Christoph Profanter

Tailored Antireflux Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Effectiveness and Risk of Postoperative Dysphagia

Abstract The Nissen fundoplication is not the proper antireflux procedure for patients with poor esophageal peristalsis as it does not strengthen impaired esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this study was to investigate if tailoring of antireflux surgery according to esophageal contractility is an effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a low incidence of postoperative dysphagia. The Toupet fundoplication was laparoscopically performed on 32 patients with poor esophageal peristalsis and the Nissen fundoplication on 17 patients with normal peristalsis. After a median follow-up of 15 months, only 1 of the 49 patients (2.04%) complained of heartburn. Acute esophagitis was found in none of them on endoscopy. Of 40 patients tested postoperatively, 2 (5%) underwent pathologic esophageal pH monitoring. Postoperative dysphagia was found in two patients (4.1%) compared with 25 (51%) preoperatively ( p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction of dysphagia following the Toupet fundoplication. Both procedures increased the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) significantly, which was more pronounced following the Nissen fundoplication. Relaxation of the LES was significantly better following the Toupet than after the Nissen fundoplication. There was significant improvement of esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. Tailored antireflux surgery is an effective strategy for treatment of GERD. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia is low owing to improvement of impaired esophageal peristalsis following the Toupet fundoplication. It may be due to the fact that the Toupet fundoplication causes less esophageal outflow resistance than the Nissen fundoplication.

CT-MIBI image fusion: a new preoperative localization technique for primary, recurrent, and persistent hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND Successful minimally invasive or imaging-guided operations in patients with primary, recurrent, and persistent hyperparathyroidism are based on the reliability of preoperative parathyroid localization studies. The CT-MIBI image fusion promises a higher diagnostic accuracy than current imaging procedures. The aim of our study was to assess its reliability in correctly detecting enlarged parathyroid glands. METHODS In a prospective study 24 consecutive patients underwent CT-MIBI image fusion as preoperative parathyroid localization procedure. The results of technetium 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (MIBI-SPECT) alone, today the standard method in parathyroid imaging, and CT-MIBI image fusion were analyzed by a blinded reviewer, and the imaging results were compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS For CT-MIBI image fusion a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% in correctly detecting the position of enlarged parathyroid glands was calculated and compared with a sensitivity of MIBI-SPECT of 31% and a specificity of 87% (P<.001). This new imaging technique enabled us to successfully treat 22 of our patients (92%) with imaging-guided surgery. Twenty (83%) underwent unilateral or minimally invasive operations. CONCLUSIONS CT-MIBI image fusion appears to be superior to MIBI-SPECT in preoperative parathyroid imaging. CT-MIBI image fusion can be performed on existing CT- and MIBI-SPECT units. We recommend this method for preoperative localization in patients with primary, recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism.

Efficacy of medical therapy and antireflux surgery to prevent Barrett's metaplasia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether Barrett’s metaplasia may develop despite effective medical therapy. Summary Background DataGastroesophageal reflux disease has a multifactorial etiology. Therefore, medical treatment may not prevent complications of reflux disease. MethodsEighty-three patients with reflux disease and mild esophagitis were prospectively studied for the development of Barrett’s metaplasia while receiving long-term therapy with proton pump inhibitors and cisapride. Only patients who had effective control of reflux symptoms and esophagitis were included. The surveillance time was 2 years. The outcome of these 83 patients was compared with that of 42 patients in whom antireflux surgery was performed with a median follow-up of 3.5 years. ResultsTwelve (14.5%) patients developed Barrett’s while receiving medical therapy; this was not seen after surgery. Patients developing Barrett’s had a weaker lower esophageal sphincter and peristalsis before treatment than patients with uncomplicated disease. ConclusionsAntireflux surgery is superior to medical therapy in the prevention of Barrett’s metaplasia. Therefore, patients with reflux disease who have a weak lower esophageal sphincter and poor esophageal peristalsis should undergo antireflux surgery, even if they have only mild esophagitis.

Retrospective evaluation of carcinoid tumors of the appendix in children

Carcinoids of the appendix are rare in children and are usually diagnosed incidentally on histologic investigation following appendectomy for appendicitis. To investigate the significance of the diagnosis of appendiceal carcinoid in children, we conducted a retrospective study of the treatment and follow-up of 36 children with histologically confirmed carcinoid tumors of the appendix. Between 1970 and 2000 a total of 36 patients (25 girls, 11 boys) were diagnosed with appendiceal carcinoid. The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 12.3 years (range 6–16 years). The indication for appendectomy was acute lower right quadrant pain in 27 cases and chronic right lower quadrant pain in 9 patients. In 27 specimens the tumor was localized at the apex, in 7 at the midportion, and in 2 at the base of the appendix. The median tumor diameter was 6 mm (range 3–17 mm). Concomitant severe appendicitis was diagnosed in 14 patients 2 with a perforated appendicitis. In only one tumor were mucin-producing cells detectable. After a median follow-up of 10 years (range 2 months to 30 years) all patients were tumor-free. None of the patients had a synchronous or metachronous noncarcinoid malignant tumor. Appendiceal carcinoids are usually asymptomatic, and the indication for surgical Intervention is acute or chronic abdominal pains in the right lower quadrant. For most patients the prognosis is excellent after appendectomy. As in adults, appendectomy is the appropriate treatment.RésuméLes tumeurs carcinoïdes de l’appendice sont rares chez l’enfant et sont diagnostiqués habituellement de façon fortuite sur la pièce d’appendicectomie réalisée pour syndrome appendiculaire. Afin d’évaluer la signification du diagnostic de tumeur carcinoïde chez l’enfant, nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective du traitement et du suivi chez 36 enfants porteurs d’une tumeur carcinoïde de l’appendice. Entre 1970 et 2000, on a fait le diagnostic de tumeur carcinoïde de l’appendice chez 36 patients, 25 filles et 11 garçons, dont l’âge médian au moment du diagnostic a été de 12.3 ans (extrêmes: 6–16 ans). L’indication de l’appendicectomie a été une douleur aiguë de la fosse iliaque droite dans 27 cas et une douleur chronique de la fosse iliaque droite chez 9 patients. En ce qui concerne la localisation de la tumeur, sur 27 pièces, la tumeur a été localisée à la pointe dans 18 cas, dans la portion moyenne pour sept cas, et chez deux, à la base. La médiane du diamètre a été de 6 mm (extrêmes: 3–17 mm). Chez 14 patients on a diagnostiqué une appendicite sévère concomitante, deux fois avec perforation. On a détecté des cellules riches en mucine dans une seule tumeur. Après un suivi d’une médiane de 10 ans (extrêmes: 2 mois-30 ans,) tous les patients étaient sans tumeur. Aucun des patients n’a eu de tumeur maligne non carcinoïde synchrone ou métachrone. Les tumeurs carcinoïdes de l’appendice sont habituellement asymptomatiques et l’indication d’intervention chirurgicale est la douleur aiguë ou chronique de la fosse iliaque droite. Pour la plupart des patients, le pronostic est excellent après appendicectomie. Comme chez l’adulte, l’appendicectomie est le traitement approprié.ResumenEn el niño los tumores carcinoides de apéndice son muy raros y se diagnostican al efectuar el estudio histopatolôgico del apéndice extirpada por apendicitis. Para averiguar la transcendencia clïnica del carcinoide apendicular infantil, se realiza un estudio retrospectivo del tratamiento y evolución clïnica de 36 niños con diagnôstico de carcinoide apendicular confirmado histopatológicamente. Entre 1970 y 2000, 36: 25 niñas y 11 niños, fueron diagnosticados de carcinoma apendicular. La edad media de los pacientes fue 12.3 años (rango 6–16 años). La indicación de apendicectomia vino dada, en 27 casos por dolor agudo en el cuadrante inferior derecho y en 9 por molestias crónicas. En 27 especïmenes el tumor estaba situado en el apex, en 7 en la porción media y en 2 en la base apendicular. El diámetro medio del tumor fue de 6 mm (rango 3–17 mm). En 14 casos el carcinoide coincidïa con una apendicitis aguda y en 2 con apendicitis perforada. En sólo un tumor se detectaron células productoras de mucina. Tras un seguimiento medio de 10 anos (rañgo 2 meses-30 años) todos los pacientes estaban sanos. Ninguno desarrolló tumores malignos no carcinoides ni sincrónicos ni metacrónicos. Los carcinoides apendiculares son, por lo general, asintomáticos y la indicación quirúrgica se establece por dolor agudo o crónico en el cuadrante inferior derecho. Para la mayoría de los pacientes el pronóstico, tras apendicectomía, es excelente. Al igual que en los adultos, la apendicectomía constituye el tratamiento de elección.

The effect of medical therapy and antireflux surgery on dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophageal stricture.

BACKGROUND Poor esophageal body motility and trapping of the hernial sac by the hiatal crura are the major pathomechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-induced dysphagia. There is only little knowledge of the effect of medical therapy or antireflux surgery in reflux-induced dysphagia. METHODS Fifty-nine consecutive GERD patients with dysphagia were studied by means of a symptom questionnaire, endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring of the esophagus. Patients had proton pump inhibitor therapy and cisapride for 6 months. After GERD relapsed following withdrawal of medical therapy, 41 patients decided to have antireflux surgery performed. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was chosen in 12 patients with normal esophageal body motility and the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in 29 patients with impaired peristalsis. Dysphagia was assessed prior to treatment, at 6 months of medical therapy, and at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS Heartburn and esophagitis were effectively treated by medical and surgical therapy. Only surgery improved regurgitation. Dysphagia improved in all patients following surgery but only in 16 patients (27.1%) following medical therapy. Esophageal peristalsis was strengthened following antireflux surgery. CONCLUSIONS Medical therapy fails to control gastroesophageal reflux as it does not inhibit regurgitation. Thus, it has little effect on reflux-induced dysphagia. Surgery controls reflux and improves esophageal peristalsis. This may contribute to its superiority over medical therapy in the treatment of GERD-induced dysphagia.

Virtual neck exploration: a new method for localizing abnormal parathyroid glands.

Background Data:Computed tomography (CT) together with 99mTc-sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (MIBI-SPECT) image fusion (CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion) allows virtual exploration of the neck. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT and CT in detecting abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods:CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion for preoperative localization was performed in 116 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Both investigations were performed with reproducible fixation of the patient on a vacuum mattress. At a special work station the neck was virtually explored by viewing the CT images in all 3 dimensions. The MIBI-SPECT images were superimposed on underlying CT images. Only patients with single-gland disease were evaluated (pHPT: 112, persistent pHPT: 1, recurrent pHPT: 1, persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism: 1, tertiary HPT after kidney transplantation: 1). CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion results were compared with those obtained with CT alone and MIBI-SPECT alone. The predicted positions were correlated with the intraoperative findings. Results:CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was able to predict the exact position of the abnormal gland in 102 (88%) of the 116 patients, whereas CT alone showed in 75 (65%) patients and MIBI-SPECT alone in 64 (55%) patients the exact position of the abnormal gland. Sixty-two patients underwent minimally invasive surgery, namely in 21 patients with a unilaterally focused approach and in 33 patients with a bilateral approach (27 of these underwent simultaneous thyroid resection). Sensitivity for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 88%, for CT alone 70%, and for MIBI-SPECT alone 59%. Specificity for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 99%, for MIBI-SPECT alone 95%, for CT alone 94%. Overall accuracy for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 97%, for CT alone 89%, for MIBI-SPECT 87%. Conclusions:This study provides evidence that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to CT or MIBI-SPECT alone for preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with single-gland primary hyperparathyroidism.

Reflux-induced apoptosis of the esophageal mucosa is inhibited in Barrett's epithelium.

BACKGROUND Apoptosis maintains cell homeostasis. Altered apoptosis is involved in carcinogenesis. It was our aim to investigate whether reflux esophagitis may alter apoptosis in the esophageal mucosa and whether antireflux surgery may restore normal apoptosis. METHODS Apoptosis was studied preoperatively and postoperatively in esophageal biopsies of 39 patients with various grades of reflux esophagitis and in Barretts mucosa using the TUNEL method. Biopsies were also taken from lesions of the squamous epithelium adjacent to the Barretts mucosa. RESULTS Apoptosis increased with the severity of esophagitis. Apoptosis was low in Barretts epithelium. Squamous epithelium adjacent to Barretts mucosa showed increased apoptosis. After surgery apoptosis decreased in squamous epithelium, and it remained low in Barretts epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Apoptosis in reflux esophagitis may be protective against increased proliferation. Low apoptosis following antireflux surgery indicates that surgery is effective to prevent reflux-induced cell proliferation. Inhibition of apoptosis in Barretts may promote carcinogenesis. This may not change following surgery.

Medical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease does not prevent the development of Barrett's metaplasia and poor esophageal body motility

ZusammenfassungZie: Duodenalinhaltsstoffe, die aufgrund eines Reflux in den ösophagus gelangen, sind möglicherweise in die Pathophysiologie der gastroösophagealen Refluxkrankheit (GERD) involviert. Ziel dieser Studie war, zu untersuchenk ob die medikamentöse Behandlung von GERD mit dem Ziel die Magensäureproduktion zu unterdrücken, das Auftreten von Komplikationen, wie z.B. Barrett-Metaplasie oder schwache Ösophagusmotilität, verhindern kann. Studiendesign: Retrospektive Untersuchung,. Ort: Universitätsklinik. Patienten: 138 GERD-Patienten wurden bezüglich des Auftretens von Barrett-Metaplasie oder beeinträchtigter Ösophagusmotilität bei intermittierender oder ständiger Behandlung mit H2-Blockern oder Omeprazol untersucht. Hauptuntersuchungspunkte: Rate der Patienten mit Barrett-Metaplasie oder beeinträchtigter Ösophagusmotilität mit und ohne effektive medikamentöse Behandlung. Ergebnisse: Eine Barrett-Metaplasie, die bei Beginn der Behandlung nicht nachweisbar war, wurde bei 33,8% der Patienten mit medikamentöser Behandlung bzw. bei 21,9% ohne Therapie gefunden (nicht signifikant). 41,9% der Patienten mit Medikation hatten eine beeinträchtigte Ösophagusmotilität im Vergleich zu 59,3% der Patienten ohne Behandlung (p<0,05), aber diese Patienten wiesen eine signifikant kürzere Verlaufszeit von GERD auf. Schlußfolgerungen: Die medikamentöse Behandlung mit H2-Blockern oder Omeprazol verhindert nicht das Auftreten einer Barrett-Metaplasie oder beeinträchtigten Ösophagusmotilität.AbstractObjective: Duodenal contents refluxing into the esophagus may be involved in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study was performed to investigate whether medical treatment of GERD aimed at suppression of gastric acid production can prevent the development of complications, such as Barretts metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: University hospital.Patients: 138 GERD patients were analyzed regarding the development of Barretts metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility, despite intermittent or continuous treatment with H2 blockers or omeprazole.Main outcome measures: The rate of patients with Barretts metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility with or without effective medical treatment.Results: Barretts metaplasia was found in 33.8% of patients receiving medical treatment, although it was not present when treatment was induced. This rate was 21.9% among patients who were not receiving therapy (not significant). In all, 41.9% of patients with medication had impaired esophageal body motility compared with 59.3% of patients not receiving treatment (P<0.05), but these patients had a significantly shorter history of GERD.Conclusions: Medical treatment with H2 blockers or omeprazole does not prevent the development of Barretts metaplasia or poor esophageal body motility.

CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion predicts multiglandular disease in hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundTo perform focused or minimally invasive surgery for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) exact preoperative localization is mandatory. Computed tomography–99mTc-sestamibi–single photon emission computed tomography image fusion (CT-MIBI-SPECT) serves this difficult task in single gland HPT to a large extent. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT alone and CT alone in detecting abnormal parathyroid tissue in patients with multiglandular disease.Patients and methodsCT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion for preoperative localization was performed in 30 patients with multiglandular disease. There were six patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (four MEN I syndromes and two double adenomas; one of these patients has HRPT2 gene mutation), 14 with secondary, and eight with tertiary HPT, further one patient each suffering from persistent primary and persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism. In both persistent patients only one remaining gland was left from primary surgery. The results of MIBI-SPECT, CT, and CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion were compared in these patients. The outcome and the exact predicted positions were correlated with intraoperative findings.ResultsIn five out of six patients with multiglandular primary hyperparathyroidism more than one gland was detected, thus multiglandular disease could be suspected preoperatively. Overall CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was able to predict the exact position of all abnormal glands per patient in 14 of 30 (46.7%) cases, whereas CT alone was successful in 11 (36.7%), and MIBI-SPECT alone just in four (13.3%) of 30 patients.ConclusionMultiglandular disease in primary hyperparathyroidism can be suspected preoperatively in a high percentage of patients. Additionally, this study shows that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to CT or MIBI-SPECT alone in preoperative localization of all pathologic glands in patients suffering from multiglandular disease.

Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of partial posterior fundoplication on oesophageal contractility in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD). DESIGN Follow-up study with 6 months of survey. SETTING University hospital, Austria. SUBJECTS 24 consecutive patients with GORD and poor oesophageal contractility. INTERVENTIONS Laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication. Oesophageal contractility was assessed manometrically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in measurements of mean contraction amplitudes in the distal oesophagus, the number of contractions with amplitudes of less than 30 mmHg, the number of interrupted and simultaneous contractions, and the total number of defective contractions. RESULTS 16 of the patients (67%) complained of dysphagia preoperatively, and none postoperatively. The mean (SEM) amplitudes in the distal oesophagus improved significantly (level 442.4 mmHg (3.5) compared with 31.8 mmHg (3.3), p = 0.03, and level 5-45.7 mmHg (3.8) compared with 32.6 mmHg (3.7), p = 0.02), the number of contractions with amplitudes below 30 mmHg decreased (18.0% (5.7) compared with 38.3% (6.2), p = 0.02), as did the number of interrupted or defected contractions (11.5% (3.6) compared with 26.3% (5.5), p = 0.03, and 29.5% (6.5) compared with 66.6% (5.1), p < 0.0001 respectively). There was no significant effect on the number of simultaneous waves (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Partial posterior fundoplication improves poor oesophageal body motility. This results in improvement of preoperative dysphagia.