Effects of Obesity Surgery on GERD and Esophageal Motility

With the rising prevalence of obesity, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular treatment option. However, bariatric surgery can contribute to esophageal dysmotility and lead to worsening or development of GERD, two conditions that are already frequently seen in the obese population. We review the effects of the various types of bariatric surgeries on the esophagus, specifically focusing on sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Elevated Average Maximum Intrabolus Pressure on High-Resolution Manometry is Associated with Esophageal Dysmotility and Delayed Esophageal Emptying on Timed Barium Esophagram

Background Intrabolus pressure (IBP) recorded by high-resolution manometry (HRM) portrays the compartmentalized force on a bolus during esophageal peristalsis. HRM may be a reliable screening tool for esophageal dysmotility in patients with elevated average maximum IBP (AM-IBP). Timed barium esophagram (TBE) is a validated measure of esophageal emptying disorders, such as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and achalasia. This study aimed to determine if an elevated AM-IBP correlates with esophageal dysmotility on HRM and/or delayed esophageal emptying on TBE. Methods A retrospective analysis of all HRM (unweighted sample n=155) performed at a tertiary referral center from 09/2015-03/2017 yielded a case group (n=114) with abnormal AM-IBP and a control group (n=41) with a normal AM-IBP (pressure<17mmHg) as consistent with Chicago Classification 3. All patients received a standardized TBE, with abnormalities classified as greater than 1 cm of retained residual liquid barium in the esophagus at 1 and 5 minutes or as tablet retention after 5 minutes. Results AM-IBP was significantly related to liquid barium retention (p=0.003) and tablet arrest on timed barium esophagram (p=0.011). A logistic regression model correctly predicted tablet arrest in 63% of cases. Tablet arrest on AM-IBP correlated with an optimal prediction point at 20.1 mmHg on HRM. Patients with elevated AM-IBP were more likely to have underlying esophageal dysmotility (95.6% vs. 70.7% respectively; p<0.001), particularly esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction disorders. Elevated AM-IBP was associated with incomplete liquid bolus transit on impedance analysis (p=0.002). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that an elevated AM-IBP is associated with abnormal TBE findings of esophageal tablet retention and/or bolus stasis. An abnormal AM-IBP (greater than 20.1 mm Hg) was associated with a higher probability of retaining liquid bolus or barium tablet arrest on TBE and esophageal dysmotility on HRM. This finding supports the recent incorporation of IBP in Chicago Classification v4.0.

652 LAPAROSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION IS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX AND ABSENT ESOPHAGEAL CONTRACTILITY

Anti-reflux surgery in the setting of preoperative esophageal dysmotility is contentious due to fear of persistent long-term dysphagia, particularly in individuals with an aperistaltic esophagus (absent esophageal contractility). Emerging evidence suggests fundoplication is safe and effective in patients with esophageal dysmotility. This study aimed to determine the long-term postoperative outcomes following fundoplication in patients with absent esophageal contractility versus normal motility. Methods A case control study was performed, using a prospectively maintained database to identify all (40) patients with absent esophageal contractility on preoperative manometry who subsequently underwent fundoplication (36 anterior partial, 4 Nissen). Cases were propensity matched based on age, gender, and fundoplication type with another 708 patients who all had normal motility. Groups were assessed using prospective symptom assessment questionnaires to assess heartburn, dysphagia for solids and liquids, regurgitation, and satisfaction with surgery. Outcomes were compared at baseline and at 1, 5 and 10 years follow-up. Results Across follow-up to 10 years, no significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the assessed postoperative symptoms. Multivariate analysis found that patients with absent contractility had worse preoperative dysphagia (adjusted mean difference 1.09, p = 0.048), but postoperatively there were no significant differences in dysphagia scores at 5 and 10 year follow-up. No differences in overall patient satisfaction were identified across the follow-up period. Conclusion Laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication in patients with absent esophageal contractility achieves acceptable symptom control without significantly worse dysphagia compared to patients with normal contractility. Patients with medically refractory reflux who have absent contractility should still be considered for surgical intervention.

Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) as an Adjunctive Modality in Evaluation of Esophageal Dysmotility

The Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) has emerged as a valuable adjunctive tool in the evaluation of esophageal diseases. Using volumetric distension, FLIP can assess secondary peristalsis and detect esophageal abnormalities that may not be evaluated by high-resolution manometry (HRM). In certain clinical settings, FLIP may allow for deferral of HRM. In therapy for esophageal diseases, FLIP has demonstrated value for its real-time interpretation, which can be used intra-procedurally to tailor therapy and to predict post-therapy outcomes. The future of FLIP looks promising as surgeons and gastroenterologists place increasing emphasis on non-manometric data to diagnose esophageal motility disorders.

The Mechanisms for the Association of Cancer and Esophageal Dysmotility Disorders

Background: Achalasia and other esophageal dysmotility disorders mimicking achalasia can be associated with cancer. This study aimed to review the main mechanisms for which cancer may develop in esophageal dysmotility disorder patients. Methods: A narrative review was performed. Results: The mechanism for developing squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are discussed. Besides, achalasia-like syndromes related to familial KIT-gene mutation and pseudoachalasia are discussed. Conclusions: Knowing the main mechanism for which achalasia can be related to cancer is essential for clinicians to conduct the proper investigation, surveillance, and treatment.