Reflux Symptoms Increase Following Sleeve Gastrectomy Despite Triage of Symptomatic Patients to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bariatric surgical options in obese patients include sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), which may not be equivalent in risk of postoperative reflux symptoms. We evaluated risk and predictive factors for postbariatric surgery reflux symptoms. METHODS: Patients with obesity evaluated for bariatric surgery over a 15-month period were prospectively followed with validated symptom questionnaires (GERDQ, dominant symptom index: product of symptom frequency and intensity from 5-point Likert scores) administered before and after SG and RYGB. Esophageal testing included high-resolution manometry in all patients, and ambulatory reflux monitoring off therapy in those with abnormal GERDQ or prior reflux history. Univariate comparisons and multivariable analysis were performed to determine if preoperative factors predicted postoperative reflux symptoms. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (median age 49.0 years, 84% female, median BMI 46.5 kg/m 2 ) fulfilled inclusion criteria and underwent follow-up assessment 4.4 years after bariatric surgery. Baseline GERDQ and dominant symptom index for heartburn were significantly higher in RYGB patients ( P ≤0.04). Despite this, median GERDQ increased by 2 (0.0 to 4.8) following SG and decreased by 0.5 (-1.0 to 5.0) following RYGB ( P =0.02). GERDQ became abnormal in 43.8% after SG and 18.8% after RYGB ( P =0.058); abnormal GERDQ improved in 12.5% and 37.5%, respectively ( P =0.041). In a model that included age, gender, BMI, acid exposure time, and type of surgery, multivariable analysis identified SG as an independent predictor of postoperative heartburn (odds ratio 16.61, P =0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Despite preferential RYGB when preoperative GERD was identified, SG independently predicted worsening heartburn symptoms after bariatric surgery.

The role of esophageal pH-impedance testing in clinical practice.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ambulatory reflux monitoring is typically performed when esophageal symptoms do not respond to usual antireflux medications, or prior to invasive antireflux therapy. Although pH-based metrics have been the standard in defining esophageal reflux burden, novel impedance parameters have been introduced in recent years that can either be extracted from pH-impedance monitoring or obtained directly from esophageal mucosa. This review evaluates the clinical role of esophageal pH-impedance monitoring in clinical practice in the present day. RECENT FINDINGS: Elevated acid exposure time in the distal esophagus remains the primary metric that predicts symptom improvement from antireflux therapy. Although conventional impedance-based metrics (numbers of reflux episodes, reflux-symptom association) provide complementary evidence, novel impedance-based metrics show promise in documenting reflux-induced damage to esophageal mucosal integrity, and in potentially predicting treatment outcome. The postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave measures integrity of primary peristalsis triggered by a reflux episode. Baseline impedance values reflect histopathological damage to mucosal integrity, and improve following successful antireflux therapy. Mucosal impedance assessed at endoscopy is a new diagnostic tool that is currently being evaluated in multinational research studies. SUMMARY: Esophageal pH-impedance monitoring has potential to augment confidence in a reflux diagnosis beyond that provided by pH-monitoring alone.

The importance of early recognition in management of ERCP-related perforations.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic perforations related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are rare events, carrying with it a mortality of up to 8%. Given the rarity of this adverse event, there remains limited data and continued uncertainties when choosing therapeutic strategies. Our aims were to evaluate the management of ERCP-related perforations and compare outcomes based on timing of recognition. METHODS: The endoscopic databases of two tertiary care centers were interrogated to identify consecutive adult patients who sustained ERCP-related perforation over a 10-year period from 2006 to 2016. Electronic medical records were reviewed to extract demographic data, perforation type, management strategies, clinical data, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: 14,045 ERCP's were performed during our 10-year study period. Sixty-three patients (average age 62.3 ± 2.38 years, 76% female) with ERCP-related perforations were included. Stapfer I perforations were found in 14 (22.2%) patients, Stapfer II in 24 (38.1%), and Stapfer III and IV perforations were identified in 16 (25.4%) and 9 (14.28%), respectively. Forty-seven (74.6%) perforations were recognized immediately during the ERCP, whereas 16 (25.4%) were recognized late. Endoscopic therapy was attempted in 35 patients in whom perforations were identified immediately, and was technically successful in 33 (94.3%). In all, 4 (1 immediate/ 3 delayed) patients required percutaneous drainage and 9 (5 immediate/ 4 delayed) surgery. Length of hospital stay, ICU admission were significantly shorter and incidence of SIRS was significantly lower when perforation was recognized immediately. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate recognition of ERCP-related perforations leads to more favorable patient outcomes; with lower incidence of SIRS, less need for ICU level care, and shorter hospital stay.

Management of pain in chronic pancreatitis with emphasis on exogenous pancreatic enzymes.

One of the most challenging issues arising in patients with chronic pancreatitis is the management of abdominal pain. Many competing theories exist to explain pancreatic pain including ductal hypertension from strictures and stones, increased interstitial pressure from glandular fibrosis, pancreatic neuritis, and ischemia. This clinical problem is superimposed on a background of reduced enzyme secretion and altered feedback mechanisms. Throughout history, investigators have used these theories to devise methods to combat chronic pancreatic pain including: Lifestyle measures, antioxidants, analgesics, administration of exogenous pancreatic enzymes, endoscopic drainage procedures, and surgical drainage and resection procedures. While the value of each modality has been debated over the years, pancreatic enzyme therapy remains a viable option. Enzyme therapy restores active enzymes to the small bowel and targets the altered feedback mechanism that lead to increased pancreatic ductal and tissue pressures, ischemia, and pain. Here, we review the mechanisms and treatments for chronic pancreatic pain with a specific focus on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. We also discuss different approaches to overcoming a lack of clinical response update ideas for studies needed to improve the clinical use of pancreatic enzymes to ameliorate pancreatic pain.

Understanding hallux valgus deformity: what the surgeon wants to know from the conventional radiograph.

Hallux valgus deformity is a common and a significant source of symptoms. It can interfere with daily activities and affects the quality of life of many people. Imaging evaluation is performed almost exclusively by conventional radiography and systematic evaluation of the conventional radiograph can provide the clinician with the necessary information to choose the correct surgical procedure. The radiologist should appreciate the various sites of angular deformity that can be associated with hallux valgus deformity, the nature of the articulations within the first ray, the presence of a bunion, the degree of sesamoid subluxation, and the quality of the bone stock. Systematic radiographic evaluation is vital for ensuring a good surgical outcome. All the conventional radiographic features that influence management are defined and quantified within this review and, importantly, their clinical significance is highlighted, allowing for a more purposeful radiographic interpretation.

The limitations of advance directives and statements in mental health.

OBJECTIVE: Advance directives and statements in mental health are defined and the necessary conditions for making them explained. The practical limitations on their usefulness are discussed. CONCLUSION: Legal recognition of advance directives and statements is limited. There has been little research into their use and impact on care and what little exists, is equivocal in results.