Esophagus Research Articles

Upper Esophageal Sphincter Abnormalities and Esophageal Motility Recovery After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia.

Abnormalities in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in patients with achalasia and the impact of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on the UES and esophageal body remain uncertain. To outline the prevalence and nature of UES abnormalities across different achalasia subtypes, as well as evaluate POEM's therapeutic efficacy on UES and esophageal body. A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with achalasia between January 2019 and December 2023 was conducted. POEM was performed on all patients, and preoperative and 6-month postoperative high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) data were obtained, along with the Eckardt symptom scores. A total of 64 patients (34 females, 30 males) who underwent POEM for achalasia (type I: 18, type II: 38, type III: 8) during the study period were included. Among the 64 patients, 42 (65.6%) exhibited abnormalities in the UES, as observed on HREM. The majority of those exhibiting abnormalities demonstrated impaired relaxation of the UES (46.9%), followed by a combination of hypertensive basal UES pressure (UESP) and impaired UES relaxation (12.5%). The dysphagia score and Eckardt score before POEM were significantly greater in the UES abnormality group than in the normal UES group (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.040 and 6.2 ± 1.8 vs. 5.0 ± 1.6, p = 0.008, respectively). UESP and UES relaxation pressure (UESRP) decreased significantly following POEM across all types of achalasia (p < 0.05). All type I patients continued to exhibit no contractility after undergoing POEM. Pan-esophageal pressurization and spastic contractions were absent in patients with type II and type III achalasia following POEM. The high prevalence of UES abnormalities among patients with achalasia may serve as a compensatory mechanism. Patients with type II and III showed partial recovery of peristalsis following POEM.

Prospective controlled study of endoscopic botulinum toxin injection for retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, the inability to belch syndrome.

Complete inability to belch due to retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) may lead to chronic gas-related gastrointestinal complaints. We aimed to validate high-resolution manometric (HRM) diagnostic criteria, and prospectively evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of cricopharyngeal botulinum toxin injection (CBTI) via flexible endoscopy. Consecutive manometrically diagnosed R-CPD patients were included. Asymptomatic volunteers were also included for diagnostic validation. R-CPD patients underwent CBTI (treatment group) or deferred/declined treatment (control group). Outcomes included ability to belch, clinical symptoms and quality of life measured using self-report questionnaires. Sixty-five subjects were included (52 treatment group, 7 controls, 6 asymptomatic volunteers). All R-CPD patients had inability to belch since childhood. During HRM with carbonated drink provocative testing, all R-CPD patients demonstrated characteristic esophageal pressurization patterns associated with failure of upper esophageal sphincter relaxation; these findings were never seen in asymptomatic volunteers. At 3-months, 92% patients who received CBTI were able to belch (compared to 0 controls; P<0.001), and experienced improved clinical symptoms (global symptom score improved from 7.3 ± 1.7 to 1.8 ± 2.3, whereas in controls was static 7.5 ± 2.1 to 7.7 ± 1.8; P<0.0001 for comparison). Quality of life significantly improved in the treatment group but not controls (P=0.0002). At 3-months, 43/51 (84%) of the treatment group reported being 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with therapeutic outcome. HRM with carbonated drink provocation demonstrates pathognomonic signs of R-CPD that were not seen in health. Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal botulinum toxin injection is highly effective for symptomatic relief compared to no treatment.

The Effect of Tacrine on Functional Response of the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter Assessed by Endoscopic Luminal Impedance Planimetry in Experimental Pigs

Background/Objectives: Tacrine is a centrally active non-competitive reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It also exerts antagonising activity against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Tacrine was approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in 1993, but was withdrawn from clinical use in 2013 because of its hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal side effects. Nevertheless, tacrine is currently facing a renewed wave of interest primarily due to several new tacrine-incorporated hybrids and derivates. There were two specific aims for this study: firstly, to explain the mechanisms of the adverse action of tacrine, as a distinctive example of a highly effective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; and secondly to check whether luminal impedance planimetry is feasible for preclinical testing of possible side effects of compounds potentially toxic to the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Six experimental pigs were used as the animal model in this study. Five major parameters were evaluated: luminal pressure (mmHg), estimated diameter (mm), cross-sectional area (mm2), distensibility (mm2/mmHg), and zone compliance (mm3/mmHg). All measurements were performed before and 360 min after intragastric administration of 200 mg tacrine (at the porcine tacrine Tmax). Results: This study consistently demonstrated an increase in luminal pressure (a directly measured indicator) for the particular balloon filling volumes used, and inversely a reciprocal decrease in the other parameters after tacrine administration. Conclusions: Endoscopic luminal impedance planimetry is a feasible method to evaluate functional response of the lower oesophageal sphincter to tacrine in experimental pigs. Tacrine did not compromise the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter either toward oesophageal spasms or, in contrast, decreased competence of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Surgical management of achalasia.

Achalasia is a chronic esophageal motility disorder comprised of ineffective esophageal peristalsis and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This disease had historically been managed through medical means as well as endoscopic dilations. However, surgical interventions are now considered standard of care, including minimally invasive Heller myotomy, which was popularized in 1990s, followed by per oral endoscopic myotomy in the 2010s. Both surgical approaches provide acceptable resolution of dysphagia symptoms. Classification of the achalasia as well as other patient-level factors may drive the clinical decision-making between the two approaches, as well as surgical training and surgeon preference.

Imaging following endoscopic and surgical treatment of achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by absent esophageal peristalsis associated with failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Patients with achalasia may present with long-standing and slowly progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids, heartburn, regurgitation, refractory reflux symptoms and noncardiac chest pain. The esophagram and the timed barium swallow are useful imaging studies that may contribute to the diagnosis of achalasia and may be used to determine improvement after treatment. Esophagography is also ideally suited to evaluate potential post treatment complications. Treatment options for achalasia aim to disrupt the high-pressure LES to improve esophageal emptying, improve symptoms and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. The most common treatment options currently include esophageal botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy (often performed in conjunction with a fundoplication) and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Potential complications of these procedures may include intramural dissection, leak, scarring and fibrosis of the lower esophagus, strictures and problems related to gastroesophageal reflux and its associated complications. Radiologists must be aware of expected findings and potential complications following these procedures for timely and accurate diagnoses. The purpose of this paper is to describe treatment options for achalasia, illustrate expected imaging findings as well as imaging findings of potential early and long-term complications following treatment for achalasia.

Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying and bowel function in pediatric ketogenic diet therapy: a clinical trial

Ketogenic diet (KD) is an excess fat, enough protein, and minimal carbohydrate diet. The high fat content in KD lowers the oesophageal sphincter tone, slows gastric emptying, and decreases intestinal transit time. The primary aim of the current clinical trial was to study the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying in children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) on KD. Assessment of the protective effect of L-carnitine on bowel function and habits in those patients was a secondary aim. The current study recruited 30 patients aged 12 months to 18 years newly diagnosed with DRE assigned to start KD who were following up at the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition and Neurology Outpatient Clinics or were admitted due to DRE at the Pediatric Neurology Inpatient Department, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University (Egypt). Participants were assigned randomly into 2 arms; arm I: received KD with L-carnitine supplementation, arm II: received KD only. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of starting KD, the assessments of children included: 24-hour dietary recall, Chalfont Seizures Severity Scale, gastrointestinal symptoms score and Bristol stool chart, frequency of defecation per week, anthropometric measurements assessment, fasting serum lipid profile and measurement of the antral length by ultrasound. There was significant increase in antral length in the patients who received KD with L-carnitine supplementation compared to the non-supplemented group. The antral length showed a significant negative correlation with GI symptoms score in all cases and the L-carnitine supplemented group. It also showed a significant positive correlation with Bristol stool score in all patients and a significant positive correlation with stool frequency in the L-carnitine supplemented group only. L-carnitine supplementation to children with DRE on KD has a significant role in improving gastric motility and it increases the frequency of defecation. Further studies are recommended to explore additional benefits, meanwhile it is prudent to advise L-carnitine supplementation for such patients.

OGC SO21 - Role of Staging Laparoscopy on oesophageal and junctional cancer management

Abstract Background Staging laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology is currently recommended as a staging tool required for oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junction (OGJ) adenocarcinomas. However, evidence is variable regarding the utility of this investigation, leading to heterogenous practice in the UK. With improved staging sensitivity of CT and PET imaging and inclusion of routine MDT discussion for upper GI cancer patients, staging laparoscopy may not be necessary for all patients with oesophago-gastric cancer, and in fact may delay their treatment. We thus aimed to assess the impact of staging laparoscopy on the treatment algorithm of patients with oesophago-gastric cancer. Method All staging laparoscopies undertaken between January 2022 and March 2024 were identified from our surgical database. Patients were included if they had oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma, with a plan for curative treatment. Data collected included age, gender, location of primary tumour, CT/PET staging, laparoscopy findings, impact on treatment intention, neoadjuvant treatment, and final histology. Primary outcome was incidence of positive microscopic or macroscopic peritoneal disease for oesophageal and OGJ malignancy. Results 127 patients were identified - 69 (55%) oesophageal, 25 (20%) GOJ, and 32 (24.4%) gastric cancer. 1/70 (1.4%) patient diagnosed endoscopically with oesophageal cancer had positive peritoneal disease, which was suspected due to pre-operative imaging findings of ascites and suspicions of linitis plastica. Of patients diagnosed with GOJ cancer, 4/25 patients (16%) had peritoneal disease present. None of the 39 patients with oesophageal/junctional tumours with clinical T1-2 disease were found to have peritoneal disease on staging laparoscopy. 6/32 (19%) patients with gastric cancer were found to have unexpected peritoneal disease present. Conclusion This study found minimal impact staging laparoscopy has on the management of primary oesophageal cancers. Consideration can be made of limiting staging in oesophageal cancer to patients with suspicious findings on CT/PET imaging. For GOJ tumours, there may be a role for limiting staging laparoscopy for Siewert 1 tumours to T3/4 tumours based on CT/PET findings. Importantly, accurate identification on primary endoscopy of the location of the tumour in relation to the gastro-oesophageal junction is necessary to help guide ongoing management.

BN SO25 - Laparoscopic Management of Achalasia and Iatrogenic Mucosal Perforation in a Patient with Severe Reflux Following Multiple Therapeutic Dilatations

Abstract Background Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy (LHC) is the gold standard intervention for achalasia. Owing to its well-established complications of reflux symptoms, some surgeons perform an additional fundoplication surgery, although the consensus regarding the clinical benefits of this approach remains unclear.1 A meta-analysis showed that posterior fundoplication has proven to be superior to anterior fundoplication in controlling reflux symptoms.2 Method A gentleman in his 60s reported ongoing severe reflux symptoms following multiple Rigiflex ballon dilatations for achalasia, on manometry and pH studies showed features of pathological acid reflux, incomplete lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and defective peristalsis. As shown in the video, type 1 sliding hiatus hernia, submucosal fibrosis and peri-oesophagitis were seen intraoperatively. A short cardiomyotomy was performed, which was complicated by iatrogenic oesophageal perforation. Anterior fundoplication with mucosal closure was performed. Results Following the surgery, no leak was observed on the swallow test and the patient reported a massive improvement in reflux symptoms. The addition of fundoplication to LHC in patients with achalasia and reflux symptoms has improved clinical outcomes. Conclusion Concomitant LHC and anti-reflux surgery should be considered in patients presenting with achalasia and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms.

BN SO47 - Can Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) be the new gold standard for Achalasia? – as it is safe and effective

Abstract Background Laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy is the gold standard for treatment of achalasia. POEM has emerged as a revolutionary minimal invasive procedure in the management of achalasia and related oesophageal motility disorders. POEM effectively utilises an endoscopic approach by creating a submucosal tunnel to perform a myotomy at the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) , achieving symptomatic relief. Being firstly introduced in 2008, POEM offers an excellent alternative option to surgical intervention and conservative approaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of POEM since its introduction in our unit. Method POEM procedures performed in adult patients are recruited prospectively from May 2020 to January 2024 and data are collected using electronic trust records. Eckardt score (a commonly used scoring system to characterise severity of achalasia) is recorded before and after the procedure. A total of 46 patients are identified however three patients are excluded in this study due to unavailable clinical information. This study presents a cohort of patients with median age of 60 and an equal gender distribution. Results Out of 43 patients, 69.8% were treatment naïve and 30.2% had previous treatments. Mean Eckardt score pre-procedure was 8.2. The average length of hospital stay was 1.7 days and immediate post treatment complications were 6.9% (2.3% mucosotomy, 2.3% oesophageal leak, 2.3% infection). No mortality was recorded within 30 days post-procedure. A 93% clinical success rate (Eckardt score ≤3) was achieved in the initial follow-up period (three to six months) with a mean Eckardt score of 1.1. 41.9% of patients experienced reflux symptoms which require proton pump inhibitor use within four weeks post-procedure. 18.4% of patients had recurrent achalasia symptoms over their follow-up period. Conclusion The clinical success rate (Eckardt score ≤3) and recurrence rate post POEM in this study are comparable with the international cohort quoted in literature. Post POEM reflux rate is prevalent, which is a well-known complication. The substantial improvement in clinical outcomes, evidenced by the Eckardt score reduction and the low incidence of post-operative complications, underscores the procedure’s efficacy and safety. Overall, POEM represents a significant advancement in the treatment of oesophageal motility disorders, especially achalasia. This study presents POEM as a safer and less invasive treatment alternative compared to Heller’s cardiomyotomy.

BN SO30 - One hundred consecutive Laparoscopic Heller's Cardiomyotomy &amp; Fundoplication – a personal series

Abstract Background Oesophageal Achalasia (OA) is an uncommon primary oesophageal motility disorder, characterised by the loss of inhibitory neurons in the oesophageal myenteric plexus. The primary goal of treating OA is to alleviate dysphagia caused by the functional obstruction of the distal oesophagus due to the inability of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to relax appropriately after swallowing. Heller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) remains a standard treatment for OA. The aim of this study was to assess the symptomatic improvement and post-operative outcomes following HCM with fundoplication at our centre. Method All patients underwent HCM through laparoscopic blunt muscle separation technique, between January 2005 and March 2024, by a single surgeon. Retrospective review of electronic and compiled paper patient records were analysed to assess patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative details, length of stay (LOS), complications, post-operative symptoms, gastroscopy and pneumatic dilation (PD) as well as revisional surgery. Primary outcomes assessed were binary changes in key symptoms of weight loss, dysphagia, retrosternal pain and regurgitation. Comparison of pre and post-operative outcomes were performed using paired t-test. A p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 100 procedures involving 99 patients (average age 50 years, 43% female), 1 conversion to open and 1 revision at 3 years. ASA grades were 1 (27%), 2 (58%), and 3 (15%). Median LOS was one day, median follow-up 99 months. Post-operatively; weight loss persisted in 11% of patients from 48%, dysphagia reduced from 98% to 42%, retrosternal chest pain from 39% to 20% and regurgitation from 57% to 24% (all p&amp;lt;0.05). 2 patients required (PD) ≤30 days (CD≥3). 36 patients underwent PD at median of 13 months, 20 needed repeat PD. None of the patients developed cancer. Conclusion As demonstrated in this large series of 100 consecutive patients, HCM remains one of the best treatment modalities for OA. Key symptoms of OA significantly reduced following HCM. Our technique avoided the use of energy devices, ensured a short hospital stay and durable symptom improvement, lends support to its continued application in managing this condition.

Do children with dysphagia and normal esophageal motility according to Chicago Classification always have "normal" esophageal motility?

Internationally adopted Chicago Classification (CC) criteria based on adult normative data have been used to diagnose children with esophageal motility disorders undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). The aim of this study was to compare HREM parameters of children without dysphagia and children with dysphagia and normal findings according to CC. HREM metrics of 41 children (13.2 (9-18) years; 20 female) without dysphagia and 41 children (13.7 (8-18) years; 30 female) with dysphagia and normal diagnosis according to CC were compared. Analyzed data included resting and integrated relaxation pressures (IRP) of upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincters, esophageal peristaltic contractile integrals, transition zone (TZ) gaps, distal latency (DL), and manometric esophageal length to height ratio (MELH). 95%ile normative cutoffs were calculated from the cohort without dysphagia. Proximal contractile integral (PCI), UES and LES mean resting and IRP were not significantly different between the cohorts (p > 0.3). On the contrary, distal contractile integral (DCI), TZ gap and MELH were notably different with p = 0.0002, p = 0.027, and p = 0.033 respectively. According to 95%ile normative cutoffs of DCI, TZ gap and MELH, in cohort with dysphagia 27%, 15%, and 22% of patients respectively were not normal. First study ever to compare HREM parameters of children without dysphagia to children with dysphagia. Considerable proportion of children with dysphagia may be underdiagnosed according to the adult criteria. This emphasizes the need for universally accepted child-specific diagnostic protocols and norms.

Esophageal achalasia presenting as recurrent pneumonia in children: A case series.

Esophageal achalasia (EA) is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder that is considered a rare etiology of dysphagia among infants and children. The proposed primary pathophysiology is related to the loss of ganglion cells in the distal esophageal sphincters, particularly in the Auerbachian muscle layer, which then leads to the dysmotility and failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Dysphagia, vomiting, poor weight gain, cough, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia are the most common presenting complaints. Herein, we report 3 cases of EA who presented with chronic cough and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. This study reviewed 3 pediatric patients with typical symptoms of EA. All the patients were admitted and referred to the pediatric pulmonology service for evaluation of recurrent pneumonia and suspected aspiration syndrome. All patients underwent a barium esophagogram as a part of the aerodigestive workup of recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, all the patients underwent workup for other associated congenital anomalies, which included echocardiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and an abdominal ultrasound. All patients had EA and presented with recurrent pneumonia. All patients had isolated EA, and none had any evidence of Allgrove syndrome. Pneumatic balloon dilatation was performed for all patients at the same time as the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Later, all the patients underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy and had no postoperative complications, and their symptoms resolved. EA is a rare condition in children, yet it can be a serious and life-threatening condition if left untreated. Our cases emphasize the significance of considering achalasia in children who experience esophageal dysphagia and recurrent pneumonia. Several pediatric cases have been reported in which respiratory involvement was the primary manifestation of achalasia. These cases highlight the importance of considering gastrointestinal disorders, particularly EA, in the differential diagnosis of children who experience recurrent pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment with laparoscopic Heller myotomy can lead to good outcomes for children with achalasia.

Ramucirumab plus paclitaxel as switch maintenance versus continuation of first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer (ARMANI): a randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trial.

Paclitaxel plus ramucirumab is recommended as a second-line treatment regimen in patients with advanced HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer. We aimed to assess whether switch maintenance or early second-line therapy with paclitaxel plus ramucirumab improved outcomes compared with continuation of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine doublet chemotherapy as a first-line strategy. ARMANI was a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial done in 31 hospitals in Italy. We enrolled patients aged 18 years or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 and locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, who had disease control after 3 months of FOLFOX (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) or CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin). Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 plus ramucirumab at 8 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 every 28 days intravenously (switch maintenance group) or continuation of oxaliplatin-based doublet chemotherapy (FOLFOX or CAPOX) for an additional 12 weeks, followed by fluoropyrimidine monotherapy maintenance (control group). Randomisation was stratified by previous gastrectomy (no vs yes), peritoneal carcinomatosis (yes vs no), and primary tumour location (gastro-oesophageal junction vs gastric). Treatment group allocation was done using a web-based system with a minimisation algorithm implementing a random component. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The safety population included patients who received at least one dose of the study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02934464, and is complete. Between Jan 1, 2017, and Oct 2, 2023, 280 patients were randomly assigned to receive paclitaxel plus ramucirumab (switch maintenance group; n=144) or to continue FOLFOX or CAPOX (control group; n=136). All patients were White. 180 (64%) of 280 patients were male and 100 (36%) were female. At a median follow-up of 43·7 months (IQR 24·0-57·9), 253 (90%) of 280 patients had a progression-free survival event: 131 (91%) of 144 patients in the switch maintenance group and 122 (90%) of 136 patients in the control group. Median progression-free survival was 6·6 months (95% CI 5·9-7·8) in the switch maintenance group and 3·5 months (2·8-4·2) in the control group (HR 0·61, 95% CI 0·48-0·79; p=0·0002). The assumption of proportional hazards was violated; in an analysis of 24-month restricted mean survival time, restricted mean progression-free survival was 8·8 months (95% CI 7·7-9·9) in the switch maintenance group and 6·1 months (5·0-7·2) in the control group (p=0·0010). The most frequent grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (37 [26%] patients in the switch maintenance group vs 13 [10%] patients in the control group), peripheral neuropathy (eight [6%] vs nine [7%]) and arterial hypertension (nine [6%] vs none). Serious adverse events occurred in 28 (20%) of 141 patients in the experimental group and 15 (11%) of 135 patients in the control group; these events were treatment-related in two (1%) patients in the switch maintenance group (pulmonary embolism) and two (1%) patients in the control group (mucositis and anaemia). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Paclitaxel and ramucirumab switch maintenance could be a potential treatment strategy in patients with advanced HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer who are not eligible for immunotherapy or targeted agents. Partly funded by Eli Lilly.

To Dor or Not to Dor? Heller Myotomy, a Retrospective Study.

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting esophageal sphincter function. Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical approaches, such as Heller myotomy (HM). Combining Dor fundoplication with HM is controversial but may prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess whether HM with Dor fundoplication reduces GERD rates and increases dysphagia rates. Eighty patients who underwent HM between January 2018 and August 2023 were included. Sixty-four patients had Dor fundoplication and were matched 4:1 to 16 patients without fundoplication. Records were reviewed for GERD and achalasia symptoms at various postoperative time points. No significant differences in GERD or dysphagia symptoms were found between the two groups at any time point. Similarly, there were no significant differences in chest pain or dysphagia treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that the addition of Dor fundoplication to HM does not significantly impact postoperative GERD or achalasia-related symptoms.

Candy cane syndrome with or without concomitant hiatal hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A hidden enemy leading to postoperative symptoms.

Candy cane syndrome (CCS) is a rare complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). It occurs due to redundancy in the blind loop at the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. To evaluate the type of symptoms, anatomic and functional findings, and outcome after treatment. A prospective case series study was conducted between 2010 and 2022, including symptomatic patients with CCS after LRYGB. Symptoms were correlated with anatomic and functional findings. Big gastric pouch was defined if its size was >5 cm, and a long candy cane loop was diagnosed if its length was >5 cm. Due to failure of medical treatment, revision surgery (RS) was indicated for resection of the elongated blind jejunal loop, resizing the redundant gastric pouch and repairing the hiatal hernia repair (HH) when necessary. The study included 23 patients, with a mean age of 49 ± 11 years. Twenty-one patients underwent primary LRYGB, and 2 were converted to this technique after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The mean time from LRYGB to symptom onset was 7.6 ± 4.3 years. Pain and reflux symptoms were the most frequent, with no differences between patients with or without HH (P < .05). CCS coexisted with a large gastric pouch in 56.5% and HH in 52.2% of cases. A defective lower esophageal sphincter, abnormal esophageal motility, and pathological acid reflux test were observed. After surgery, improvement was observed in 86.9%. CCS can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms following LRYGB, regardless of the presence of HH. Complete examinations are crucial for diagnosis and to determine the surgical intervention, which is the best option for treatment.

A Predictive Nomogram for the Occurrence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Study Based on Preoperative HERM.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG); This study aimed to construct a model that can predict the incidence of GERD after LSG by exploring the correlation between the results of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) and the incidence of GERD after LSG. We collected the clinical data of patients who had undergone HREM before bariatric surgery from September 2013 to September 2019 at the bariatric center of our hospital. The Gerd-Q scores during the postoperative follow-up were collected to determine the incidence of GERD. A logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the correlation of the HREM results and general clinical data with the incidence of GERD after LSG. The percentage of synchronous contractions, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure, and history of smoking were correlated with the development of GERD after LSG, with the history of smoking and percentage of synchronous contractions as risk factors and LES resting pressure as a protective factor. The training set showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram model of 0.847. The validation set showed an AUC of 0.761. The decision and clinical impact curves showed a high clinical value for the prediction model. The HREM results correlated with the development of GERD after LSG, with the percentage of synchronous contractions and LES resting pressure showing predictive value. Combined with the history of smoking, the predictive model showed a high confidence and clinical value.

Influence of Menthol Infusion on Esophageal Peristalsis in Patients With Ineffective Esophageal Motility.

Activation of the cold receptor, transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) by menthol inhibits esophageal secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is common. This study is to evaluate the effects of acute infusion of menthol on esophageal peristalsis in patients with IEM. Twenty patients with IEM (males 11, mean age 36) were studied for esophageal peristalsis using high-resolution manometry. All participant had primary peristalsis performed with 10 water swallows and secondary peristalsis generated with 10 rapid air injections of 20 mL via mid-esophageal infusion port. Two different sessions by randomly performing acute administration of placebo or menthol (3 mM) were used for testing their effects on esophageal peristalsis. Menthol infusion had no effects on distal contractile integral (P = 0.471), distal latency (P = 0.58), or complete peristalsis (P = 0.251). Menthol infusion did not change basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (P = 0.321), esophagogastric junction contractile integral (P = 0.758), or integrated relaxation pressure (P = 0.375) of primary peristalsis, but reduced upper esophageal sphincter pressure (P = 0.037). Infusion of menthol significantly reduced the frequency of secondary peristalsis for air injects of 20 mL (P = 0.002), but did not affect distal contractile integral of secondary peristalsis for air injections of 20 mL. This work has suggested that activation of TRPM8 by menthol can attenuate mechanosensitivity of secondary peristalsis in response to rapid air distension regardless of the presence of IEM.

Achalasia: beyond the basics

Achalasia is a rare oesophageal disease characterised by an unrelaxing lower oesophageal sphincter and abnormal peristalsis of the oesophageal body. Achalasia symptoms include dysphagia to solid and liquid, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss. Achalasia diagnosis might be delayed for many years when atypical symptoms dominate. Significant progress has been made over the last two decades regarding our understanding of pathophysiology, methods of evaluation and management. The development of high-resolution manometry in particular has improved the diagnosis of achalasia, as well as other major motility disorders. Subtyping achalasia into manometric patterns has pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. Furthermore, complementary tests such as timed barium swallow and the functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP; Crospon Medical Devices, Galway, Ireland) have significantly added to achalasia diagnosis algorithm and management decision-making. Progression in management has helped optimise established therapy (pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy) and introduced new endoscopic treatments (peroral endoscopic myotomy) and surgical techniques (surgical robotic Heller myotomy). This review will aim to shed light on the most recent advances in achalasia diagnosis, classification and management.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy as a new approach in the treatment of patients with achalasia cardia

Background. Achalasia cardia is a disease characterized by an esophageal motility disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to fully relax in response to swallo-wing and esophageal motility progressively decreases. The aim of the work is to improve the outcomes of endoscopic treatment for esophageal achalasia by modifying peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in stage II–III achalasia cardia. Materials and methods. In 2019–2023, 35 (100.0 %) patients with stage II–III achalasia cardia were examined and underwent POEM at the multidisciplinary surgical department in the Educational and Scientific Medical Center “University Clinic” of the Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The diagnosis was made based on the following data: complaints, clinical course, esophagram, endoscopic diagnosis, and computed tomography. The average age of the patients was 50.0 ± 15.7 years. Analyzing the frequency of this disease according to the WHO age classification, there were 16 (45.7 %) young, 8 (22.9 %) middle-aged, 10 (28.6 %) elderly, and 1 (2.8 %) senile patient. The group was equal in terms of gender: 16 men (45.7 %) and 19 women (54.3 %), p = 0.9654. Inclusion criteria: age over 18 years, stage II–III achalasia cardia, informed consent of a patient. Exclusion criteria: achalasia cardia stage I, as we believe that at this stage only conservative treatment and balloon dilatation are indicated; achalasia cardia stage IV for which only Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication are indicated. Results. All patients of the study group were operated by the method of POEM under total intravenous ane-sthesia with artificial lung ventilation. Esophageal myotomy was performed along the posterior wall, considering the risk of recurrence and preservation of the anterior wall for repeated peroral myotomy or laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The length of the myotomy was determined depending on the stage of achalasia. So, for stage II, the beginning of the endoscopic tunnel formation and myotomy was determined from the first persistent esophageal spasm, which most often corresponded to a distance of 25.0 ± 2.0 cm from the incisors and, accordingly, myotomy of the esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter, and gastric myotomy averaged 15.0 ± 3.0 cm. We noted that in all operated patients six months after the operation, a propulsive activity appeared during contrast X-ray of the esophagus, and its volume decreased from 5.6 ± 0.4 cm at stage II to 2.3–4.1 cm (p = 0.0324) and from 7.4 ± 0.2 cm at stage III to 3.6 ± 0.8 cm (p = 0.0267), which indicates a decreased pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter after surgery. Based on the evaluation of the results of multichannel esophageal gastric pH monitoring, reflux was confirmed in 1 (6.7 %) patient with achalasia stage II and in 1 (5.0 %) case with achalasia stage III. Conclusions. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is an effective minimally invasive method of treating patients with achalasia cardia stage II–III. According to the Eckardt symptom score, reliable results were achieved already one month after surgery: 7.6 ± 1.1 points before surgery and 2.1 ± 0.4 points when evaluated one month after surgical treatment (p &lt; 0.0001, U = 475.0). Given the effectiveness and minimal trauma, the low risk of postoperative complications, a significant reduction in hospital stay and rapid postoperative rehabilitation, POEM can be an alternative to laparoscopic Heller myotomy.

Corticosteroid Effects on Upper Esophageal Sphincter Function in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Study Using High-Resolution Impedance Manometry.

The aim of our study was to explore the effect of local corticosteroids on dysphagia in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). To address a gap in the limited research on this topic, we utilized high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) and the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire to assess the effects on key swallowing muscles, including the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). We randomly assigned patients undergoing ACDF to either the corticosteroid group or the saline solution group. Patients received 10 mg of local triamcinolone or saline solution prevertebrally at the cervical spine level before wound closure. Swallowing function preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively were compared between the groups with use of HRIM parameters (e.g., UES relaxation, UES opening extent, intrabolus pressure, and pharyngeal contraction) and EAT-10 scores. Patients were also followed for postoperative complications and mortality within 12 months after surgery. Thirty patients completed the study. The median age was 55 years in the corticosteroid group and 57 years in the saline group, and each group had 8 female patients. All participants were Taiwanese. We found no significant difference in median preoperative UES relaxation pressure between the corticosteroid and saline solution groups (33.8 and 31.3 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.54). Postoperatively, the corticosteroid group had significantly lower median UES relaxation pressure than the saline solution group (24.5 versus 33.6 mm Hg; p = 0.01). Before and after surgery, all other HRIM parameters and EAT-10 scores were similar between the groups, with the corticosteroid group demonstrating median pre- and postoperative EAT-10 scores of 0 and 4, respectively, and the saline solution group demonstrating scores of 2 and 3, respectively. There were no adverse events. The findings suggest that local corticosteroids may reduce UES relaxation pressure at 1 month after ACDF, potentially enhancing UES opening. Further research is required to verify our findings. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.