Clinical effects of robot-assisted esophageal hiatal hernia repair and laparoscopic esophageal hiatal hernia repair: a retrospective comparative study / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To analyze the short-term clinical effects of robot-assisted and laparoscopic repair of the hiatal hernia. Methods: The clinical data of 56 patients underwent minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair from January 2021 to January 2022 in the Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Hernias and Abdominal Wall Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 24 females, aging (59.7±10.7) years (range: 28 to 75 years). All patients were divided into laparoscopy group (n=27) and robot group (n=29) according to surgical procedures. Perioperative conditions, hospital stay, and improvement in symptoms before and after surgery were compared between the two groups by the t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and χ2 test. Results: All surgical procedures were successfully completed, without conversion to laparotomy or change in operation mode. There were no serious complications related to the operation. The intraoperative blood loss of the robot group was less than that of the laparoscopic group (M (IQR)): (20 (110) ml vs. 40 (80) ml, Z=-4.098, P<0.01). The operation time ((111.7±33.6) minutes vs. (120.4±35.0) minutes, t=-0.943, P=0.350) and hospitalization time ((3.9±1.4) days vs. (4.7±1.9) days, t=-1.980, P=0.053) of the robot group and the laparoscopic group were similar. Follow-up for 12 months after the operation showed no postoperative complications and recurrence. The score of the health-related quality of life questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease in the robot group decreased from 10.8±2.8 before the operation to 6.5±0.6 after the operation, and that in the laparoscopic group decreased from 10.6±2.1 before the operation to 6.3±0.6 after the operation. There was no difference in the influence of different surgical methods on the change in score (t=0.030,P=0.976). Conclusion: Compared with laparoscopic repair of the hiatal hernia, robot-assisted hiatal hernia repair has the advantages of less bleeding, rapid postoperative recovery and good short-term effect.

An elderly man with gastric cancer, Saint's triad and Heyde's syndrome / Un anciano con cáncer gástrico, tríada de Saint y síndrome de Heyde

This case study describes a 71-year-old man with signet-ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma and malignant sigmoidal polyp; and typical features of Saint's triad and Heyde syndrome. He had digestive bleeding, two types of hernia, diverticulosis, arterial hypertension, malignant polyp, and antecedent of smoking, lung tuberculosis, and surgical correction of aortic valve stenosis. There is a hypothetical inverse relationship between herniosis and development of malignancy; however, the patient herein described presented gastric and sigmoidal cancers. Gastrointestinal malignancies are sometimes associated with paraneoplastic entities, isolated or manifested as syndromes, but neither Saint's triad or Heyde syndrome have been included. This patient persisted clinically stable during the preoperative period, but suddenly died; Trousseau's syndrome would be the most probable mechanism of sudden death in this setting. Case reports can stimulate further studies to get additional knowledge about unusual entities.

Este estudio de caso describe un hombre de 71 años de edad, con adenocarcinoma gástrico con células en anillo de sello y un pólipo maligno sigmoideo; y características típicas de la tríada de Saint y del síndrome de Heyde. Tuvo una hemorragia digestiva, dos tipos de hernias, divertículos, hipertensión arterial, y pólipo maligno; con antecedente de tabaquismo, tuberculosis pulmonar, y corrección quirúrgica de estenosis de la válvula aórtica. Hay una hipotética relación inversa entre hernioses y el desarrollo de malignidades; sin embargo, el paciente que se describe en el presente documento presentó cánceres gástrico y sigmoideo. Neoplasias gastrointestinales se asocian a veces con entidades para neoplásicas aisladas o manifiestan síndromes, pero ni la tríada de Saint ni el síndrome de Heyde se ha incluido. Este paciente persistió clínicamente estable durante el período preoperatorio, pero de repente murió; síndrome de Trousseau sería el mecanismo más probable de muerte súbita en esta situación. Los informes de casos pueden estimular más estudios para obtener un conocimiento adicional sobre esas entidades inusuales.

Hernia paraesofágica mixta con mal rotación de estómago / Mixed paraesophageal hernia with bad gastric rotation

Las hernias hiatales, son defectos anatómicos en el hiato diafragmático. Las de tipo "paraesofágicas" son frecuentes, se sabe que atentan contra la vida de una manera potencial, ya que presentan un alto riesgo de complicación de vólvulo y encarcelación lo que incrementa con la edad. Objetivo: establecer una ruta diagnóstica para mejorar el abordaje clínico de esta patología. Caso Clínico: niño de 4 años, con historia de dolor abdominal de 3 meses de evolución en región mesogástrica, que se acompaña de palidez hiporexia y estreñimiento. Laboratorio: hemoglobina 4.3g/dl, hematocrito 13.9%, diagnóstico de anemia, diagnóstico por endoscopía: hernia hiatal tipo III (mixta), mal rotación de estómago. Se trató con funduplicatura Nissen y posteriormente con dilataciones esofágicas. Conclusión: La hernia hiatal es la anormalidad más frecuente del tracto digestivo alto, las de tipo paraesofágico son infrecuentes y debe ser incluida como diagnóstico diferencial en niños con repetidos episodios de infección respiratoria o vómitos a repetición. El estudio diagnóstico de elección es el esofagograma con medio de contraste.

Congenital Right Intrathoracic Stomach Secondary to Hiatus Hernia in an Infant.

A four month old, female infant presented with acute onset respiratory distress and persistent, non-bilious vomiting for one day. The initial chest radiograph showed two large, fluid filled structures in the right hemi thorax. An upper GI contrast study showed right intrathoracic stomach with hold-up of barium in the pylorus. A diagnosis of congenital right intra-thoracic stomach with organo-axial torsion was made and patient underwent laparotomy and repair of the hiatal defect. The child is asymptomatic on follow up. The case is reported for unusual symptomatic presentation on early infancy.

Lesiones de cameron: experiencia clínica / Cameron lesions: clinical experience

Es importante considerar a las lesiones de Cameron dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de causas de anemia por deficiencia de hierro secundarias a pérdidas gastrointestinales. Presentamos los datos demográficos, los hallazgos clínico-patológicos y el manejo terapéutico de pacientes con úlceras de Cameron evaluados en una clínica privada de Lima, Perú. Doce pacientes, nueve de ellos hombres, fueron incluidos en el reporte. La media de la edad al momento del diagnostico fue de 71 años (rango de edades 49-91 años). Cinco pacientes tuvieron anemia, uno de ellos catalogado como anemia severa. 91.7% de los pacientes presentaron hernias hiatales gigantes. Todos los pacientes con anemia tenían hiatos herniarios gigantes. Dos pacientes tuvieron pruebas positivas para infección por H. pylori. Dos pacientes refirieron crónico de anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES). Conclusiones: Las úlceras de Cameron son lesiones causantes de sangrado gastrointestinal crónico, y deben considerarse en el estudio de pacientes con anemia por déficit de hierro.

Cameron lesions are becoming an increasingly important diagnosis in the evaluation of patients with iron deficiency anemia. We describe the demographic data, clinico-pathologic features and therapeutic outcome of a group of patients with Cameron lesions at a single private practice clinic in Lima, Peru. Twelve patients (9 men) were included in the report Median age at diagnosis was 71 years (range 49-91). Five patients had anemia and one of them had severe anemia. 91.7% of our patients presented with large hiatal hernias. There were 5 patients with anemia and large hernias. Two patients tested positive for H.pylori. Two patients reported chronic gastrointentestinal bleeding and should be kept in mind in the study of patients with iron deficiency anemia.

Esophageal manometry findings and degree of acid exposure in short and long Barrett's esophagus / Alterações manométricas e intensidade do refluxo no esôfago de Barrett curto e longo

CONTEXT: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is characterized by intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus and is classified as short-segment (<3 cm - SSBE) or long-segment (>3 cm - LSSBE). It is suggested that LSSBE is associated with more severe esophageal motor abnormalities and increased acid exposure time than SSBE. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of esophageal manometriy abnormalities and acid exposure times in patients with SSBE and LSSBE. METHODS: Barrett's esophagus patients identified by upper endoscopy and confirmed by histopathology were, retrospectively, reviewed and divided into two groups: SSBE and LSBE. Demographic data, symptom duration, prevalence of hiatal hernia, lower esophagus sphincter basal pressure, prevalence of esophageal body abnormalities and acid exposure times were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with SSBE (24 males - 52.2%, mean age of 55.2 years) and 28 patients with LSBE (18 males - 64.3%, mean age of 50.5 years). Mean symptom duration was 9.9 years for SSBE and 12.9 years for LSSBE. Hiatal hernia was present in 84.2% of SSBE, 96.3% of LSBE; average lower esophagus sphincter pressure in SSBE 9.15 mm Hg, in LSBE 6.99 mm Hg; lower esophagus sphincter hypotension in SSBE was 65.9%, in LSSBE 82.1%; aperistalsis in SSBE 6.5%, LSSBE 3.6%; mild/moderate ineffective esophageal motility in SSBE 34.8%, LSBE 46.4%; severe moderate ineffective esophageal motility in SSBE 10.9%, LSBE 7,1%; nutcracker esophagus/segmental nutcracker esophagus in SSBE 8.6%, LSBE 0%; normal body in SSBE 39.1%, in LSBE 42.9%, no statistical difference for any of these values (P<0.05). Average % total time pH<4 in SSBE 9.12, LSBE 17.27 (P<0.000); % time pH<4 upright in SSBE 11.91; LSBE 24.29 (P=0.003); % time pH<4 supine in SSBE 10.86, LSBE 33.26 (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the prevalence of motor disorders in patients with SSBE and LSSBE. Acid reflux in upright and supine positions was more intense in LSBE.

CONTEXTO: O esôfago de Barrett (EB) se caracteriza pela presença de metaplasia intestinal no esôfago distal, quando menor que 3 cm é chamado Barrett curto (EBC) e com 3 cm ou mais Barrett longo (EBL). Sugere-se que o EBL cursa com mais alterações motoras esofagianas e com refluxo mais intenso que o EBC. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de alterações manométricas e a intensidade do refluxo gastroesofágico à pHmetria em pacientes com EBC e EBL. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com endoscopia digestiva alta e comprovação histopatológica de EB, divididos em dois grupos: EBC e EBL. Foram avaliados os dados demográficos, o tempo de doença, prevalência de hérnia hiatal, dados obtidos à esofagomanometria e pHmetria. RESULTADOS: EBC 46 pacientes (24 masculino 52,2% e média de idade de 55,22 anos), EBL 28 pacientes (18 masculino 64,3% e média de idade 50,5 anos); tempo de sintomas: EBC 9,88 anos e EBL 12,94 anos; hérnia de hiato: EBC 84,2%, EBL 96,3%; pressão média do esfíncter inferior do esôfago: EBC 9,15 mm Hg, EBL 6,99 mm Hg; hipotensão do esfíncter inferior do esôfago: EBC 65,9%, EBL 82,1%; motilidade esofagiana ineficaz (MEI) leve/moderado: EBC 34,8%, EBL 46,4%; MEI acentuado: EBC 5 10,9%, EBL 7,1%; aperistalse: 6,5%, EBL 3,6%; esôfago em quebra-nozes: EBC 8,6%, EBL 0%; corpo normal: EBC 39,1%, EBL 42,9%, sem diferença estatística para qualquer desses valores (P<0,05). Médias de pHmetria: % de tempo total com pH <4: EBC (29/46) 9,12% EBL (15/28) 27,27% P<0,000; % de tempo ereto com pH<4: EBC 11,91%, EBL 24,29% P = 0,003; % de tempo supino com pH <4: EBC 10,86% EBL 33,26% P = 0,000. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença entre a prevalência das alterações motoras em pacientes com EBC e EBL. O refluxo ácido, tanto em posição ereta como em posição supina, foi mais intenso no EBL.

Hernia hiatal gigante con estómago intratorácico: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Giant hiatal hernia with intrathoracic stomach: a case report and literature review

Giant hiatal hernia (GHH) with intrathoracic stomach is a rare condition. It is a type 3 or mixed hernia (with sliding and paraesophageal component) with more than 30 percent of the stomach protruding into the chest cavity. These hernias are usually associated with gastric rotation, mostly with organoaxial twist. They have nonspecific clinical manifestations, which include vomiting, and chest or epigastric pain. Complications such as volvulus, perforation, or gastric obstruction constitute a medical emergency. In many cases, these hernias can be detected incidentally on a chest radiograph. Imaging studies, mainly multidetector CT and upper gastro-intestinal series represent vital tools for diagnosis and anatomical characterization of these lesions. The treatment of GHH requires an open or laparoscopic surgical approach. We report the case of a patient evaluated in our department who was diagnosed with giant hiatal hernia with intrathoracic stomach and organoaxial gastric rotation.

La hernia hiatal gigante (HHG) con estómago intratorácico es una enfermedad poco frecuente. Corresponde a una hernia tipo 3 o mixta (componente por deslizamiento y paraesofágico) que contiene más del 30 por ciento del estómago a nivel del tórax. Es común que estas hernias se asocien a rotación gástrica, preferentemente del tipo órgano-axial. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas e incluyen vómitos y dolor torácico o epigástrico. Pueden presentar complicaciones como vólvulo, perforación u obstrucción gástrica, constituyendo una emergencia médica. En muchos casos pueden ser detectadas en forma incidental en una radiografía de tórax. El estudio dirigido con imágenes, particularmente tomografía computada multidetector y estudio baritado esófago-estómago-duodeno, resultan fundamentales para el diagnóstico y caracterización de la anatomía de estas lesiones. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, sea por cirugía abierta o laparoscópica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente evaluada en nuestro servicio, en quien se realizó el diagnóstico de HHG con estómago intratorácico, con rotación gástrica órgano-axial.

Differences in Clinical Characteristics between Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease and Erosive Esophagitis in Korea

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. GERD can be divided into two groups, erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with erosive esophagitis to those with NERD. All participating patients underwent an upper endoscopy during a voluntary health check-up. The NERD group consisted of 500 subjects with classic GERD symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal injury during upper endoscopy. The erosive esophagitis group consisted of 292 subjects with superficial esophageal erosions with or without typical symptoms of GERD. Among GERD patients, male gender, high body mass index, high obesity degree, high waist-to-hip ratio, high triglycerides, alcohol intake, smoking and the presence of a hiatal hernia were positively related to the development of erosive esophagitis compared to NERD. In multivariated analysis, male gender, waist-to-hip ratio and the presence of a hiatal hernia were the significant risk factors of erosive esophagitis. We suggest that erosive esophagitis was more closely related to abdominal obesity.

Hernia hiatal volvulada no complicada: ¿se debe operar siempre para prevenir la emergencia por isquemia gástrica? / Noncomplicated volvulada hiatal hernia: one is due to always operate to prevent the emergencia by gastric ischemia?

Antecedentes: El estómago herniado en el tórax con componente paraesofágico tiene riesgo de volvulación. Se ha propuesto que el diagnóstico de hernia para esofágica o mixta indica la cirugía electiva para evitar la urgencia; otros opinan que la urgencia sería tan excepcional que no merece dicha consideración. Objetivos: Evaluar la indicación de cirugía en las hernias hiatales mixtas (HHM). Lugar: Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Población: 60 pacientes con HHM al diagnóstico (2002-05). Método: Se analiza cuántas estaban volvuadas al momento del diagnóstico por radiología y endoscopia, y en la indicación quirúrgica. Resultados: Sobre 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de HHM, en 18 se observó volvulación gástrica al momento del diagnóstico. 7 (11,6%) pacientes requirieron internación de urgencia: 5 por afagia (2 Nissen laparoscópico, 1 Nissen convencional, 1 Toupet laparoscópico, 1 reducción y cierre defecto diafragmático laparoscópico) y 2 por falla multiorgánica por necrosis gastrica (1 gastrect total, y 1 -93años- no operada). Otros 8 (13%) requirieron adelantar la cirugía programada por agravamiento del dolor, disfagia, anemia y/o regurgitación. Conclusión: El grado de compromiso de la vasculatura o de la luz gastro-esofágica determinará la urgencia quirúrgica, aunque estas alteraciones son dinámicas. Un 25 de los pacientes en esta serie necesitaron acelerar su tratamiento quirúrgico, un 11,6% con internación de urgencia (3,3% con necrosis gástrica).

Congenital paraesophageal hernia presenting with severe gastroesophageal reflux.

Paraesophageal hernia in children is relatively rare entity. These children usually present with recurrent respiratory tract infection or vague GI symptoms. An 11 year female presented with episodic vomiting, heartburn and features of hypocalcemic tetany. Investigations revealed right paraesophageal hernia. Reduction of the contents and repair of the defect with fundoplication was done. Patient is asymptomatic on follow-up.

Presença de refluxo em pacientes com sintomas típicos de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico / Factors related to the presence of reflux in patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

OBJETIVO: Analisar os aspectos clínicos, ultra-sonográficos, endoscópicos, manométricos e os dados de pHmetria prolongada do esôfago nos pacientes com sintomas típicos de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, em 251 pacientes com sintomas típicos da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, os aspectos clínicos, o IMC, os dados ultra-sonográficos, endoscópicos, manométricos e de pHmetria do esôfago. RESULTADOS: Eram mulheres 172 pacientes (68,5 por cento). A média de idade foi de 51,8 anos. A ultra-sonografia diagnosticou colelitíase em 23 doentes e colecistectomia prévia em 21 pacientes. A hérnia hiatal (HH) estava presente em 177 pacientes (71 por cento), com tamanho médio de 3 cm. A esofagite erosiva foi encontrada em 168 pacientes (66,9 por cento) e o esôfago de Barrett em 23 casos (9,2 por cento). A associação de HH com EE foi observada em 131 pacientes (52,3 por cento). Apenas 37 pacientes (14,7 por cento) não apresentavam HH ou EE. Quanto à manometria, o valor médio da extensão do esfíncter inferior do esôfago (EIE) foi 2,6 cm, sendo que 132 pacientes (52,6 por cento) apresentaram EIE curto. A pressão média do EIE foi 18,9 mmHg e 46 doentes (18,3 por cento) apresentaram pressão abaixo de 14 mmHg. A pHmetria prolongada do esôfago, a média do número de refluxos foi 42,9 e a porcentagem de tempo ácido total média foi 8,4 por cento. Em 175 pacientes (69,7 por cento), o índice de DeMeester mostrou-se elevado. CONCLUSÃO: Nos pacientes com sintomas típicos da DRGE, os fatores que influenciaram a presença do refluxo patológico, comprovada pela pHmetria do esôfago, foram: a idade mais avançada, a presença de hérnia hiatal com esofagite erosiva; a extensão menor, a pressão basal diminuída e o menor vetor volume do EIE.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical, abdominal ultrasound, upper digestive endoscopic, esophageal manometric and prolonged esophageal pH-monitoring findings in patients with typical symptoms of GERD. METHODS: The study included a total of 251 patients with typical GERD symptoms. Clinical data, Body Mass Index, abdominal ultrasound aspects and upper digestive endoscopic data are reported. Manometry and esophageal pH-monitoring were performed. RESULTS: One-hundred-and-seventy-two patients were female (68.5 percent). Mean age of the total was 51.8 years. Ultrasound examination revealed colelithiasis in 23 patients and PC in 21 patients. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 177 patients (71 percent), with an average size of 3.0cm. Erosive esophagitis was found in 168 patients (66.9 percent) and Barrett's esophagus in 23 patients (9.2 percent). A combination of hiatal hernia and esophagitis was diagnosed in 131 patients (52.3 percent) while only 37 patients (14.7 percent) did not present either. The mean extension of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was 2.6 cm, whereas in 132 patients (52.6 percent) the LES was shorter. The mean pressure of the LES was 18.9 mmHg; 46 patients (18.3 percent) had pressures below 14 mmHg. The mean number of reflux episodes on prolonged esophageal monitoring was 42.9; the mean number of prolonged episodes of reflux was 4.6, and the mean percentage of total acid time was 8.4 percent. DeMeester scores were high in 175 patients (69.7 percent). CONCLUSION: In patients with typical GERD symptoms, factors influencing the presence of pathological reflux as confirmed by prolonged esophageal pH-monitoring were: age, hiatal hernia associated to erosive esophagitis, a smaller extension, low baseline pressure and smaller volume vector of the LES.

Relação entre o tamanho de hérnia hiatal e tempo de exposição ácida esofágica nas doenças do refluxo erosiva e não-erosiva / Relationship between the size of hiatal hernia and esophageal acid exposure time in erosive and non-erosive reflux disease

RACIONAL: Nos últimos anos, estudos têm demonstrado a importância da hérnia hiatal na etiopatogenia da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, atuando por vários mecanismos, sendo enfatizado que quanto maior a hérnia, maior seria a possibilidade de refluxo e esofagite. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar por parâmetros de pHmetria prolongada, se a presença de hérnias volumosas se correlaciona com maior intensidade do refluxo, em pacientes com a doença do refluxo erosiva e doença do refluxo não-erosiva. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram revistas as pHmetrias prolongadas anormais consecutivas de pacientes em investigação de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (pirose como queixa principal) e analisadas as percentagens de tempo total ( por centoTT), em posição ereta ( por centoTE) e posição supina ( por centoTS) com pH <4. Todos haviam realizado previamente endoscopia digestiva alta. Selecionaram-se pacientes com doença do refluxo erosiva (esofagite pela classificação de Savary-Miller) e com doença do refluxo não-erosiva (sem esofagite, com pHmetria prolongada anormal), todos com hérnia hiatal. Considerou-se hérnia hiatal não volumosa aquelas entre 2 e <5 cm e hérnia hiatal volumosa quando de tamanho =/>5 cm. RESULTADOS: Cento e noventa e dois pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 115 com doença do refluxo erosiva e 77 com doença do refluxo não-erosiva. No primeiro grupo, 94 (81 por cento) pacientes apresentavam hérnias hiatais não-volumosas, enquanto que 21 (19 por cento) apresentavam hérnias hiatais volumosas. No grupo com doença do refluxo não-erosiva, 66 (85 por cento) pacientes apresentavam hérnia hiatal não-volumosa e 11 (15 por cento) hérnia hiatal volumosa. Na doença do refluxo erosiva, as por centoTT, por centoTE e por centoTS foram de 13,1 + 7,1, 13,4 + 7,4 e 12,3 + 11,5 nas hérnias hiatais não-volumosas, aumentando para 20,2 + 12,3, 17,8 + 14,1 e 20,7 + 14,1 nas hérnias hiatais volumosas, respectivamente, sendo este aumento estatisticamente significante nos tempos total e supino. Na doença do refluxo não-erosiva, as por centoTT, por centoTE e por centoTS foram de 9,6 + 4,8, 10,8+ 6,8 e 8,6 + 7,3 nas hérnias hiatais não volumosas e de 14,6 + 13,3, 11,2 + 7,5 18,1 + 21,0 nas hérnias volumosas, respectivamente, com significância semelhante à anterior. CONCLUSAO: As hérnias volumosas aumentam o tempo de exposição ácida esofágica exclusivamente na posição supina nos pacientes com doença do refluxo erosiva e doença do refluxo não-erosiva.

Gastric volvulus caused by paraesophageal hernia complicating mid-trimester pregnancy.

A 36-year-old woman, who was 19 weeks pregnant presented with epigastric pain and a one-week history of repeated vomiting. Endoscopy revealed twisted stomach. CT scan of the chest showed figure of eight stomach consistent with gastric volvulus. Confirmation of diagnosis was made by laparatomy in which reduction of the oedematous stomach and excision of ischemic omental patch and repair of a huge paraesophageal hernia were performed. Two days after operation, abortion took place. Few days later, rapid deterioration in renal and hepatic function occurred followed by maternal death.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration associated with massive hiatal hernia.

Congenital eventration of the diaphragm is uncommon. Its association with a hiatal hernia has not been reported earlier. We report a case of such an association in a 2-month-old boy who presented with tachypnea aggravated by feeding and recurrent vomiting. Diagnostic uncertainty and a unique course of postoperative recovery complicated by gastric volvulus are described. The patient underwent surgical plication of the right diaphragm, followed by an emergency hiatal repair on the first postoperative day. Timely recognition, and repair of the hiatal hernia averted a fatal complication.

Paraesophageal hernia in the neonatal period: suspicion on chest X-ray.

The paraesophageal hernia is rarely seen in the neonatal period. Presentation in neonatal period can be confused with the possibility of esophageal atresia or esophageal web. The upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study is diagnostic in this disease, but careful viewing of the plain X-ray of the chest can also lead to suspicion of the diagnosis. Two neonates with para-esophageal hernia are reported, one with the mesenterico-axial volvulus and the second neonate without volvulus.

CT findings in a child with reflux oesophagitis.

We report the case of a 7-month-old boy who presented with a history of vomiting since birth. A computed tomography study showed circumferential thickening of the lower oesophageal wall with enhancement of the mucosa. After a period of antireflux medication, the patient underwent simultaneous oesophageal dilatation and Nissen fundoplication. He is doing well at 2-year follow up.

Parahiatal hernia with gastric obstruction in a child.

Parahiatal hernia refers to herniation of abdominal viscera into the chest adjacent to an intact hiatus. Spontaneously occurring parahiatal herniae are extremely rare. We report a 4-year-old boy who presented with intermittent vomiting and had such a hernia, where the herniated stomach had undergone partial volvulus. He was symptom-free after surgical repair.

Cirugía bariátrica con banda gástrica ajustable / Bariatric surgery with adjustable gastric banding

Antecedentes: La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica, progresiva, multifactorial creciendo en proporciones epidémicas. La masiva, presenta elevados costos en la salud pública, y vinculada a enfermedades crónicas asociadas, llevan a prematura incapacidad y mortalidad. Objetivos: Analizar la experiencia de los primeros 100 pacientes obesos mórbidos (OM) y superobesos (SO) operados laparocópicamente con banda gástrica ajustable (BGAL). Lugar: Hospital Universitario y Práctica Privada. Material y métodos: Desde enero 1998 hasta abril 2000 se operaron 100 pacientes OM y SO. El 74 por ciento mujeres, 43 años promedio (16-60), 143 kg de peso promedio (93-280). 81,6 kg (34-208) de exceso, 233,5 por ciento del peso ideal e indice de masa (IMC) promedio 53,2 (35-89,3). El 55 por ciento IMC = a 50 (superobesos, supersuperobesos y triple obesidad) y el 13 por ciento = a 66 (triple obesidad). La técnica original con inicio del túnel sobre la curvatura menor a 2 cm del cardias y "gastrostenometer" (sensor electrónico) en los primeros 30 pacientes se modificó luego, permitiendo ahorrar tiempo quirúrgico, evitar complicaciones, obtener posición de la banda más alta y estable creando una bolsa superior de tamaño muy pequeño (15-20 cc). Resultados: Tiempo operatorio: 80 min (40-120) en los últimos 90 pacientes. Fueron convertidos 4 entre los primeros 20 casos. No huvo mortalidad y las complicaciones importantes fueron tardías, 2 deslizamientos gástricos ("slippage") y 2 infecciones del reservorio (portacath). Seguimiento: 10 meses promedio (1-27), obteniéndose disminución del porcentaje del exceso de peso y del IMC (pre 53,2) a los 3 meses de 26 por ciento y 47, a los 6 de 43 por ciento y 41, a los 12 de 61 por ciento y 37, y a los 24 de 68 por ciento y 32. No hubo diferencias en porcentaje del peso perdido entre obesos mórbidos y superobesos. Enfermedades asociadas: descenso en número y severidad, del 33 por ciento en hipertensión arterial, 89 por ciento en síndrome de hipoventilación alveolar, 82,5 por ciento en diabetes y 86 por ciento en reflujo gastroesofágico, con mejoría global e importante en la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Los resultados parecen promisorios, pero es necesario un seguimiento prolongado para establecer resultados fidedignos. La BGAL es un procedimiento laparoscópico de avanzada y los buenos resultados requieren una técnica segura y estandarizada

El tiempo y el pH de desaparición de la pirosis provocada por la perfusión ácida de esófago sería un indicador de hiperalgesia / Time and pH at the moment of disappearance of pyrosis induced by means of acid perfusion might indicate hyperalgesia

Objetivos: 1) Describir y comparar las características históricas del sintoma de pirosis con prueba de perfusión ácida positiva en el grupo total y según sexos; 2) describir los resultados de los estudios (clearance ácido estánder, número de episodios de reflujo en tiempos cortos de observación, tiempo de aparición de la pirosis durante la perfusión ácida, tiempo de desapacición del síntoma y pH del esófago en el momento de la desaparición); comparación por sexos; 3) comparar las diferencias de depuraniones estándar y de episodios de reflujo entre controles y pacientes; 4) correlacionar de factores condicionantes; 5) realizar las mismas evaluaciones descriptivas y comparativas en los subgrupos con hernia hiatal (H.H.) y sin ella. Trabajo prospectivo, descriptivo y comparativo, experimental, longitudinal, ciego simple, con muestra de control. Población y muestra: 15 pacientes de control (9 hombres, mujeres) y 50 pacientes con pirosis (23 hombres, 27 mujeres). Mayores de 18 años. Con H.H. o sin ella. Equiparables (diderencias en edad y sexo, p=NS). Consecutivos. Material y metodologia: Registro de datos históricos, endoscopia alta, 3 (tres) biopsias como mínimo, número de episodios de reflujo en 30 minutos de observación, clearance ácido estánder, medición de tiempo de perfusión, tiempo de desaparición del síntoma evocado y pH en que desaparece el síntoma...