Timed Barium Esophagogram Research Articles

Post-per-oral endoscopic myotomy heartburn: It's not always reflux: Expert review.

Patients with achalasia frequently develop gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms and complications after per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Reflux symptoms are thought to be due to GER and the current treatment of post-POEM GER focuses on acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, reflux symptoms in achalasia patients post-POEM can be due to true reflux, nonreflux esophageal acidification due to stasis or acid fermentation, or esophageal hypersensitivity to chemical or mechanical stimuli. True acidic reflux is not always the cause of reflux symptoms. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring with impedance is essential to differentiate causes of esophageal acidification. PPI is useful only in true acidic reflux. Detection of acid fermentation requires manual review of a 24-h pH study, as automated review often overestimates acid exposure time due to its inability to differentiate true reflux from fermentation. Stasis of ingested acidic food warrants evaluation of esophageal emptying by timed barium esophagogram. In cases of inadequate emptying, esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility can be evaluated by a functional lumen imaging probe. Impaired distensibility with inadequate esophageal emptying suggests treatment failure and may require retreatment. In treatment-refractory patients, esophageal hypersensitivity should be considered and treated with neuromodulators. Thus, the diagnostic approach to post-POEM reflux symptoms should evolve to identify various patterns of esophageal acidification, esophageal emptying patterns, EGJ distensibility, and hypersensitivity. Consequently, the treatment of GER post-POEM should not be limited to treating esophageal acidification by reflux, but should encompass other causes of acidification and esophageal hypersensitivity.

Comparison of Treatment Response in Different Types of Achalasia: A Long-Term Study.

BACKGROUND Three manometric patterns are seen in high-resolution manometry (HRM). Response to treatment has been reported to be different in these subtypes. We aimed to investigate the frequency and response to treatment in subtypes of achalasia. METHODS 306 patients between 15 to 60 years old, naïve to treatment with idiopathic achalasia (IA) were evaluated prospectively in a cohort study for 8 years. The patients were treated with pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD), and evaluated before and one month after PBD with Achalasia Symptom Score (ASS) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and then every 6 months with ASS. The primary study outcome was defined as a reduction in ASS (equal to or less than 4) and a reduction greater than 80% in the volume of barium in TBE at 1 month after PBD compared with baseline values. RESULTS According to HRM, 57 were classified as type I (18.62%), 223 as type II (72.9%), and 26 as type III (8.5%). The mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressures before treatment were 34.05 ± 31.55, 32.99 ± 17.90, and 37.47 ± 14.07 mmHg in types I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.18). The mean ASS values before treatment were 12.23, 11.50, and 11.50, for types I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.29). The ASS dropped to 2.50 in type I, 2.40 in type II, and 2.12 in type III at 1 month after treatment (p = 0.83). Eventually, at the end of follow-up, 24 patients with type I (83%), 82 patients with type II (67%), and five patients with type III (83%) showed sustained good responses (p = 0.528). CONCLUSION Manometric subtypes of achalasia did not have an important role in clinical success in the long term. Achalasia has no definite cure, but with current treatment modalities, palliation of symptoms is possible in over 90% of patients.

Validation of Clinically Relevant Thresholds of Esophagogastric Junction Obstruction Using FLIP Panometry

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) panometry to detect esophagogastric junction (EGJ) obstruction assigned by high-resolution manometry (HRM) and the Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0). Six hundred eighty-seven adult patients who completed FLIP and HRM for primary esophageal motility evaluation and 35 asymptomatic volunteers (controls) were included. EGJ opening was evaluated with 16-cm FLIP during sedated endoscopy via EGJ-distensibility index (DI) and maximum EGJ diameter. HRM was classified according to CCv4.0 and focused on studies with a conclusive disorder of EGJ outflow (ie, achalasia subtypes I, II, or III; or EGJ outflow obstruction with abnormal timed barium esophagogram) or normal EGJ outflow. All 35 controls had EGJ-DI >3.0 mm2/mmHg and maximum EGJ diameter >16 mm. Per HRM and CCv4.0, 245 patients had a conclusive disorder of EGJ outflow, and 314 patients had normal EGJ outflow. Among the 241 patients with reduced EGJ opening (EGJ-DI <2.0 mm2/mmHg and maximum EGJ diameter <12 mm) on FLIP panometry, 86% had a conclusive disorder of EGJ outflow per CCv4.0. Among the 203 patients with normal EGJ opening (EGJ-DI ≥2.0 mm2/mmHg and maximum EGJ diameter ≥16 mm) on FLIP panometry, 99% had normal EGJ outflow per CCv4.0. FLIP panometry accurately identified clinically relevant conclusive EGJ obstruction as defined by CCv4.0 in patients evaluated for esophageal motor disorders. Thus, FLIP panometry is a valuable tool for both independent and complementary evaluation of esophageal motility.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction.

In the Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is manometrically defined as an elevated median integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and elevated intrabolus pressure (IBP) during supine wet swallows, and persistently elevated median IRP in the upright position. A clinically relevant conclusive diagnosis of EGJOO requires a manometric diagnosis of EGJOO and associated symptoms such as dysphagia and/or chest pain with at least one of the following supportive investigations (pharmacologic provocation, timed barium esophagogram, and/or endoflip). The Chicago Classification is intended for diagnosis of primary esophageal motor disorders, and thus history and endoscopic evaluation are important to exclude conditions (eg, previous surgery, strictures, or masses) that can secondarily generate the EGJOO pattern on HRM. While a manometric finding of EGJOO is often made and can be an early sign of achalasia, more often it is a manometric finding without clinical implications. The proposed changes in CC4.0 have attempted to make the diagnosis more specific, in order to reduce the number of clinically irrelevant diagnoses and avoid confusion by patients and physicians alike.

Optimal cutoff value of integrated relaxation pressure on the esophagogastric junction to detect outflow obstruction using starlet high-resolution manometry system.

Achalasia and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) are idiopathic esophageal motility disorders characterized by impaired deglutitive relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). High-resolution manometry (HRM) provides integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) which represents adequacy of LES relaxation. The Starlet HRM system is widely used in Japan; however, IRP values in achalasia/EGJOO patients assessed with the Starlet system have not been well studied. We propose the optimal cutoff of IRP for detecting achalasia/EGJOO using the Starlet system. Patients undergone HRM test using the Starlet system at our institution between July 2018 and September 2020 were included. Of these, we included patients with either achalasia or EGJOO and those who had normal esophageal motility without hiatal hernia. Abnormally impaired LES relaxation (i.e., achalasia and EGJOO) was diagnosed if prolonged esophageal emptying was evident based on timed barium esophagogram (TBE). A total of 111 patients met study criteria. Of these, 48 patients were diagnosed with achalasia (n = 45 [type I, n = 20; type II, n = 22; type III, n = 3]) or EGJOO (n = 3). In the 48 patients who had a prolonged esophageal clearance based on TBE, IRP values distributed along a wide-range of minimal 14.1 to a maximal of 72.2mmHg. The optimal cutoff value of IRP was 24.7mmHg with sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 84.1% (AUC 0.94). The optimal cutoff value of IRP to distinguish achalasia/EGJOO was ≥ 25mmHg using the Starlet HRM system in our cohort. This indicates that the current proposed cutoff of 26mmHg appears to be relevant.

One year comprehensive prospective follow-up of achalasia patients after peroral endoscopic myotomy

Background and aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established therapy for achalasia, but outcome evaluation has often been limited to Eckardt score (ES). The present study was aimed to improve knowledge about outcome evaluation and predictive outcome factors by performing a comprehensive objective evaluation of achalasia patients treated by POEM. Methods This single centre prospective study reports outcome data 12 months after POEM in treatment-naive achalasia patients. A predefined follow-up protocol included ES, high resolution manometry, 24-h pH measurement, upper endoscopy and timed barium esophagogram (TBE). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to analyze association between post-POEM variables and identify predictive factors for objective outcome. Results Fifty patients were included with a drop-out rate of <5%. ES, lower oesophageal sphincter pressures, TBE heights and maximal oesophageal diameter were all reduced after POEM (p < .001), and 28% (13/47) of the patients had a positive 24-h pH registration. An oesophageal diameter >3 cm after POEM was associated with treatment failure assessed by ES (p = .04) and TBE (p = .03). Advanced achalasia stage (p = .02) and long symptom duration (p = .04) were identified as independent predictive factors for poor outcome assessed by TBE. Conclusions The present study confirms that POEM is an efficient therapy for achalasia. The comprehensive objective evaluation after POEM demonstrates that long symptom duration and major changes in oesophageal anatomy at diagnosis imply poor treatment outcome, and a post-POEM dilated oesophagus is associated with treatment failure. Key messages Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is established as a safe and effective therapy for achalasia. Timed barium esophagogram offers objective variables that are valuable in treatment response evaluation. Advanced achalasia stage and long symptom duration are predictive factors for poor objective treatment response after POEM.

Diagnostic Approach for Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Esophageal manometry is the gold standard test for diagnosing primary esophageal motility disorder. With the various metrics of the high-resolution esophageal manometry, the Chicago classification provides a standard approach for the manometric diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders. In the Chicago classification, the esophagogastric junction dysfunction is an important major motor disorder, which includes achalasia subtypes and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction. Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is defined manometrically as normal or weak esophageal peristalsis with incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a heterogeneous disorder and usually has a benign clinical course. The small portion of an esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is early or variant achalasia. In such cases, treatments directing the lower esophageal sphincter, such as balloon dilatation or per oral endoscopic myotomy, may be necessary. An adjunctive high-resolution manometry provocation test or other esophageal function tests, such as timed barium esophagogram, can help select those patients and predict the treatment outcomes.

339 OPTIMAL CUTOFF VALUE OF INTEGRATED LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER RELAXATION PRESSURE FOR ACHALASIA USING STARLET HIGH-RESOLUTION MANOMETRY SYSTEM

Abstract The Starlet high-resolution manometry (HRM) system is currently used in Japan. HRM provides integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) of which value represents adequacy of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. The upper limit of normal IRP for the Starlet was proposed as 26 mmHg using healthy subjects. However, few studies have addressed whether this cutoff may well-distinguish patients diagnosed with/without achalasia. We propose the optimal cutoff of IRP for detecting achalasia using the Starlet. Methods Patients who underwent HRM test using the Starlet system at our institution between July 2018 and December 2019 were included. Of these, we excluded patients who had a history of achalasia surgery and/or endoscopic intervention, or whose HRM testing of poor quality. Achalasia was diagnosed if impaired esophageal emptying was evident based on timed barium esophagogram, upper endoscopy, and/or computed tomography. The optimal cutoff value of IRP was estimated using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We further investigate difference in IRP values between achalasia subtypes to identify characteristics of patients who are more likely to be misdiagnosed. Results In total, 145 patients met study criteria. The mean age in our cohort was 52.5 ± 15.5 years, 89 patients (61.4%) were men. Of these, 42 patients (29.0%) were diagnosed with achalasia. In achalasia patients, IRP values extended to a wide-range from minimal 18.7 to maximal 63.9 mmHg. The optimal cutoff value of IRP was 24.7 mmHg with sensitivity 90.5% and specificity 90.3% (AUC 0.96 [95% CI; 0.92¬ to 0.99]). Patients with achalasia type I based on Chicago classification were most likely to have IRP value below the threshold of 25 mmHg (4/19 patients [21.1%]). Conclusion The optimal cutoff value of IRP to distinguish achalasia was ≥25 mmHg using the Starlet HRM system. This value was nearly close to the upper limit of normal IRP value of 26 mmHg in healthy volunteers. Achalasia type I was more likely to have normal IRP value indicating that comprehensive foregut assessment (eg, timed barium esophagogram, upper endoscopy, and computed tomography) is still valuable for management of achalasia.

Is esophageal manometry essential for the diagnosis of achalasia? Identifying patients with achalasia by the esophageal clearance method.

Achalasia is a disease characterized by inadequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and impaired peristalsis, for which esophageal motor function testing is essential in making a definitive diagnosis. However, the diffusion rate of esophageal pressure testing in Japan is low. We, therefore, examined whether achalasia could be identified by esophageal clearance testing with low-density barium (Timed Barium Esophagogram: TBE). 126 cases (62 males, median age of 46years), excluding those who had not undergone TBE during their initial laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery, were chosen as the subjects from among those who were diagnosed with achalasia from November 2012 when HRM was introduced. The type of dilation, maximum esophageal transverse diameter, and esophageal clearance measurements by TBE were retrospectively examined. With respect to TBE, 200mL of 45 weight% low-density barium was ingested as quickly as possible, after which the barium column heights (H0, H1, H2, and H5) were measured 1min, 2min, and 5min following ingestion. The types of dilation indicated included: straight type (105 cases, 83%); sigmoid type (20 cases, 16%); and advanced sigmoid type (1 case, 1%). The maximum transverse diameter of the esophagus was 45 (34-54) mm, with Grade I (d < 30mm) in 33 cases, Grade II (35mm < d < 60mm) in 75 cases, and Grade III (d < 60mm) in 18 cases. The values for H0, H1, H2, and H5 were 162 (117-201) mm, 142 (98-199) mm, 130 (94-183) mm, and 119 (77-178) mm, respectively. 114 cases (90.5%) were not cleared after 5min, while 12 cases (9.5%) were cleared by 5min later (H1 = 0 + H2 = 0 + H5 = 0) and 7 cases (5.6%) by 2min later (H1 = 0 + H2 = 0), with only 6 cases (4.8%) having complete clearance within 1min (H1 = 0). Moreover, the degree of dilatation in patients with complete clearance within 1min was three patients (2.4%) each for Grade I and Grade II, respectively. Approximately 2.4% of achalasia cases had mostly normal esophageal clearance and no esophageal dilation. Based on the state of esophageal clearance by TBE and the maximum transverse diameter of the esophagus, it seems by and large possible to identify achalasia cases.

Intraoperative use of a functional lumen imaging probe during peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia: A single-institute experience and systematic review.

AimThe functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is a recently developed technique to evaluate the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility. Unlike timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and high-resolution manometry (HRM), FLIP can be used during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of intraoperative FLIP parameters with clinical outcomes as recorded in a single-center database and to investigate a systematic review of literatures.MethodsWe reviewed consecutive patients diagnosed with achalasia and scheduled for POEM between June 2016 and March 2019 in our tertiary referral hospital. All patients underwent intraoperative FLIP assessment during POEM. The final FLIP measurements were compared between the patients with good and poor clinical response. We comprehensively reviewed studies evaluating whether intraoperative FLIP measurements reflected clinical outcomes.ResultsWe evaluated 23 patients with achalasia who underwent intraoperative FLIP before and after POEM. Two exhibited poor clinical responses after 3 months (Eckardt scores = 3). The final distensibility index (DI) did not differ significantly between good and poor responders (5.01 [4.52] vs. 4.91 [3.63–6.20] mm2/mmHg at a balloon distension of 50-mL, median [IQR], P = 0.853). The final DI did not differ significantly between post-POEM reflux esophagitis and non-reflux esophagitis groups (6.20 [5.15] vs. 4.23 [1.79] mm2/mmHg at a balloon distension of 50-mL, median [IQR], P = 0.075).ConclusionsA systematic review of both prospective and retrospective studies including our data indicated that the final intraoperative FLIP measurements did not differ significantly between good and poor responders. Further study with more patients is necessary to explore whether FLIP can predict short- and long-term clinical responses.

Short-term outcome after singular hydraulic EsoFLIP dilation in patients with achalasia: A feasibility study.

Achalasia is a chronic esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, determined by an elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP>15mmHg) and absent peristalsis. Goal of treatment is facilitation of flow across the EGJ but minimizing postinterventional reflux. A new advanced hydraulic dilation technology, the esophageal functional luminal imaging probe (EsoFLIP), allows dynamic monitoring of hollow organ dimensions while performing hydraulic dilation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the treatment response after single EsoFLIP dilation in achalasia patients. Dilation was performed under endoscopic control with the EsoFLIP device using a self-developed dilation algorithm. Symptom scores were assessed by the Eckardt score (ES) before and 1-4weeks after intervention. Esophageal emptying before and after intervention was recorded with timed barium esophagogram. We studied 28 consecutive untreated achalasia patients (8 female) with a median age of 43years (range 19-82years) undergoing their first dilation performed with the EsoFLIP, aiming at a maximum dilation diameter of 25mm. Total ES was significantly reduced from 7 at baseline to 2 postintervention (P<.001). The median height of the barium column after 5minutes was significantly reduced from 4.5cm at baseline to 1.7cm (P=.0087). No major complications occurred. We found good efficacy in both subjective and objective short-term treatment outcome after singular EsoFLIP dilation in treatment-naive achalasia patients. Our findings suggest that EsoFLIP is a promising dilation technology that should be further studied in a larger, controlled setting with longer follow-up.

Peroral endoscopic myectomy: a novel thought to reduce recurrence after previous failed myotomy

A 45-year-old man presented with a history of dysphagia and regurgitation for 8 years. He was diagnosed with type II achalasia cardia and underwent Heller’s myotomy without fundoplication 4 years earlier. The results of the present evaluation, including symptom analysis, EGD, timed barium esophagogram, and esophageal manometry, suggested a relapse. Treatment options were discussed, and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed. The posterior route (5 o’clock) was chosen for POEM to avoid possible submucosal fibrosis along the anterior route.

Effect of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy vs Pneumatic Dilation on Symptom Severity and Treatment Outcomes Among Treatment-Naive Patients With Achalasia

Case series suggest favorable results of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treatment of patients with achalasia. Data comparing POEM with pneumatic dilation, the standard treatment for patients with achalasia, are lacking. To compare the effects of POEM vs pneumatic dilation as initial treatment of treatment-naive patients with achalasia. This randomized multicenter clinical trial was conducted at 6 hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and the United States. Adult patients with newly diagnosed achalasia and an Eckardt score greater than 3 who had not undergone previous treatment were included. The study was conducted between September 2012 and July 2015, the duration of follow-up was 2 years after the initial treatment, and the final date of follow-up was November 22, 2017. Randomization to receive POEM (n = 67) or pneumatic dilation with a 30-mm and a 35-mm balloon (n = 66), with stratification according to hospital. The primary outcome was treatment success (defined as an Eckardt score ≤3 and the absence of severe complications or re-treatment) at the 2-year follow-up. A total of 14 secondary end points were examined among patients without treatment failure, including integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter via high-resolution manometry, barium column height on timed barium esophagogram, and presence of reflux esophagitis. Of the 133 randomized patients, 130 (mean age, 48.6 years; 73 [56%] men) underwent treatment (64 in the POEM group and 66 in the pneumatic dilation group) and 126 (95%) completed the study. The primary outcome of treatment success occurred in 58 of 63 patients (92%) in the POEM group vs 34 of 63 (54%) in the pneumatic dilation group, a difference of 38% ([95% CI, 22%-52%]; P < .001). Of the 14 prespecified secondary end points, no significant difference between groups was demonstrated in 10 end points. There was no significant between-group difference in median integrated relaxation pressure (9.9 mm Hg in the POEM group vs 12.6 mm Hg in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.7 mm Hg [95% CI, -2.1 to 7.5]; P = .07) or median barium column height (2.3 cm in the POEM group vs 0 cm in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.3 cm [95% CI, 1.0-3.6]; P = .05). Reflux esophagitis occurred more often in the POEM group than in the pneumatic dilation group (22 of 54 [41%] vs 2 of 29 [7%]; difference, 34% [95% CI, 12%-49%]; P = .002). Two serious adverse events, including 1 perforation, occurred after pneumatic dilation, while no serious adverse events occurred after POEM. Among treatment-naive patients with achalasia, treatment with POEM compared with pneumatic dilation resulted in a significantly higher treatment success rate at 2 years. These findings support consideration of POEM as an initial treatment option for patients with achalasia. Netherlands Trial Register number: NTR3593.

Etiologies and clinical characteristics of non-obstructive dysphagia in a Taiwanese population: A prospective study based on high-resolution impedance manometry

Esophageal motility disorders are the major cause of non-obstructive dysphagia (NOD), but may be underdiagnosed. In this high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM)-based study, we aimed to clarify the etiologies and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with NOD in a Taiwanese population. From October 2014 to July 2017, consecutive patients with the chief complaint of dysphagia were prospectively enrolled in the study at a tertiary medical center. All subjects underwent a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, which included validated symptom questionnaires, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, timed barium esophagogram, and HRIM. Those with obstructive esophageal lesions were excluded. Esophageal motility disorders were diagnosed using the updated Chicago Classification v3.0. We categorized all patients based on the HRIM results, and compared the clinical characteristics and parameters between groups. A total of 120 patients (55 men; mean age [range], 52 [13-87] years) were analyzed. Achalasia was the most common diagnosis by HRIM (n=66, 55%), followed by ineffective esophageal motility (n=15, 12.5%), and absent contractility (n=6, 5%). Patients with achalasia experienced increased vomiting (62.1% vs. 31.5%, p=0.001), significant weight loss (22.7% vs. 7.4%, p=0.025), delayed esophageal emptying (90.9% vs. 12.9%, p<0.001), and abnormal bolus transit (100% vs. 25.9%, p<0.001) compared with non-achalasia patients. Based on HRIM and the updated Chicago Classification, achalasia was the most common diagnosis of NOD in a Taiwanese population. HRIM allows for a more detailed assessment and may assist in the tailoring of further treatment plans.

200 mL Rapid Drink Challenge During High-resolution Manometry Best Predicts Objective Esophagogastric Junction Obstruction and Correlates With Symptom Severity.

Background/AimsSingle swallow integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on high-resolution manometry (HRM) does not always accurately predict esophagogastric outflow obstruction on timed barium esophagogram (TBE). Furthermore, neither single swallow IRP or TBE is reliable in predicting symptoms, particularly after treatment with dilatation or myotomy. A 200 mL rapid drink challenge (RDC) has been proposed as an adjunctive test during HRM. This serves as a “stress-test” to the esophagogastric junction, and may yield clinically useful parameters. We aim to assess HRM parameters during RDC, and their ability to predict outflow obstruction on TBE in patients with dysphagia, and to correlate with symptoms in patients’ achalasia.MethodsThirty patients with dysphagia were recruited. All underwent standard single swallow HRM analysis, 200 mL RDC, then TBE. RDC parameters, including esophagogastric pressure gradient, IRP, and RDC duration were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the best predictive parameter for obstruction on TBE. A further 21 patients with achalasia were evaluated with Eckhardt score, single swallow HRM, RDC, and TBE. Parameter correlation with Eckhardt score was evaluated.ResultsMean IRP during RDC was the best HRM parameter at predicting outflow obstruction on TBE. This performed much better in untreated patients (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85.5%) than in previously treated patients (sensitivity 50% and specificity 66%). In patients with achalasia, mean IRP during RDC was the only parameter that correlated with symptom score.ConclusionMean IRP during RDC appears to be a clinically useful “stress test” to the esophagogastric junction during HRM.

Tu1180 OPEN PERORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACHALASIA: A MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUE

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy(POEM) is safe and effective for most patients with achalasia but creation of the submucosal tunnel during the POEM procedure is still challenging for patients with failed Heller myotomy or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Inspired by the success of POEM for the treatment of achalasia, we investigated a method of direct peroral endoscopic myotomy without a submucosal tunnel for the treatment of achalasia, which we call Open Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (O-POEM). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of O-POEM for patients with failed Heller myotomy or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. In this study, O-POEM was performed in 3 patients with sigmoid-type achalasia (S1 type in 1 patient and S2 type in 2 patients) and 2 achalasia patients with failed Heller myotomyat West China Hospital, a tertiary referral center in China between August 2016 and December 2016. A retrospective analysis was conducted, including the rate of symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3, an Eckardt score, manometry, timed barium esophagram, procedure-related adverse events, reflux symptoms, and recurrence during follow-up. O-POEM was achieved successfully in all the patients. The mean operation time was 23.8 min (range 19-28 min). A reduction of Eckardt score and a timed barium esophagogram were observed during follow-up. There were no severe complications and no recurrences at 12 to 15 months of follow-up. O-POEM is a feasible and effective endoscopic treatment modality for achalasia with failed Heller myotomy or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. The O-POEM procedure for the treatment of achalasia is easier and less time-consuming. The short-term outcomes of O-POEM for achalasia were excellent, resulting in short-term symptom relief in all cases without serious complications.

Sa2015 - The Timed Barium Esophagogram, a Useful Adjunct in Evaluating Pediatric Esophageal Motor Disorders

Sa2015 - The Timed Barium Esophagogram, a Useful Adjunct in Evaluating Pediatric Esophageal Motor Disorders

Muscular thickness of lower esophageal sphincter and therapeutic outcomes in achalasia: A prospective study using high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound.

Patients with achalasia typically have thicker lower esophageal sphincter muscles, which can affect the distensibility of the esophagogastric junction. We aimed to assess whether these muscular features, measured using high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound, affect treatment outcomes. Consecutive adult patients with suspected achalasia were enrolled prospectively. They underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including endoscopic ultrasound. The thickness of the lower esophageal sphincter, including the internal circular and outer longitudinal muscles, was measured using a 12-MHz ultrasonic miniprobe. Follow-up was performed at 1month and then at 6-month intervals, after treatment. Treatment response was defined as a reduction in Eckardt score to ≤3 or an improvement in the height of the timed barium esophagogram of ≥50%. Of the 29 patients who received pneumatic dilatation, all but one (96.6%) exhibited a good short-term treatment response. At an average follow-up time of 18.5 (12-55.5)months, patients who had a mid-term recurrence after pneumatic dilatation had a significantly thicker outer longitudinal muscle (1.8 [1.5-1.8] vs 0.9 [0.8-1.7]mm, P=0.036), but not internal circular muscle (2.0 [1.9-2.5] vs 2.1 [1.2-2.7]mm, P=0.874) or total lower esophageal sphincter (3.7 [3.5-4.4] vs 3.6 [2.0-4.1] mm, P=0.362). Patients with an outer longitudinal muscle ≥1.3mm thick had a significantly lower mid-term remission rate than others (36.3% vs 100%, P=0.01). Thickening of the outer longitudinal muscle at the lower esophageal sphincter is associated with poor mid-term treatment outcomes for achalasia patients treated with pneumatic dilatation.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Physiological Outcomes of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has gained acceptance as a treatment for achalasia. The aim of this study was to assess symptomatic, quality of life (QoL), and physiological outcomes of POEM using standardized methods. Patients who were planned to undergo POEM were evaluated pre- and postoperatively with timed barium esophagogram (TBE), high-resolution manometry (HRM), the achalasia symptom questionnaire (ASQ) (best score 10, worst score 31), and the short form (SF)-36 (best score 100, worst score 0). Nine patients completed postoperative HRM, TBE, and 48 hours esophageal pH monitoring. A P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 34 of 37 patients completed the POEM procedure. There was improvement in the ASQ scores and in QoL. HRM integrated relaxation pressures (IRPs) improved from 31.4 ± 10.8 mmHg preoperatively to 12.3 ± 6.7 mmHg postoperatively, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) improved from 49.1 ± 16.9 mmHg preoperatively to 23.1 ± 9.4 mmHg postoperatively. Of the 7 patients who were evaluated with 48-hour pH monitoring postoperatively, 5 patients (71%) demonstrated pathological reflux with an average Demeester score of 23.1 ± 19.1. There was a negative linear correlation between LESP change and Demeester scores (r = -0.7, P = .03). The POEM procedure significantly improves achalasia-related symptoms and improves social functioning. Physiologically, there is reduction in both IRP and LESP. Postoperative pathological reflux is correlated with LESP reduction.

Tu1239 Timed Barium Esophagogram (Tbe) As a Predictor of Treatment Response After Poem in Patients With Achalasia. Initial Experience in Mexico

Tu1239 Timed Barium Esophagogram (Tbe) As a Predictor of Treatment Response After Poem in Patients With Achalasia. Initial Experience in Mexico