Recurrent Reflux Research Articles

Repeated ureterocystoneoimplantation in a 13-year child with recurrent vesicoureteral reflux in both segments of a doubled kidney

Introduction. Doubling of the urinary tract is a common developmental anomaly (0.8–1.0%). With complete doubling, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is detected in 66-72%, mainly in the lower segment. The aim of the work is to optimize the surgical treatment of VUR with doubling of the urinary tract by endoluminal plasty of the ureteral mouths and reimplantation of the ureter. Materials and methods. In a 13-year child, a laparoscopic longitudinal intravesical ureterocystoneoimplantation technique was used in conditions of ureteral length deficiency and a proximal intervertebral anastomosis was applied. Results. With the doubling of the urinary tract, a number of patients experience a recurrence of VUR, which determines the need for repeated reconstructive surgery. We present a clinical case of successful surgical treatment of recurrent VUR in both segments of a doubled kidney in a 13-year child. In the treatment, the technique of laparoscopic longitudinal intravesical ureterocystoneoimplantation was successfully applied in conditions of ureteral length deficiency and a proximal intervertebral anastomosis was applied. Conclusion. The performed surgical intervention meets the requirements of efficiency and safety and can be used in conditions of ureteral length deficiency in patients with recurrent VUR after previously performed reconstructive operations.

Evaluation of factors associated with reflux recurrence after fundoplication.

Reflux recurrence after fundoplication remains poorly understood, prompting an investigation into factors associated with it. A study was conducted to review patients who had primary fundoplication. The main focus was on identifying recurrent reflux confirmed by an abnormal DeMeester score of > 14.7. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Additionally, Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) measurements were taken into account if performed during the operation. Out of 137 patients who met inclusion criteria. 17 (12.4%) patients developed recurrent reflux, with 6.5% of them required secondary fundoplication. There were no significant differences in demographic, pre-operative or intra-operative characteristics between patients who developed recurrent reflux and those who did not (p > 0.05). However, in the subset of patients who underwent EndoFLIP™ monitoring during surgery (60%); patients who developed recurrent reflux had lower HPZ values post-wrap compared to those who did not [3.5 IQR (3-4) vs 2.5 IQR (1.8-3), p < 0.01]. Patient factors such as age, sex, BMI, and race were not found to be associated with recurrent reflux or reflux requiring surgical re-intervention in our analysis. However, having a low HPZ post-wrap was identified as a risk factor for recurrent reflux [0.15 95% CI (0.03-0.57)] and it showed a significant correlation with post-operative DeMeester score [r = - 0.28, p = 0.02]. No relationship was found between patient factors such as age, sex, race, and BMI and recurrent reflux following primary fundoplication. However, a Low HPZ post-wrap was a risk factor for recurrent reflux with a risk ratio of 0.15 (0.03-0.57) and a p value of 0.01. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the impact of HPZ on outcomes following fundoplication in order to develop guidelines for clinicians.

806. MINIMALLY INVASIVE REVISION FUNDOPLICATION, IS IT SAFE AND FEASIBLE? SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplication has become standard of care for patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, large and symptomatic hiatal hernia. Failure rate for laparoscopic fundoplication was between 2 to 17%. Doing Revisional Antireflux surgery is technically difficult. Our aim is to analyse symptomatic improvement post surgery, safety and durability of procedure in patients who underwent revision fundoplication at our centre Patients and Methods 22 patients underwent Minimally invasive revision fundoplication between January 2019 to January 2022 were taken into study, of them 12 gentlemen and 10 women were noted. Modified DeMeester score was calculated in all patients preoperatively and on 6 months follow up. Results All patients underwent primary surgery laparoscopically. 14 patients (63.6%)had recurrent reflux symptoms and 8 patients (36.3%) had severe dysphagia. Revision fundoplication was done laparoscopically in 20 patients and 2 patients Robotic surgery was done. Intraoperatively 11 patients had wrap migration, 8 patients had tight wrap, 3 patients had twist of wrap. In the re-do anti-reflux surgery (ARS) procedure, floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed in 86.4% of the patients, which amounts to 19 patients., and 3 patient underwent a 270-degree Toupet fundoplication. In 2 patients, additional composite mesh reinforcement was employed. 13.6 % of patients had intraoperative complications, 9.09 % of patients had pleural injury, 4.7 % had intraoperative bleeding, 9.09% of patients had gallstone disease, for which cholecystectomy was done. All patients anterior and posterior vagus identified and preserved. On follow up 80% of patients had resolution of symptoms, 18% needed intermittent PPI. At a median follow up of 18 months, no surgical failure was noted in endoscopy. Conclusion Laparoscopic revision fundoplication is a safe procedure when operated in a high volume centre by an expert surgeon.

The impact of obesity on gastroesophageal reflux disease recurrence following re-operative anti-reflux surgery.

Obese patients represent a large proportion of patients experiencing recurrent reflux and re-operations after initial anti-reflux surgery. However, there is a limited data describing the impact of obesity on GERD recurrence following re-operative procedures. A review of patients who underwent re-operative anti-reflux surgery (Re-ARS) between 2012 and 2023. Peri-operative characteristics and post-operative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores were compared across the three BMI categories: (BMI < 25kg/m2, 25 ≤ BMI > 30kg/m2, and BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) over 12 IQR (9-14.9) months follow-up. Impedance planimetry measurements were included when it was utilized intraoperatively. Of 718 patients who underwent robotic ARS, 84 patients (11.6%) underwent Re-ARS, of which 29.7% had a BMI < 25kg/m2, 35.7% were ≤ 25 BMI < 30kg/m2, and 34.5% had a BMI ≥ 30kg/m2. The lower esophageal sphincter distensibility decreased similarly between groups with no differences in post-induction [3.2 ± 2 vs 4.5 ± 3.1 vs 3.9 ± 2.5 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.44] or post-fundoplication values [1 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.6 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.46]. There was a significant improvement in GERD-HRQL scores postoperatively compared to preoperative levels across the three BMI classes (BMI < 25kg/m2: pre 17 IQR (12-22), post 7.5 (1.5-15), p = 0.04 vs ≤ 25 BMI < 30kg/m2: pre 26 IQR (10-34), post 8 IQR (0-17), p < 0.01 vs BMI ≥ 30kg/m2: pre 44 IQR (26-51), post 5 IQR (3.5-14.5), p < 0.001) during 12 IQR (9-14.9) months follow-up. The rates of hiatal hernia recurrence on barium swallow [5.2 vs 15.7 vs 13.7%, p = 0.32] during 7 IQR (5.2-9.2) months follow-up, and endoscopy [13.3 vs 16.6 vs 7.1%, p = 0.74] during 11.8 (IQR 5.6-17.1) months follow-up period were also similar between groups. GERD-HRQL scores in obese patients are expected to improve similarly compared to non-obese patients. Indicating that Re-ARS may be appropriate for patients across a range of BMIs.

A randomized controlled study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of concomitant transluminal injection of foam sclerosant combined with endovenous laser ablation in patients with incompetent small saphenous veins.

To compare foam sclerotherapy through the access sheath (transluminal foam sclerotherapy [TLFS]) combined with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with EVLA alone in terms of safety and one-year venous clinical severity score (VCSS) changes in patients with small saphenous vein incompetence. During EVLA, the sheath tip was placed around the targeted tributary vein, and the sclerosant was injected via the side port. Outcomes assessed at 1day, 1week, 1month, and 1year included VCSS changes, residual or recurrent reflux, the need for secondary interventions, and other related complications. The change in VCSS did not reach the minimum clinically important difference. Otherwise, TLFS reduced residual or recurrent reflux of the tributary using the TLFS (3/74 legs) compared with the EVLA alone (12/77 legs) (p = .027). TLFS is a safe and feasible procedure that reduces residual or recurrent reflux of the tributary vein compared with truncal EVLA alone.

Looking back on a gold standard: a systematic literature review of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as an anti-reflux treatment option

Summary Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered the gold standard in surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, exhaustive scrutiny of the procedure is necessary. The aim of this study was to perform a complete and systematic literature review of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to summarize the evidence for safety and efficacy over time. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating intra- and postoperative outcomes at follow-ups between 4–6 weeks and 17 years. Results Among 1675 screened articles, 63 articles were identified comprising 40 trials with a total of 2619 participants. Intraoperative events included bleeding (2.9%), gastroesophageal injury/perforation (0.9%), and spleen injury/splenectomy (0.9%). One-year clinical follow-up presented the following: dysphagia (22.4%), heartburn or epigastric/sternal pain (15.1%), gas bloating (30.1%), and inability to vomit/belch (16.4%). These outcomes displayed a U-shaped curve with a minimum of symptoms at 1 year. At 10 years postoperatively, clinical outcomes deteriorated, demonstrating dysphagia (45.3%), heartburn or epigastric/sternal pain (30.9%), inability to vomit/belch (48.8%), and gas bloating (44.4%). Furthermore, the surgical benefit seems to dissipate at 17 years. At 1 and 10 years after surgery, reoperation rates were 6.7% and 16.3%, whereas proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was at 12.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Conclusion The performance of Nissen fundoplication declines over time, as demonstrated by increased PPI medication usage for recurrent symptoms and an increased reoperation rate reaching a combined 39.6%, representing failures after 10 years. The complication rates are dominated by dysphagia, gas bloating, inability to belch/vomit, and/or recurrent reflux symptoms with heartburn.

Recurrence of vesico-ureteral reflux in children: is still the endoscopic injection the best option?

Endoscopic injection (EI) is a safe treatment for vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) in children, but recurrences are not insignificant. This study aims to show if multiple EI is still the best first line management even if in case of recurrences. All patients affected by primary VUR, treated with at least one EI and with at least 5 years follow up were included. All general data were analyzed. Recurrence rate after one, two and three EIs were calculated. One hundred and sixty-one patients (total number =210) were healed after 1 injection, 28 after 2 and 4 after 3 with a global success rate of 91.90%. Recurrence rate is higher in patients older than 3 years old and with IV and V reflux grade. Even if 67.7% of recurrent VUR after one injection was symptomatic, diagnosis of recurrences after multiple EI was mainly radiological. Only 8% of the patients underwent EI need an anti-reflux surgery. Thanks to its low costs and the acceptable recurrence rate, Deflux EI should be proposed as the first therapeutic approach for children affected by VUR, especially in those with low and moderate grades of VUR. Multiple injections could be contraindicated only in older children thank 1 year with high-grade VUR (IV symptomatic and V grade).

Causes Responsible For Failure of Fundoplication: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background GERD is a very common disease nowadays. When medications like Proton Pump Inhibitors fail, Surgery becomes the treatment of choice. Objective To review and study the most common causes responsible for failure of Fundoplication and development of the most common postoperative complications (recurrence of reflux, dysphagia and gas-bloat syndrome). Patients and Methods Types of studies Published studies about the complications of Laparoscopic Fundoplication (carried out in the period between 2000 – 2021). Types of participants Patients with clinically proven complications like GERD, belching, dysphagia or unintentional slipping after Fundoplication. Results A copy of each paper identified was obtained, and relevant data was Abstracted for a quantitative overview. In case of discrepancies or when the information presented in a study is unclear, Abstraction by a second reviewer was sought to resolve the discrepancy. All included articles was assessed for quality regarding methodological strength as per the 2009 Cochrane collaboration updated guidelines for systematic reviews. Conclusion According to our results, paraesophageal hernia in addition to, disruption and tight wrap are significant causes of failure of Nissen fundoplication.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Bile Reflux: a Single-Center Long-Term Cohort Study.

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is indicated for the efficient management of specific complications such as bile reflux. Published literature on this topic remains scarce as we aim to evaluate the long-term outcomes (10years) of RBS for bile reflux after RYGB. We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent primary RYGB complicated by bile reflux and had RBS between 2008 and 2023. Our cohort was divided into two groups based on the etiology of bile reflux. Long-term surgical outcomes and nutritional status were reported and compared between the groups. A total of 41 patients (100% primary RYGB; 90.2% female, 97.6% white) were included. 56.1% (n = 23) of patients underwent Roux limb lengthening and the remaining 43.9% (n = 18) had a gastrogastric fistula takedown, with no significant differences in terms of intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss (p = 0.616), length of hospital stay (p = 0.099), and postoperative complications between the two groups. Long-term resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was demonstrated for all the evaluated comorbidities. Lastly, there was no reported mortality, bile reflux recurrence, or micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies over the total follow-up period of 10years. In our cohort, RBS after a primary RYGB for bile reflux management demonstrated safe and efficient short- and long-term surgical outcomes without any reported bile reflux recurrence or mortality. Adequate supplementation and close patient follow-up remain essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with RBS as further studies are required to support our findings.

#2980 The natural history of urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background and Aims Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur following kidney transplantation, but research on infection rates and outcomes is inconclusive. We therefore aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the natural history of UTIs and the impact on long-term outcomes. Method We performed a single-centre cohort study of kidney-only transplant recipients at the Glasgow Transplant Unit, UK. A standardised protocol for UTI screening and treatment was in use and only treated UTIs were included. We studied the first two years post-transplant as this is the time when UTIs are most likely to occur. Patients were categorised into 3 groups based on number of UTIs: no UTIs, 1-2 UTIs and ≥3 UTIs. Furthermore, patients with highly recurrent UTIs defined as ≥10 UTIs in the first 2 years were compiled and analysed. Proportional odds logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for having ≥3 UTIs, with adjustment for age, sex, primary renal diagnosis, donor type (live donor, deceased heart beating, deceased non-heart beating) and induction immunosuppression. Results Amongst 1412 transplant recipients studied over a nine-year period, the mean age was 48 years and 563 (39.9%) were female. 1169 (82.8%) of recipients experienced no UTIs, 180 (12.7%) had 1-2 UTIs, and 63 (4.5%) had ≥3 UTIs (Fig. 1). The key risk factors for developing ≥3 UTIs were female sex: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.13-1.99), induction with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG): aOR 6.60 (3.05-14.05), and age: aOR for each one-year increase 1.01 (1.00-1.02). There were no primary renal diagnoses (PRD) that demonstrated a significant association with ≥3 UTIs. However, individuals with tubulointerstitial disease, a group which includes structural abnormalities of the urinary tract and reflux nephropathy as a considerable proportion, showed a trend towards heightened risk: aOR 1.47 (0.97-2.22, reference group glomerulonephritis). Recipients with ≥3 UTIs had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) at two years compared to the no UTI group (49.7 vs. 59.2mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). However, there was no significant increase in mortality or graft loss between the three groups. In the group of patients with highly recurrent UTIs, consisting of 14 patients (0.01%), we observed that 3 (21%) had a PRD of reflux nephropathy, while 5 (35%) had underlying structural abnormalities of the native renal tract as a PRD. Further to this 5 (35%) of the patients received ATG induction and 5 (35%) patients had a previous transplant. Conclusion We describe a low rate of UTIs requiring treatment in the first two years after kidney transplantation. Females, older recipients and those given ATG induction were at increased risk of recurrent UTIs. There was no impact of UTIs on graft loss or patient mortality. However, eGFR at two years post-transplant was lower amongst those with recurrent UTIs. We also observed that for the patients with highly recurrent UTIs, ATG induction, previous transplants, reflux nephropathy and structural abnormalities of native renal tract may be a risk factor. Recipients at highest risk of UTIs should therefore be screened for UTIs and interventions to reduce this risk should be considered

The effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the stage of trophic disorders: comparative study

Introduction. Despite the active introduction of minimally invasive techniques into modern phlebology, the problem of surgical treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the stage of trophic disorders is still far from being finally resolved, especially problems of horizontal reflux. Aim. Тo comparatively evaluate the results of using various tactics of minimally invasive surgical treatment in patients with lower extremitiesʹs CVI in the stage of trophic disorders.Materials and methods. A study at 139 patients with CVI at the stage of trophic disorders was carried out. Group 1 (n = 79) included patients who underwent endovasal laser coagulation of the trunks of the great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) with microfoam sclerotherapy of varicose perforating veins. In group 2 (n = 60) – method of intervention was determined by the diameter of Cockettʹs perforants.Results. Indicators of the early postoperative period in the study groups were comparable. After 2 months, no cases of relapse in the GSV and SSV were registered. Recurrence of horizontal reflux was observed only in 6 (7.6%) people in group 1. In long-term postoperative follow-up, decrease in the severity of the disease according to the VCSS scale was found in both groups (p &lt; 0.001). The persistence of pathological reflux along was observed in 16 (22.5%) patients of group 1. Moreover, in 62.5% and 68.75% cases of relapses, the perforants had, respectively, a large diameter and high blood flowʹs speed.Discussion. In general, minimally invasive techniques used demonstrated comparable clinical results and high efficiency. At the same time, the importance of preoperative assessment and taking into account the properties of perforants has been proven.Conclusion. The claimed method should be considered as an effective and safety method of obliteration of incompetent perforating veins at severe forms of CVI.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Ureteral Reimplantation in Children: A 12-Year Analysis

Abstract Background Ureteral reimplantation (UR) is a well-established procedure, yet there exists a notable absence of evidence-based guidelines for postoperative follow-up. Existing literature suggests that routine follow-up extending beyond one year may not yield significant advantages, particularly for asymptomatic children. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that many studies supporting this assertion rely on relatively short observation periods. Aims This study seeks to address the potential emergence of late-presenting complications post UR. Our objective is to comprehensively evaluate our patient cohort for the incidence of conditions warranting the establishment of standardized, long-term follow-up practices after UR. Methods Retrospective review of 137 medical records from children who underwent UR at our institution between January 2006 and June 2013. Inclusion criteria required a minimum 10-year postoperative follow-up. Results Fifty-three renal units in 34 children met inclusion criteria. Ureterovesical junction (UVJ) obstruction occurred in 7.5% of the units and was diagnosed within eight months after UR. Obstruction occurred exclusively after Politano-Leadbetter reimplantation and was silent in all cases. Postoperative UTIs occurred in 9 children. Notably, these were all singular events without signs for recurrent reflux. A decade after surgery, one child developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to preexisting reflux nephropathy (RN), while one child was newly diagnosed with RN during follow-up despite the timely surgical correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). or hypertension linked to RN were recorded. Conclusion Children with uncomplicated postoperative recoveries within the first-year, devoid of evident UVJ obstruction, exhibit a low subsequent risk, suggesting limited benefit from repeated scheduled long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, we recommend that general practitioners conduct regular monitoring, considering individual risk factors, to enhance the detection of late-onset hypertension or proteinuria as potential indicators of RN during adolescence.

Long-term results after laparoscopic revision fundoplication: a retrospective, single-center analysis in 194 patients with recurrent hiatal hernia.

After laparoscopic fundoplication, 10-20% of patients experience symptom recurrence-often due to resurgence of the hiatal hernia. The standard surgical treatment for such cases remains laparoscopic revision fundoplication. However, there is little data on the time frame and anatomic patterns of failed fundoplications. Additionally, few large studies exist on the long-term efficacy and safety of laparoscopic revision fundoplication. In a single-center, retrospective analysis of 194 consecutive revision fundoplications for recurrent reflux disease due to hiatal hernia, we collected data on time to failure and patterns of failure of the primary operation, as well as on the efficacy and safety of the revision. The median time to failure of the primary fundoplication was 3years. Most hiatal defects were smaller than 5cm and located anteriorly or concentric around the esophagus. Laparoscopic redo fundoplication was technically successful in all cases. The short-term complication rate was 9%, mainly dysphagia requiring endoscopic intervention. At a mean follow-up of 4.7years, 77% of patients were symptom-free, 14% required daily PPI, and 9% underwent secondary revision. Cumulative failure rates were 9%, 23%, and 31% at 1, 5, and 10years. The majority of failed fundoplications occur within 3years of primary surgery, with most patients exhibiting anterior or concentric defects. For these patients, laparoscopic revision fundoplication is a safe procedure with a low rate of short-term complications and satisfactory long-term results.

Surgical Management of Persistent or New Symptoms After Hiatal Hernia Repair.

Following a hiatal hernia repair, patients can present with recurrent or new symptoms. Symptoms can occur anywhere from weeks to years after surgery. These may include recurrent reflux, dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss, or deteriorating quality of life. While nonoperative management can be pursued in some patients, reoperation may be the only option in select patients. A thorough preoperative workup, including a repeat esophagram, upper endoscopy, +/- chest computed tomography (CT) scan, manometry, pH probe, and/or gastric emptying study, is warranted to better understand the pathophysiology of the presenting symptoms. If a recurrent hernia, slipped, or migrated wrap is identified, surgery is considered. Pseudoachalasia must also be ruled out if obstructive symptoms are observed at the hiatus. Such an exhaustive workup is indeed necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal outcome. In addition, an understanding of the factors that may have led to the recurrence will increase the chances of a successful reoperation. Although a technically demanding procedure, redo hiatal hernia repair utilizing a minimally invasive approach is increasingly being employed with promising outcomes. Herein, the steps of a redo hiatal hernia repair via a minimally invasive approach will be outlined and detailed.

Laparoscopic total (Nissen) versus posterior (Toupet) fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a propensity score-matched comparison of the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcome.

The debate continues as to whether laparoscopic total Nissen (LNF) versus partial posterior Toupet fundoplication (LTF) leads to better outcomes in the surgical treatment of axial hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the most recent meta-analysis including 13 RCTs with 1564 patients, no significant difference was found between the two procedures in terms of perioperative complications and recurrent reflux rates. Further comparative analyses are urgently needed. This retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data from the Herniamed Registry compared the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes after total Nissen versus partial Toupet fundoplication. Propensity score matching was chosen as the statistical method. Matching was performed for n = 2290 pairs. No systematic discrepancy was found between the Nissen and Toupet fundoplication for any of the outcome parameters (intraoperative complications LNF 2.10% vs LTF 1.48%, general complications 2.27% vs 2.88%, postoperative complications 1.44% vs 1.18%, complication-related reoperation 1.00% vs 0.91%, recurrence on 1-year follow-up 6.55% vs 5.33%, pain on exertion on 1-year follow-up 12.49% vs 9.52%, pain at rest on 1-year follow-up 10.44 vs 9.52% and pain requiring treatment on 1-year follow-up 9.61% vs 8.17%). Also the postoperative dysphagia rate showed with 5.34% after LNF and with 4.64% after LTF no significant difference. The findings presented here did not show any significant difference up to 1 year after Nissen or Toupet fundoplication. This is in concordance with the findings of the meta-analyses. However, the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes demonstrate that both operation techniques should be carried out by experienced surgeons.

Crossotomy &lt;i&gt;vs&lt;/i&gt; crossectomy for saphenous vein sparing surgery in patients with varicose veins due to ostial incontinence: protocol for double blind, multicenter, randomized trial

Double‑blind/multicenter/randomized trial protocol. Eligibility criteria: age 18-70 yrs; C2-C5 leg varices secondary to the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) incontinence; GSV size 6-10mm, at 10cm from the Saphenous-Femoral Junction (SFJ); ostial reflux lasting &gt;0.5 sec at duplex ultrasound; negative reflux elimination test; acceptance of the GSV sparing treatment plus partial/total varicose veins removal. Exclusion criteria: non-isolated GSV reflux; district already treated; pregnancy/lactation; impaired walking ability; deep vein thrombosis/insufficiency; severe comorbidities. Participants recruited from 7 Italian tertiary referral centres. Interventions: crossotomy (no SFJ’s tributaries ligation) vs crossectomy. The study aimed to verify if GSV drainage through the SFJ’s tributaries reduces groin/peripheral recurrences. Primary endpoint: 1-year GSV reflux recurrence, positive to the Valsalva maneuver, originating from the SF. Participants equally randomized. Participants, care givers, and those assessing the outcomes blinded to group assignment.

Funduplicatura con disección extensa de la unión esofagogástrica: lecciones aprendidas y resultados tras 178 pacientes consecutivos

IntroductionAntireflux surgery is commonly associated with significant recurrence and complication rates, and several surgical techniques have been proposed to minimize them. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a fundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction 1 and 3 years after the procedure. MethodsRetrospective observational study including 178 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia who underwent fundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction between 2015 and 2020. Hernia recurrence, symptoms and quality of life at 1 and 3 years after surgery were assessed by barium transit, endoscopy and questionnaires for symptoms and quality of life (GERD-HRQL). ResultsHeartburn rate was 7.5% and 10.7% at 1 and 3 years respectively, regurgitation 3.8% and 6.9% and dysphagia was 3.7% and 7.6%. The presence of hiatal hernia was evident preoperatively in 55.1% and in 7.8% and 9.6% at follow-up and the median GERD-HRQL scale was 27, 2 and 0, respectively. There were no cases of slippage of the fundoplication or symptoms suggestive of vagal injury. No differences were found when comparing the different types of fundoplication in terms of reflux and recurrence or complications. ConclusionsFundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction contributes to correct positioning and better anchorage of the fundoplication, which is associated with low rates of hiatal hernia and reflux recurrence, as well as absence of slippage and lower possibility of vagal injury.

Surgical aspects of repeat antireflux interventions for recurrent reflux esophagitis and hiatal hernia

Surgical aspects of repeat antireflux interventions for recurrent reflux esophagitis and hiatal hernia

Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia after two failed fundoplications: a clinical case.

Aim: identification of the main causes of failures of previous surgical interventions and methods of their prevention during the primary surgical treatment of hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm.Material and methods. To address the scientific inquiry, an extensive review was conducted across global scientific literature focused on the treatment of primary and recurrent hernias of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm (GPOD). Additionally, a clinical observation is provided, detailing a surgical intervention performed on a patient who had undergone correction for hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on two prior occasions.Results. The scientific literature reports limited instances of successfull correction of the recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroesophageal orifice di- aphragmatic hernias (GPOD) in patients after two fundoplications. The term ‘failed fundo- plication’ is introduced, a concept not yet described in domestic literature. Eliminating the incorrectly formed antireflux mechanism, which leads to a programmed recurrence of GPOD, and implementing technically correct antireflux interventions allow for the achievement of a pronounced clinical effect in patients who have undergone one or more fundoplications, provided there is adequate peristalsis of the esophagus and stomach. In the presented clin- ical case, the surgical procedure is based on the principles of mitigating the consequences of the previous intervention through repeated intervention primarily focused on eliminating gastroesophageal reflux.Conclusion. Repeated antireflux surgical interventions pose a significant challenge in surgical treatment, attributable to multiple factors concurrently. Identifying technical errors during ear- ly antireflux surgical interventions, eliminating them, and establishing an adequate antireflux mechanism contribute to the success of repeated interventions. Standardization of antireflux interventions is imperative, as adherence to the technical aspects of primary surgical interven- tions represents the most effective means to diminish the risk of disease relapse and the fre- quency of subsequent revision antireflux operations.

Fundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction: Lessons learned and outcomes from 178 consecutives patients

IntroductionAntireflux surgery is commonly associated with significant recurrence and complication rates, and several surgical techniques have been proposed to minimize them. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a fundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction 1 and 3 years after the procedure. MethodsRetrospective observational study including 178 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia who underwent fundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction between 2015 and 2020. Hernia recurrence, symptoms and quality of life at 1 and 3 years after surgery were assessed by barium transit, endoscopy and questionnaires for symptoms and quality of life (GERD-HRQL). ResultsHeartburn rate was 7.5% and 10.7% at 1 and 3 years respectively, regurgitation 3.8% and 6.9% and dysphagia was 3.7% and 7.6%. The presence of hiatal hernia was evident preoperatively in 55.1% and in 7.8% and 9.6% at follow-up and the median GERD-HRQL scale was 27, 2 and 0 respectively. There were no cases of slippage of the fundoplication or symptoms suggestive of vagal injury. No differences were found when comparing the different types of fundoplication in terms of reflux and recurrence or complications. ConclusionsFundoplication with extensive dissection of the esophagogastric junction contributes to correct positioning and better anchorage of the fundoplication, which is associated with low rates of hiatal hernia and reflux recurrence, as well as absence of slippage and lower possibility of vagal injury.