Man Yee Yung

Antibacterial Treatment of Gastric Ulcers Associated with Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND There is a strong association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and gastric ulcers that are unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications. We studied the efficacy of antibacterial therapy without medication to suppress gastric acid for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and gastric ulcers unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal agents. METHODS Patients with gastric ulcers seen on endoscopy and with H. pylori infection confirmed by smear or culture were randomly assigned to receive either a one-week course of antibacterial agents (120 mg of bismuth subcitrate, 500 mg of tetracycline, and 400 mg of metronidazole, each given orally four times a day) or a four-week course of omeprazole (20 mg orally per day). Follow-up endoscopies were performed after five and nine weeks. The patients and their physicians were aware of the treatment assignments, but the endoscopists were not. RESULTS A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to treatment, and 85 completed the trial. At five weeks, H. pylori had been eradicated in 41 of the 45 patients in the antibacterial-treatment group (91.1 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 82.9 to 99.3) and in 5 of the 40 in the omeprazole group (12.5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.3 to 22.7; P < 0.001). The gastric ulcers were healed in 38 of the patients treated with antibacterial drugs (84.4 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 73.9 to 95.0) and in 29 of those treated with omeprazole (72.5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 58.6 to 86.4; P = 0.28). At nine weeks, ulcer healing was confirmed in 43 of the patients receiving antibacterial therapy and in 37 of those receiving omeprazole (P = 1.0). The mean (+/- SD) duration of pain during the first week of treatment was 1.9 +/- 2.6 days in the omeprazole group, as compared with 3.6 +/- 3.0 days in the antibacterial-treatment group (P = 0.004). One year after treatment, recurrent gastric ulcers were detected in 1 of 22 patients (4.5 percent) in the antibacterial-treatment group and in 12 of 23 (52.2 percent) in the omeprazole group (P = 0.001). H. pylori was detected in the 1 patient with a recurrent ulcer who had received antibacterial treatment and in 10 of the 12 patients with recurrent ulcers who had received omeprazole. CONCLUSIONS In patients with H. pylori infection and gastric ulcers unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, one week of antibacterial therapy without acid suppression heals the ulcers as well as omeprazole and reduces the rate of their recurrence.

Octreotide infusion or emergency sclerotherapy for variceal haemorrhage

To compare octreotide with injection sclerotherapy in the treatment of acute variceal haemorrhage, patients admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding and oesophageal varices confirmed by endoscopy were randomised to receive either emergency sclerotherapy with 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate or octreotide (50 micrograms intravenous bolus plus 50 micrograms per h intravenous infusion for 48 h). At the end of the study period (48 h), the octreotide group also had sclerotherapy to obliterate the varices. 100 patients were recruited. Demographic features including the aetiology of portal hypertension and the Child-Pughs grading of the two groups were similar. Bleeding was initially controlled in 90% of patients by emergency sclerotherapy and in 84% by octreotide infusion (95% confidence interval 0-19.5, p = 0.55). There were no significant differences between the two groups in early (within 48 h of randomisation) rebleeding (16% vs 14%), blood transfusion (3 units vs 3.5), hospital stay (5 days vs 6 days), or hospital mortality (27% vs 20%). No notable side-effects were associated with octreotide. We conclude that octreotide infusion and emergency sclerotherapy are equally effective in controlling variceal haemorrhage.

Randomised controlled trial of short term treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether one weeks drug treatment is sufficient to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer. DESIGN--Single blind, randomised controlled trial. SETTING--Specialised ulcer clinic in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS--155 patients with H pylori and a duodenal ulcer verified endoscopically which had either bled within the previous 24 hours or was causing dyspepsia. INTERVENTIONS--Patients were allocated randomly to receive either omeprazole for four weeks plus bismuth 120 mg, tetracycline 500 mg, and metronidazole 400 mg (all four times a day) for the first week (n = 78), or omeprazole alone for four weeks (n = 77). Further endoscopy was performed four weeks after cessation of all drugs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Presence or absence of H pylori (by urease testing, microscopy, and culture of antral biopsy specimens), duodenal ulcer, and side effects. RESULTS--Eradication of H pylori occurred in 70 (95%) patients taking the four drugs (95% confidence interval 86% to 97%) compared with three (4%) patients taking omeprazole alone (1% to 11%). Duodenal ulcers were found in four (5%) patients taking the four drugs (2% to 12%) and in 16 (22%) patients taking omeprazole alone (14% to 32%). Mild dizziness was the only reported side effect (six patients in each group) and did not affect compliance. CONCLUSIONS--A one week regimen of bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole is safe and effective in eradicating H pylori and reduces the number of duodenal ulcers four weeks after completing treatment.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia: from bench to bedside (with video).

BACKGROUND Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy through a long submucosal tunnel. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of POEM for treatment of achalasia. DESIGN Preclinical animal study and prospective clinical study. PATIENTS Consecutive patients diagnosed with achalasia with high-resolution manometry. INTERVENTIONS POEM was standardized for preclinical and clinical studies. After submucosal injection, a mucosal incision was made 15 cm above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). A long submucosal tunnel was created to extend below the GEJ. The endoscopic myotomy started 10 cm above and extended 2 cm below the GEJ. We first conducted a preclinical animal study to confirm the safety of POEM. POEM was then performed for the treatment of achalasia in humans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Relief from dysphagia assessed by the dysphagia score and Eckhardt score. High-resolution manometry and pH monitoring were performed to evaluate the posttreatment effects and esophageal acid exposure. RESULTS Seven 30-kg porcine models underwent POEM in the survival study. All of the pigs survived except 1, which sustained pneumomediastinum. POEM was performed for the treatment of achalasia in 16 patients. The mean operating time was 117.0 ± 34.1 minutes. All patients tolerated food on day 2, with a contrast study confirming no leakage. The median follow-up was 176.5 days (range 98-230 days). The postoperative basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly reduced (mean reduction, 13.9 ± 14.5 mm Hg; P = .005) and 4-second integrated relaxation pressure of the GEJ (mean reduction, 10.1 ± 7.4 mm Hg; P = .001). Of these patients, 58.3% had a normalized 4-second integrated relaxation pressure, whereas 20% had excessive esophageal acid exposure after the procedure. There was a significant improvement in quality of life 6 months after POEM measured by the Short Form-36 questionnaire. LIMITATION Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS POEM is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment for achalasia.

Epinephrine or epinephrine plus alcohol for injection of bleeding ulcers: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND Rebleeding following epinephrine injection of bleeding peptic ulcers occurs in 10% to 20% of all cases. The addition of a sclerosant has the theoretical advantage of inducing vessel thrombosis and permanent hemostasis. METHODS A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare injections with epinephrine alone or epinephrine plus absolute alcohol in patients with actively bleeding ulcers at endoscopy. Repeat endoscopy was performed 24 hours later; treatment was repeated in the presence of endoscopic signs of rebleeding. Surgery was performed when arterial bleeding could not be controlled endoscopically, clinical rebleeding with hematemesis or shock occurred, or the transfusion total exceeded 8 units. RESULTS One hundred sixty patients were enrolled (epinephrine alone, 81; epinephrine and absolute alcohol, 79). They were matched in age, sex, location of ulcers, hemoglobin on admission, shock, and severity of bleeding. Initial hemostasis was comparable: 79 of 81 with epinephrine alone (97.5%) versus 75 of 79 with epinephrine and absolute alcohol (94.9%). No difference was observed between the two with respect to either rebleeding (9 vs 6), need for emergency operation (12 vs 9), transfusion requirement (median, three units vs two units), hospital stay (median, 5 days vs 4 days), mortality (4 vs 7) and ulcer healing at 4 weeks (50 vs 46). CONCLUSIONS The additional injection of absolute alcohol after endoscopic epinephrine injection confers no advantage.

Use of color Doppler EUS in assessing azygos blood flow for patients with portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Azygos blood flow is an index of blood flow through gastroesophageal collateral vessels and varices in portal hypertension. Conventional measurement of azygos blood flow involves catheterization of the azygos vein. We studied the feasibility of assessing azygos blood flow with color Doppler endosonography and of monitoring the effects of vasoactive agents on azygos blood flow. METHODS Patients with portal hypertension were examined by means of linear array color Doppler endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Patients who had taken propranolol or nitrates in the 4 weeks before the day of measurement of azygos blood flow were excluded. After identification of the azygos vein and recording of baseline readings of mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, and azygos blood flow, patients were selected in a random manner to receive a bolus injection of 2 mg terlipressin, 250 microg somatostatin, or saline solution (control). Azygos blood flow was measured 1, 5, and 10 minutes after injection (AzBF-1, AzBF-5, AzBF-10). RESULTS Six patients were recruited in each treatment group. Basal azygos blood flow showed a positive association with the Child-Pugh grade of cirrhosis (p < 0.005). After bolus injection of terlipressin and somatostatin, there was a marked decrease in AzBF-1 (24% and 37%), AzBF-5 (42% and 19%), and AzBF-10 (40% both) compared with baseline. The control group showed no significant change in azygos blood flow. CONCLUSIONS Color Doppler EUS is useful in assessing azygos blood flow in portal hypertension and in monitoring the effects of vasoactive agents.

Intragastric Balloon in Ethnic Obese Chinese: Initial Experience

Background: We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of intragastric balloon (IGB) for the treatment of obesity in ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong. Methods: 15 Chinese patients (10 females; median age 40 years (range 21-58)) completed IGB treatment over a 10-month period since November 2004. Median baseline body weight (BW) and BMI were 100.1 (range 78.5-170.3) kg and 39.4 (range 29.6-56.9) kg/m2 respectively. Coexistent obesity-related morbidities were present in 80% of patients. The Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB®) was employed, and all placement and removal were performed endoscopically under intravenous conscious sedation. A restricted balanced diet (∼1200 kcal/day) and 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity exercise were prescribed after balloon placement in a multidisciplinary approach. Outcome measures were collected and assessed in a prospective manner. Results: Median procedure time was 25 (range 19-45) minutes and median hospital stay was 2 (range 1-6) days. Median BW and BMI loss were 15.3 (range 5.3-30.9) kg and 5.6 (range 1.9-12.5) kg/m2 after IGB. The median waist circumference (WC) loss was 9 (range 4-23) cm, and 66.7% of patients were highly satisfied with the treatment. No serious complication related to IGB was observed. Conclusion: IGB is a safe and effective device that achieves moderate weight loss in obese ethnic Chinese patients.

Roux-en-Y or Billroth II Reconstruction After Radical Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical symptoms between Billroth II (B-II) and Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction after distal subtotal gastrectomy (DG) for gastric cancer. Background: Surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment for gastric cancer. The technique for reconstruction after DG remains controversial. Both B-II and R-Y are popular methods. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial. From October 2008 to October 2014, 162 patients who underwent DG were randomly allocated to B-II (n = 81) and R-Y (n = 81) groups. The primary endpoint is Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms Score 1 year after surgery. We also compared the nutritional status, extent of gastritis on endoscopy, and quality of life after surgery between the 2 procedures at 1 year. Results: Operative time was significantly shorter for B-II than for R-Y [mean difference 21.5 minutes, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.8–39.3, P = 0.019]. The B-II and R-Y groups had a peri-operative morbidity of 28.4% and 33.8%, respectively (P = 0.500) and a 30-day mortality of 2.5% and 1.2%, respectively (P = 0.500). GI symptoms score did not differ between R-Y versus B-II reconstruction (mean difference -0.45, 95% CI -1.21 to 0.31, P = 0.232). R-Y resulted in a lower median endoscopic grade for gastritis versus B-II (mean difference -1.32, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.98, P < 0.001). We noted no difference in nutritional status (R-Y versus B-II mean difference -0.31, 95% CI -3.27 to 2.65, P = 0.837) and quality of life at 1 year between the 2 groups too. Conclusion: Although BII is associated with a higher incidence of heartburn symptom and higher median endoscopic grade for gastritis, BII and RY are similar in terms of overall GI symptom score and nutritional status at 1 year after distal gastrectomy.

Chemoradiotherapy or Pharyngo-Laryngo-Esophagectomy for Cervical Esophageal Squamous Cancer

determinant of the need to tailor the type of fundoplication. The aim of this study was to determine normal values for the RBP in asymptomatic subjects and in patients before and after a Nissen fundoplication. Methods: The ramp bolus pressure (RBP) was determined by measuring the mean pressure preceding the upstroke of the contraction wave 5cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (Figure). We measured the RBP in 53 asymptomatic volunteers and 37 patients with reflux symptoms before and after a Nissen fundoplication. All of the reflux patients had an excellent outcome and none had dysphagia at the time of postoperative evaluation. Results: A RBP was present in 97% of normal subjects and 100% of patients. The mean (SD) amplitude of the RBP in normal subjects was 6.8 (3.7) mmHg. The RBP in reflux patients was significantly lower than that in normal subjects [3.6 (7.0) mmHg, p<0.003]. After Nissen fundoplication, the RBP increased to 12.0 (3.2) mmHg and was significantly greater than the preoperative values (p<0.0001). The 95th percentile value for RBP in normal subjects was 10.4 mmHg and after Nissen fundoplication was 20.0 mmHg. Conclusion: The ramp bolus pressure is a frequent manometric finding that indicates the degree of outflow resistance in the LES region. This amplitude increases after a Nissen Fundoplication. These findings suggest that a contraction amplitude above 20mmHg is necessary to overcome the resistance of a Nissen fundoplication and this threshold may be a better determinant of the need to tailor the type of fundoplication performed.

Effect of Repeated Bolus Injection, Low or High Dose Continuous Infusion of Omeprazole on Intragastric pH in Patients With Bleeding Peptic Ulcer v a Dose-Titration Study

Effect of Repeated Bolus Injection, Low or High Dose Continuous Infusion of Omeprazole on Intragastric pH in Patients With Bleeding Peptic Ulcer v a Dose-Titration Study Philip Wai Y., Simon Kin Hung Wong, Justin Chi Yuen Wu, Man Yee Yung, Wilfred Mui, Enders Kwok Wai Ng, James Yun Wong Lau, Joseph Sung Aim: From our previous study, we have shown that the adjunctive use of high dose omeprazole infusion reduced the rate of recurrent bleeding after endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding peptic ulcers. The appropriate dose of omeprazole to achieve optimal pH profile for clot stability is unknown. The aim of this study is to define the gastric acid suppression profile among various regimens of adjunctive omeprazole. Patients and Method: We included patients that presented with bleeding peptic ulcers and had endoscopic stigmata of either red dot or clean base that do not required endoscopic treatment. We excluded those that received regular antisecretory medications, NSAID/aspirin users, previous gastric surgery and moribund patients. All patients were randomly assigned to receive various dosage protocol of proton pump inhibitor for 24 hours, including 1. Omeprazole 80 mg bolus, then 8 mg/hr infusion (192 mg/d); 2. Omeprazole 80 mg bolus, then 4 mg/hr infusion (96 mg/d); or 3. Omeprazole intravenous 40 mg bolus 6 hourly (160 mg/d). We measured the 24 hour fasting gastric pH with the electrode positioned at 10 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. We collected the median pH, % time pH O 4 and % time pH O 6 at intervals of 1 hour, 4 hour, 12 hour and 24 hours after the start of therapy. We also analyzed the time needed to attain pH O 4 and pH O 6. Results: We included 30 patients with bleeding peptic ulcers that had endoscopic stigmata of either red dot or clean base. 11 patients received omeprazole 40 mg every 6 hourly, 10 patients received omeprazole 4mg/hr and 9 patients received omeprazole 8 mg/hr. The three groups were comparable in terms of age, body weight, ulcer size, initial blood pressure and hemoglobin level. There was no difference in the % time pH O 4 or 6 at 1, 4, 12 and 24 hours between the three groups. However, we found that those patients receiving omeprazole 8 mg/hr could reach pH O 4 in a significantly shorter time (Kruskal-Wallis test p Z 0.04) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Patients receiving a regime of high dose omeprazole infusion at 8mg/hr attained an intragastric pH profile of more than 4 in a significantly shorter period of time. A high dose regimen may be more effective in prevention of early recurrent rebleeding by early clot stabilization.