Postoperative Barium Swallow Research Articles

579. LONG TERM RESULTS OF THE PULL-DOWN HELLER-DOR TECHNIQUE FOR ACHALASIA PATIENTS WITH SIGMOID ESOPHAGUS

Abstract The outcome of achalasia treatment in patients with sigmoid esophagus is worse than that achieved for fusiform achalasia. We compared two groups of sigmoid achalasia patients, in which we performed the standard Heller-Dor procedure (HD) and the Heller-Dor plus a technique aimed to restore the vertical axis of the intraabdominal portion of the esophagus pull-down Heller-Dor (PD-HD). Long-term results were evaluated. We considered 48 patients affected by primitive esophageal sigmoid achalasia operated upon consecutively (1979-2021) in first instance. After 1987, we routinely isolated 360° of the gastro-esophageal junction and the lower esophagus and applied U stitches at the right side of the lower esophagus to pull down and rotate the gastro-esophageal junction toward the right. Twenty-five patients underwent the standard HD and 23 patients underwent the PD-HD technique. Postoperative follow-up included barium swallow, clinical interview investigating dysphagia and reflux symptoms and endoscopy. The overall outcome was graded from excellent to poor according to the severity of symptoms and esophagitis. The median follow-up period was 11 years (IQR 6-22) for HD group and 9 (IQR 6-14) for PD-HD (p=0.22). At postoperative barium swallow, patients in the PD-DH group had smaller esophageal diameter [4 cm (IQR 4-4.7) vs 4.7 cm (IQR 4-5), p=0.04] and lower residual barium column [10 cm (IQR 6-13) vs 6 cm (IQR 0-8), p=0.001] than those in the HD group. Postoperative moderate-severe (D2-D3) dysphagia rates were 40% for HD and 13% for PD-HD group (p=0.003). The outcome of treatment revealed satisfactory (excellent, good, fair) results in 68% and 91.4% of HD and PD-HD group patients, respectively. The Heller-Dor operation is effective in the presence of sigmoid achalasia. The clinical and instrumental evaluations showed better results with the PD-HD technique. This technique may be the first choice for end-stage achalasia with null or low risk for cancer.

672 Endoscopic Laser Pharyngeal Pouch Surgery: Is It Safe?

Abstract Aim Zenker diverticulum can cause significant dysphagia and surgery is the definitive management. NICE guidelines describe inadequate evidence on laser cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM). This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of carbon dioxide laser and stapling CPM to treat Zenker diverticulum. Method Retrospective data was collected from patients who underwent endoscopic CPM at the Royal Berkshire Hospital between 2011 and 2021. Two cohorts were assigned: endoscopic laser (EL) or endoscopic stapling (ES). Primary outcomes evaluated safety. These were surgical complication rates, duration of inpatient stay, readmissions, barium swallow leak and considered case complexity (revision cases). The secondary outcomes, persistence or recurrence of symptoms evaluated efficacy. Results One-hundred and eight patients (mean [range] age 75 [38 – 95] yr, 71 (66%) men, 23 (21%) revision surgeries) underwent CPM. The EL (n = 76) cohort had two (2.63%) surgical complications (mucosal tear requiring no repair, mediastinitis from an oesophageal leak). The ES (n = 32) cohort had one (3.13%) surgical complication (mucosal tear requiring suture repair). The average duration of inpatient stay was 3.61 and 1.53 days for the EL and ES cohorts respectively. 65 patients (60%) underwent a post-operative barium swallow of which 2 (0.03%) patients, both from the EL cohort, had a leak. There were no readmissions. A chi-square test of independence showed no significant association between type of surgery and persistence [X2 (1) = 0.169, p = .681] or recurrence of symptoms [X2 (1) = 0.443, p = .506] Conclusions Treatment of pharyngeal pouches with endoscopic laser CPM is safe and efficacious.

Surgical emphysema as an early sign for pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy: a case report

BackgroundPharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common and troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. Many factors may be used in laryngectomy patients for the early diagnosis of pharyngocutaneous fistulae such as skin flap edema, neck erythema, salivary leak, postoperative barium swallow, and wound amylase level. Its diagnosis is mainly standing on a clinical basis.Case presentationThis report described two cases of laryngeal carcinoma, which presented with a history of persistent hoarseness of voice and mild stridor and were diagnosed with a battery of clinical investigations and managed successfully with total laryngectomy and lateral neck dissection. Both patients suffered from postoperative surgical emphysema before developing pharyngocutaneous fistula.ConclusionSurgical emphysema can precede the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

470 OUTCOMES OF COMPOSITE REPAIR OF GIANT HIATAL HERNIA IN A LARGE SINGLE CENTRE COHORT.

Abstract Giant hiatus hernia (GHH) is usually symptomatic and can have significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. There is ongoing debate about optimal technique of giant hiatus hernia repair. This paper aims to look at the outcomes of laparoscopic composite repair of giant hiatus hernia from a large single centre cohort. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database was performed. Patients undergoing composite repair for GHH defined as >30% stomach above diaphragm were included. Primary outcome was hernia recurrence. Secondary outcomes were perioperative morbidity and mortality, correlation of symptoms and hernia recurrence post operatively, need for revision surgery, resolution of symptoms post operatively and patient self-reported quality of life (GIQOL, Visik score). Results Inclusion criteria were met by 221 patients. Post-operative endoscopic and/or barium swallow follow up was performed in 198 patients with 23.74% recurrence rate. There was no correlation with recurrence of hernia and persistent post-operative symptoms. The most common presenting symptom was shortness of breath, followed by dysphagia, chest pain and heartburn. Dysphagia was most common post-operative symptom. There was significant improvement in QOL post-operatively. Conclusion Laparoscopic composite repair was proven safe and effective in this cohort. Hernia recurrence was not associated with ongoing symptoms and did not have an effect on QOL. A small proportion of patients with recurrence required revision surgery. Overall satisfaction with surgery was high.

P223 BILATERAL RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE LYMPHADENECTOMY DURING THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY IN PRONE POSITION

Abstract Aim To present a video of a complete bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymphadenectomy performed during minimally invasive esophagectomy using thoracoscopic video-assisted surgery in the prone position. Background and Methods Surgical treatment for esophageal cancer needs detailed lymphadenectomy. Indeed, the number of surgically dissected lymph nodes is important for staging accuracy and also determines patient’s prognosis, including those along the recurrent laryngeal nerve. However, recurrent laryngeal nerve dissection remains difficult and increases the appearance of postoperative complications. This is a video of a bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymphadenectomy during thoracoscopic esophagectomy performed in the prone position in a female patient with esophageal cancer. Results A 75 year-old female was diagnosed with recurrent squamous cell middle third esophageal carcinoma. The patient had first been diagnosed eleven years ago, receiving chemoradiotherapy as a radical treatment. The patient achieved a complete response after treatment, which remained for eleven years. Eleven years later, during routine follow-up, tumor recurrence was identified in the middle third of the esophagus. After presentation in a Multidisciplinary Group the patient underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy. First, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in the prone position to mobilize the thoracic esophagus and complete a detailed mediastinal lymph node dissection, including infra-carinal lymph nodes, bilateral bronchial lymph nodes and also bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes. Afterwards, the abdominal esophagus and lymph node dissection is performed using a laparoscopic approach, and also a left cervicotomy in the supine position. An assistance laparotomy was made to externalize the specimen and make the gastric conduit. A manual end-to end esophago-gastric anastomosis was executed and finally, a feeding jejunostomy tube was placed. The patient presented a benign postoperative course, introducing enteral nutrition and oral intake developing no complications, such as dysphonia, nor dysphagia and was discharged on the 8th postoperative day. The postoperative barium swallow radiography showed no leaks nor other complications and pathology report confirmed tumor free resection margins. Conclusion Detailed mediastinal lymph node dissection and exhaustive bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymphadenectomy can be safely performed by minimally invasive surgery, as is shown in the video. The technique shown is feasible, achieves a complete lymph-node dissection and avoids postoperative complications such as dysphonia and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.

P198 SUPERIOR POLAR GASTRECTOMY ASSOCIATED WITH ANTI-REFLUX TECHNIQUE: CASE REPORT

Abstract Aim To present a case report where Kamikawa’s technique1 was used, as well as the patient’s postoperative evolution and results. Background and Methods Superior polar gastrectomy remains an accepted surgical alternative for proximal gastric tumors, although this approach has higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux since the valvular mechanism of cardias disappears. Thus, an additional technique is needed to avoid its presence. This is a description of surgical technique and short term results of superior polar gastrectomy associated to Kamikawa’s anti-reflux technique in a female patient with proximal gastric cancer. Results A 55 year-old female with no relevant medical history, diagnosed with diffuse signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma. The tumor was 3 cm long, extending from the esophago-gastric junction to the subcardial region (cT3 N1 M0). After presentation in a Multidisciplinary Group, the patient underwent perioperative chemotherapy according to the FLOT-4 protocol, presenting partial clinical response. The surgical intervention took place 6 weeks after finishing chemotherapy, and a laparoscopic superior polar gastrectomy was performed, associating extended resection including 3-4 cm of distal esophagus and D1+ lymphadenectomy with periesophageal lymph node regions 110 and 111. Once the resection was finalized, an assistance laparotomy was made to externalize the surgical specimen. Saline solution was injected into submucosa of the cranial part of the gastric pouch and afterwards, two seromuscular flaps were dissected. Then, the gastric mucous membrane was opened in the inferior part of the flaps, constructing an esophagogastric end-to-side anastomosis made with 2 running sutures of V-lock 3/0. Finally, the previously prepared seromuscular flaps were sewn overlapping the esophagus and the esophago-gastric anastomosis in order to prevent reflux. The patient presented a benign postoperative course, reintroducing oral intake and developing no heartburn, no dysphagia, nor vomiting and was discharged on the 9th postoperative day. The postoperative barium swallow radiography showed no leak of contrast nor any regurgitation. The pathology report showed pT3N1 (2/17) and confirmed tumor free resection margins. Conclusion The procedure described here is feasible and performable, and achieves correct oncological results avoiding performing a total gastrectomy and improving the gastroesophageal reflux problems derived from a superior polar gastrectomy.

Morbidity and Functional Outcomes following Free Jejunal Flap Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer

Aim: To evaluate the morbidity and fundamental functional outcomes (swallow and speech) after free jejunal flap (FJF) reconstruction following total pharyngolaryngo-esophagectomy (PLE) in China. Methods: 18 patients with FJF reconstruction after total PLE were retrospectively reviewed. Scheduled barium swallow test was performed 7-10 days postoperatively. Rehabilitation of swallowing and speech for patients was assessed by the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Results: 8 patients died of tumor recurrence and 2 patients died of other reasons (cerebrovascular disease and respiratory disease, respectively). The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 70.5, 49.4, and 33.8%, respectively. 83.3% of all patients could tolerate soft chewable foods, such as cooked vegetables, fish, hamburger, and small pieces of meat. 2 patients with early stenosis at upper anastomotic sites were with good swallowing function; while 2 patients with early stenosis at lower anastomotic sites were found to have difficulty in oral diet. 2 (11.1%) patients with larynx-preserving pharyngo-esophagectomy showed no compromise in speech. Only 2 (11.1%) patients underwent primary tracheoesophageal puncture for inserting an indwelling voice prosthesis for speech, and both patients achieved functional tracheoesophageal speech. The remaining 14 (77.8%) patients with total PLE did not resume functional speech. Conclusion: Postoperative barium swallow examination is helpful to predict long-term anastomotic stenosis. Good functional swallow rehabilitation is achieved following FJF reconstruction after total PLE or a larynx-preserving procedure. However, the speech outcomes are not satisfactory. It raises the demand of enhancement of functional recovery so that quality of life can be improved for these patients in China.

Modified pedicled thoracoacromial artery perforator flap for the repair of complex pharyngocutaneous fistula: a retrospective review of 9 cases

Objective: To report our experience in the application of modified pedicled thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap for the repair of complex pharyngocutaneous fistula. Methods: Between December 2011 and September 2015, modified pedicled TAAP flaps were used to repair pharyngocutaneous fistulas in 9 patients. All patients were males, and ranged in age from 28 to 72 years old. Fistula size ranged from 4.5 cm×2.5 cm to 6.5 cm×4.5 cm, and the TAAP skin paddle size ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm to 8.0 cm×5.0 cm. Neck defect size ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm, and the TAAP skin paddle size ranged from 5.5 cm×3.5 cm to 7.0 cm×5.0 cm. Results: All 9 flaps survived smoothly and all the donor sites were closed directly, with no flap vascular crisis and necrosis. The mean hospitalization of patients was 10.4 days. Postoperative barium swallow showed no hypopharyngeal stenosis or fistula recurrence. The follow-up time ranged from 8 to 32 months. The appearance of neck was good and all patients accepted oral diet. Only linear scar was left on the donor site, with no significant impairment of the function of pectoralis major muscle. Conclusion: Modified pedicled TAAP flap is suitable for the repair of complex pharyngocutaneous fistula.

A5209 - Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Hiatal Hernia Post Sleeve Gastrectomy: Cardiopexy with Ligamentum Teres

This video demonstrates the management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). We present the case of a 26 year old female who underwent LSG 4 years ago. Her pre-operative weight was 116 kgs and her BMI was 44 kg/m2. Her post-operative weight was 59 kgs and her BMI was 22kg/m2. Post-operatively she had GERD and regurgitation and did not respond to medical treatment and dilatation. Endoscopy, barium swallow and CT scan revealed severe reflux, regurgitation with hiatal hernia. We discussed the treatment options as per our management of GERD protocol with the patient. She agreed to the ligamentum teres cardiopexy (LTC) technique which is currently being researched. In this video we demonstrate reproducible laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia and cardiopexy utilizing ligamentum teres in 2 patients suffering from GERD and hiatal hernia. We discussed the option of gastric bypass with the patient as it is the standard of care in treating such complications, however after explaining both procedures the patient opted for LTC with the knowledge that if the procedure fails, she would require subsequently a gastric bypass.The video demonstrates step-by-step the technique of LTC repair which was successful in the short term follow up in both patients as evident in the post operative barium swallow which shows no hiatal hernia or reflex. At 6 months both patients had no symptoms of GERD.

Endoscopic CO2 Laser Management of Chemoradiation-related Cricopharyngeal Stenosis

Treatment of head and neck cancer with chemoradiation (CRT) can result in strictures of the cervical esophagus, often at the level of the cricopharyngeus. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy for stricture ablation in the setting of prior CRT. A retrospective review of patients who underwent endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy for dysphagia after radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Pre- and postoperative barium swallow and swallowing assessment were performed before and after surgery. Outcomes and complication rates were examined. Endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in 10 patients with dysphagia secondary to cricopharyngeal stenosis/stricture, which developed following treatment for SCCHN with chemoradiation. All patients demonstrated radiographic improvement in stricture, with complete resolution of stricture in 9 of 10 patients. All patients noted improvement in dysphagia with 9 of 10 patients demonstrating significant advancement of diet by modified barium swallow. No complications were observed. Endoscopic CO2 cricopharyngeal myotomy can be performed safely in the setting of prior CRT, with significant improvement in swallowing in select patients. Indications and technical considerations will be discussed.

A case series study of therapeutic implications of Type IIIb4: A rare variant of esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula

BackgroundA wide spectrum of variations can occur in type IIIb esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula [EA-TEF] (Kluth D. Atlas of esophageal atresia. J Pediatr Surg 1976; 11 (6):901–19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the variant anatomy of subtype IIIb4 EA-TEF and its therapeutic implications. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 4 patients of this variant subtype within a series of 259 esophageal atresias, managed over a study period of three years, at our institution. The diagnosis was made at thoracotomy. The overlapping upper and lower esophageal pouches, initially, gave a false impression of esophageal continuity. The long TEF coursed parallel in proximity to the upper pouch (UP) and the trachea needing meticulous dissection. The TEF measured 8–10mm in diameter and was ligated and divided high on the trachea near the thoracic inlet. The patients were followed up by a contrast swallow, radioactive technetium-99m- sulfur colloid scan, echocardiography and bronchoscopy (if indicated). ResultsThe mean birth weight and gestational age was 2250g and 38weeks respectively. The mean follow up was eighteen months (range 5–42months). An associated anorectal malformation was present in two patients while none had associated congenital heart disease. The Waterston grading was A and B in one patient each and C in two patients. All the patients had muscular UP extending up-to the level of arch of azygous vein (T 3–4). The lower esophageal pouch (LP) and the fistula extended high, near the thoracic inlet. Tracheal injury occurred in one patient, with thin LP, warranting postoperative elective ventilation. A postoperative barium swallow did not reveal anastomotic leak or stricture in any patient. Follow-up barium swallow showed long LP extending high up in the chest, up to clavicles in all four patients and redundancy of UP in case 1. Severe gastroesophageal reflux was present in two patients. Bronchoscopy revealed tracheomalacia in case 1. Three patients were thriving well at the last follow-up. One patient died at five months of age due to aspiration pneumonia. ConclusionsThe knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic implications of the variant subtype IIIb4 EA-TEF should be in the armamentarium of the treating surgeon to reduce pitfalls in its management.

Assessment and incidence of salivary leak following laryngectomy

To determine the incidence and risk factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation in patients undergoing either primary or salvage laryngectomies and evaluate the role of barium esophagram in these patients. Retrospective cohort study. Medical records of 259 patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 2003 and 2009 at our institution were reviewed. Risk factors for fistula formation were analyzed, including primary treatment modality, comorbidities, and operative details, which included use of a free flap for closure, concurrent neck dissections, margin status, and preoperative tracheostomy. The length of time until leak, postoperative swallow study results, and fistula management strategies were also assessed. Fifty-five patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula (overall incidence, 21%) in a median time of 12 days (range, 4-105 days). Twenty of these patients underwent laryngectomy as their initial treatment modality, and 35 had failed previous radiotherapy. Fistula formation was significantly higher in salvage surgery patients (P = .03), particularly those with hypothyroidism (P < .0002). A barium swallow performed at approximately 1 week after laryngectomy demonstrated a sensitivity of 26% with a specificity of 94%. Sixty-two percent of the fistulas healed with conservative measures only. Our data confirmed that previous radiotherapy and hypothyroidism, particularly in salvage laryngectomy patients, are important significant predictors of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistula. The use of a postoperative barium swallow in these patients may be useful but was not found to be highly sensitive in predicting who will develop a clinically evident leak and should be used with caution.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in partial situs inversus.

Laparoscopic surgery in a patient with Partial Situs Inversus may pose interesting challenges to the surgeon. Here we report a case of a morbidly obese young female with partial situs inversus who underwent Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The peri-operative challenges very many and these have been enumerated. The mirror image approach is recommended in such cases for a successful surgery which was not employed in this case. Postoperative barium swallow was normal and the patient has been on regular follow up.

V-05 Misconstruction during roux-en-y gastric bypass

describe the diagnosis and surgical management of a patient with achalasia 16 years after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Methods: A 40 year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of progressive dysphagia, reflux and chest pain with swallowing. Her past surgical history was significant for VBG in 1994 for morbid obesity. Her maximum weight loss was 27 kg. She underwent an esophageal manometry that showed a normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure with shortened LES relaxation, aperistalsis and spasmodic contractions of the esophagus with swallowing suggestive of type III achalasia. Barium swallow demonstrated a hiatal hernia with narrowing of the gastroesphageal junction and narrowing of the gastric lumen related to previous VBG. She was taken to the operating room and laparoscopic removal of the gastric band, repair of hiatal hernia, Heller myotomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were performed. Results: Postoperative barium swallow study showed free passage of contrast into the gastric pouch and no leak. Her dysphagia and reflux resolved and she was able to tolerate a diet. The patient lost 1.8 kg. in the first postoperative month. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a surgical alternative for the treatment of achalasia in patients with previous VBG.

Gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica transumbilical

Transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy. Experience in six patients Background: The transumbilical route can be used to perform sleeve gastrectomies. Aim: To report the experience with transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy. Material and Methods: A prospective protocol of transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy was applied among patients with a body mass index of 36 kg/m 2 or less, and a distance between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus of less than 22 cm. Results: Six female patients, with a body mass index between 32.5 and 35.3 kg/m 2 have been operated. The operative time ranged from 90 to 170 min. An additional 5 mm trochar was required in the fi rst two patients. The postoperative barium swallow showed a good distal passage and the absence of stenosis, residual fundus or fi ltrations in all patients. No patient had complications. Conclusions: Transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy is feasible among patients with a body mass index of less than 36 kg/m 2 .

Hypopharyngeal pharyngoplasty for the management of piriform fossa sinus

Hypopharyngeal pharyngoplasty for the management of piriform fossa sinus

Early Reoperation After Laparoscopic Fundoplication: The Importance of Routine Postoperative Contrast Studies

The necessity for routine postoperative contrast studies following laparoscopic fundoplication for either gastroesophageal reflux disease or paraesophageal hernia is unclear. To determine whether a routine contrast X-ray film influenced surgical decision making following laparoscopic fundoplication, we reviewed records from a prospective database of 1,894 patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease or paraesophageal hernia between October 1991 and June 2008, and identified those who underwent early reoperation. The value of early routine postoperative barium swallow examinations in the management of these patients was then determined. The review showed that 53 patients (2.8%) underwent reoperative procedures within seven days of their original operation: 21 had originally undergone surgery for a paraesophageal hernia, and 32 for reflux. Of the 53 patients who underwent reoperation, 25 (47.2%) were treated for dysphagia, 17 (32.1%) for acute paraesophageal hernia, 6 (11.3%) for a gastrointestinal leak, and 5 (9.4%) for bleeding or peritonitis. Fifteen of the 17 patients who underwent repair of an acute hiatus hernia (0.8% of all patients) had no symptoms and underwent reoperative surgery because of radiological findings alone. Primary surgery for a large hiatus hernia was associated with a higher incidence of early reoperation (5.2 vs. 2.2%; P = 0.001). Approximately 1 in 125 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for reflux or a large hiatus hernia had an important finding on an early postoperative contrast swallow, and benefited from this investigation by undergoing early reoperative intervention.

Reservoir and globe-type antireflux surgical techniques in intrathoracic esophagogastrostomies

Gastroesophageal reflux is a major postoperative problem in esophageal patients with cancer, and the principal cause is resection of the lower esophageal sphincter. Two new antireflux operations to solve this problem were investigated. The number of patients studied was 139, with a male to female ratio of 5. The reservoir technique was applied to the first 50 patients and the globe technique was used in the remaining 89. Hospital mortality was 9.35%. Patient satisfaction from a reflux standpoint was excellent in 91.4%, good to fair in 6.5%, and poor in 2.1%. Postoperative barium swallow at the first, third, and sixth months showed no reflux in 93% of cases. Postoperative preanastomotic mean pressure was 14.2 mmHg. Postoperative mucosal biopsies revealed a remarkable reduction in esophagitis. The radiologic, manometric, and histologic findings as well as the patient satisfaction rate suggest that these antireflux operations are suitable and effective for patients undergoing esophageal resection and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis.

A simple method to alleviate aspiration in the near-total laryngectomy patient

Near-total laryngectomy is a surgical technique which grants the potential for postoperative speech without the need for prostheses or secondary surgical procedures. Aspiration can be a problem, however, that can require completion laryngectomy to resolve. A 60-year-old male underwent a near-total laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal cancer. The patient developed chronic aspiration secondary to a leaking shunt. Work up was negative for recurrent cancer. Calcium hydroxylapatite was injected transorally at the opening into the shunt and transtomally into the exit of the shunt to seal it. Postoperative barium swallow showed resolution of aspiration. At approximately 17 months, the patient developed recurrent intermittent aspiration of thin liquids and required reinjection of the shunt, with resolution of the aspiration. Calcium hydroxylapatite allows simple and effective alleviation of aspiration following near-total laryngectomy but requires repeated injection to maintain efficacy. Injection of calcium hydroxylapatite can be an effective alternative to completion laryngectomy in patients who aspirate following near-total laryngectomy.

Routine Postoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Series After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

To evaluate the clinical utility of the routine use of postoperative barium swallow to diagnose postoperative complications in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 417 consecutive patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our institution between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2002, were included. We performed 341 open procedures and 76 laparoscopic gastric bypasses. All patients received a limited postoperative fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal series, except for the patients who exceeded the weight limitation of the radiologic equipment. Radiologic findings of anastomotic complications were anastomotic leak, delayed gastric emptying, gastric outlet obstruction, and gastrogastric fistula. We evaluated clinical signs and symptoms to obtain a list of criteria suggesting these complications. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those with and those without radiographic anastomotic complications. Clinical and radiologic criteria were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We noted 42 radiologic abnormalities during a routine postoperative barium swallow evaluation. Among our 417 patients, we documented 12 leaks (2.9%), 19 cases of delayed gastric emptying (4.6%), 4 gastric outlet obstructions (1.0%), and 7 gastrogastric fistulas (1.7%). The combination of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea was the most specific indicator of a leak, at 0.99 (95% confidence limit, 0.99, 1.01). Nausea with vomiting was the most predictive indicator of delayed gastric emptying and gastric outlet obstruction, with a specificity of 0.99 (95% confidence limit, 0.98, 0.99) and 0.97 (95% confidence limit, 0.96, 0.99), respectively. Postoperative complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are predictable based on the patient's symptoms. The use of routine postoperative fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal series is unnecessary in asymptomatic patients.