to a distraction-induced device for intestinal growth: use of reconstructive tissue matrix.

Distraction-induced intestinal growth may be a novel treatment for short bowel syndrome. Longitudinal, distractive tension created by the application of force creates a significant challenge: to produce adequate force, yet not cause perforation at the fixation points. This paper describes our development of a coupling strategy to allow for successful bowel lengthening. A curvilinear hydraulic device was implanted in an isolated Roux limb of small bowel in young Yorkshire pigs. Bowel was lengthened over a 2-week period. Study groups included: Group 1: Twelve silk transmural anchoring sutures into an engineered-coupling ring at the ends of each device. Group 2: Addition of felt pledgets to the coupling rings on the serosal surface of the small bowel. Group 3: Extraluminal use of either thin AlloDerm(®), thick AlloDerm(®), or Strattice™ mesh to anchor the device. Group 1 (suture-only) resulted in a gradual pulling through the suture with increasing tension and no lengthening. Felt pledgets eroded in a similar fashion, causing abdominal sepsis. Thin AlloDerm(®) failed to prevent erosion; however, it protected against gross contamination. Animals in which either thick AlloDerm(®) or Strattice™ mesh was used survived complication free to the study endpoint. Both thick AlloDerm(®) and Strattice™ prevented erosion and perforation allowing for an average of 10.85cm expansion. This study demonstrates the use of either thick AlloDerm(®) or Strattice™ reconstructive tissue matrix which allows for safe and effective coupling. Further, we suggest this approach could be an adjunct to esophageal lengthening procedures.

Submucosal Endoscopic Myotomies for Esophageal Lengthening: A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique with Feasibility Study

Replacement conduits carry significant morbidity in long gap esophageal atresia. Surgical myotomies can lengthen the esophagus, but have not gained widespread adoption due to long-term dilatation. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of an emerging minimally invasive technique of submucosal endoscopic myotomy for esophageal lengthening. Bilateral submucosal lengthening endoscopic myotomies (BSLEM) were performed in three swine. Circular esophageal muscle fibers were selectively divided in a bilateral 3 cm longitudinal pattern. Ex-vivo tensile testing was performed on the BSLEM and compared with three circular myotomies, three spiral myotomies, and three controls. BSLEM was completed in all cases with one esophageal microperforation. The mean operating time was 38 minutes. Over physiologic force ranges of 0 to 100 g, the percentage esophageal elongation was significantly different among the four groups (p<0.05). Spiral myotomy enabled the maximal lengthening among the techniques. BSLEM enabled lengthening significantly greater than controls, but less than both types of surgical myotomy. BSELM is feasible and allows significant esophageal lengthening. Unlike surgical myotomies, BSELM enables selective division of circular fibers to potentially preserve perfusion near the anastomosis and prevent long-term dilatation. Studies are ongoing to characterize the ideal pattern of selective endoscopic myotomy and long-term effects.

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia (PHH), accounting for only 5% of all hiatal hernias, may result in potentially life threatening complications such as obstruction, acute dilatation, perforation, or bleeding of the gastric mucosa. It is traditionally believed that PHH is an indication for surgery. The repair of paraesophageal hernia is technically challenging and controversial. The purpose of this article is to overview the current status of indication of surgery; operative techniques including hernia sac resection, esophageal lengthening procedure, crural repair, and additional antireflux procedure. All symptomatic patients should be surgically treated, when operation is possible. It seems reasonable that asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients do not necessarily require surgery and that a more selective approach should be used. The penetration rate is not high, laparoscopic approach is currently the standard care. The hernia sac should be excised and resected circumferentially. Collis-Nissen procedure continues to be the method of choice also in the laparoscopic era, when lengthening procedure of the shortened esophagus is in consideration. Although symptomatic recurrence after suture closure of the crura is uncommon, primary repair is associated with a high rate of anatomic recurrence. Prosthetic mesh repair is reportedly associated with a recurrence rate as low as 5%, at the price of rare but serious complications such as erosion and fibrosis. Although scientific proof is lacking, fundoplication is the most common procedure to be added after crural repair.

Two novel endoscopic esophageal lengthening and reconstruction techniques

Esophageal reconstruction presents a significant clinical challenge in patients ranging from neonates with long-gap esophageal atresia to adults after esophageal resection. Both gastric and colonic replacement conduits carry significant morbidity. As emerging organ-sparring techniques become established for early stage esophageal tumors, less morbid reconstruction techniques are warranted. We present two novel endoscopic approaches for esophageal lengthening and reconstruction in a porcine model. Two models of esophageal defects were created in pigs (30-35kg) under general anesthesia and subsequently reconstructed with the novel techniques. The first model was a segmental defect of the esophagus created by thoracoscopically transecting the esophagus above the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. The first reconstruction technique involved bilateral submucosal endoscopic lengthening myotomies (BSELM) with a magnetic compression anastomosis (MAGNAMOSIS™). The second model was a wedge defect in the anterior esophagus created above the GE junction through a laparotomy. The second reconstruction technique involved an inverted mucosal-submucosal sleeve transposition graft (IMSTG) that crossed the esophageal gap and was secured in place with a self-expandable covered esophageal stent. Both techniques were feasible in the pig model. The BSELM approach lengthened the esophagus 1cm for every 2cm length of myotomy. The myotomy targeted only the inner circular fibers of the esophagus, with preservation of the longitudinal layer to protect against long-term dilation and pouching. The IMSTG approach generated a vascularized mucosal graft almost as long as the esophagus itself. Emerging endoscopic capabilities are enabling complex endoluminal esophageal procedures. BSELM and IMSTG are two novel and technically feasible approaches to esophageal lengthening and reconstruction. Further survival studies are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these techniques.

Bioartificial Oesophagus in the Era of Tissue Engineering

Bioartificial Oesophagus in the Era of Tissue Engineering

Giant hiatal hernias: direct hiatus closure has an acceptable recurrence rate

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze our results after laparoscopic repair of giant hiatal hernias with direct closure of the hiatus, since the reports document a radiological recurrence rate as high as 42%. Various studies have shown that laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective, and carries a lower morbidity than the open approach, but the high recurrence rates still being reported (ranging from 10 to 42%) have prompted many authors to recommend using a prosthesis. This is a report on the follow-up of 38 patients with type III and IV hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic repair with direct hiatal closure without the aid of meshes. From January 2000 to March 2010, 38 patients with III and IV hiatal hernia were treated at the Surgery Division of Cisanello Hospital in Pisa. Data were collected retrospectively and included demographics, preoperative symptoms, radiographic and endoscopic findings, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative symptoms, barium X-ray and follow-up by medical examination and symptoms questionnaire. The sample included 12 males and 26 females, between 36 and 83 years (median age 62) with 26 type III (68.4%) and 12 type IV (31.6%) hernias. There were no conversions to laparotomy and no intraoperative or postoperative mortality. A 360° Nissen fundoplication was performed in 22 patients (57.9%) and a 270° Toupet fundoplication in 16 patients (42.1%). One patient had intraoperative complications (2.6%), and postoperative complications occurred in another three (7.9%). The follow-up was complete in all patients and ranged from 12 to 88 months (median 49 months). Barium swallow was performed in all patients and recurrence was found in five patients (13.1%); three of these patients (7.9%) were asymptomatic, while two (5.2%) were reoperated. All 38 patients' symptoms improved. Judging from our data, the recurrence rate after laparoscopic giant hiatal hernia repair with direct hiatal closure can be lowered by complying with several crucial surgical principles, e.g., complete sac excision and appropriate crural closure, adequate esophageal lengthening, and the addition of an antireflux procedure and a gastropexy. We recorded a radiological recurrence rate of 13.1% (5/38) and patient satisfaction in our series was quite high (92%). Based on these findings, the laparoscopic treatment of giant hernias with direct hiatal closure seems to be a safe and effective procedure.

Evolution and Development of Surgery for Large Paraesophageal Hiatus Hernia

Laparoscopic repair is the standard surgical approach to the problem of large paraesophageal hiatus hernia. It is associated with low risks of morbidity and mortality, although there is a small risk (less than 5%) of a clinically significant recurrent hernia. Various techniques have been proposed to minimise this risk, including esophageal lengthening procedures and mesh reinforcement of the hiatus. Both remain controversial. Radiological outcomes from randomised trials suggest that a reduction in hernia recurrence rates can be achieved with the use of mesh repair, although these trials have not demonstrated any clinically significant benefits for mesh repair. The risk of complications following mesh placement at the esophageal hiatus or an esophageal lengthening procedure needs to be balanced against potential benefits. More work is required to define the optimal approach to repair of large paraesophageal hiatus hernias.

Management of acute esophageal necrosis syndrome

FIGURE 1. Endoscopic view of distal esophagus taken immediately before surgical correction of hiatal hernia. Photograph demonstrates circumferential necrotic appearing mucosa. CLINICAL SUMMARY A 62-year-old woman with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia was seen by her gastroenterologist after 4 days of nausea, coffee ground emesis, and lower retrosternal chest pain. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large hiatal hernia and necrotic mucosa in the distal half of the esophagus. The patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, a nasogastric tube was placed, and she was started on an empiric course of broad-spectrum antibiotics before being transferred to our institution for an impending surgical emergency. On arrival, the patient was afebrile, had normal vital signs, and was no longer reporting chest pain. She did not have a leukocytosis. Because of her stable clinical condition, the patient was observed while being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor for 4 days before an elective operation. Endoscopy confirmed ischemic changes starting 25 cm from the incisors and ending abruptly at the gastroesophageal junction (Figure 1). The outer esophagus and stomach appeared normal, with the exception of a shortened esophagus. A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was therefore performed over a 56F bougie with a concomitant esophageal lengthening procedure. The patient’s recovery was uneventful. She was observed in the hospital 4 days postoperatively while receiving a soft mechanical diet. Before discharge, she underwent a surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed early healing of the distal esophageal mucosa (Figure 2). This patient returned to the clinic 3 weeks later, at which time she denied any recurrent episodes of emesis or of abdominal or chest pain.