ObjectiveTo present the safety and efficiency of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for hiatal hernia in elderly patients. MethodsClinical data of 35 elderly patients with hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College between August 2013 and March 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. ResultsAll patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The operation time was 72-minute in average (65-105 minutes) and intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL in average (10-120 mL). The mean value of postoperative hospital stay was 5-day (3-23 days). Patients' stomachs and esophagus were restored to normal position after surgery. No complication was noted except 2 patients had mild gastroesophageal reflux after operation, and 1 patient suffered from transient dysphagia after operation, all the symptoms subsided after conservative treatment. Afterwards, 33 of them achieved follow-up for 6 to 12 months (mean of 8.5 months), the other 2 patients were lost to follow-up. During the follow-up period, a questionnaire regarding to the criteria for Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire (RDQ) score were conducted in the 33 patients, and the results showed that the symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain, cough, dyspnea, lump sensation in the pharynx, and hoarseness were improved significantly in 6 months after operation (P<0.05), and no recurrence was found during the follow-up period. ConclusionLaparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe operation for elderly patients with hiatal hernia, and it can achieve good clinical result.
Objective To investigate the effect on motility function of remnant esophagus and intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy for esophageal and cardiac carcinoma. Methods Thirty nine patients with esophageal and cardiac carcinoma were divided into two groups according to surgical procedure. Group of anastomosis above aortic arch （n = 21）： esophagogastrostomy was performed above the aortic arch in patients with esophageal carcinoma of the middle third; group of anastomosis below aortic arch（n= 18）： esophagogastrostomy was performed below the aortic arch in patients with esophageal carcinoma of the low third and cardiac carcinoma. Six health volunteers without gastroesophageal reflux were recruited as control group. Esophageal manometry and upper alimentary tract roentgenography were performed in all patients. Results There was a high pressure zone at the anastomotic orifice in parts of patients of both anastomosis groups. The resting pressure of remnant esophagus was higher than that in control group （P〈0. 05）, and similar to the resting pressure of intrathoracic stomach （P〉0. 05）. There was no significant difference in resting pressure of remnant esophagus and intrathoracic stomach between two anastomosis groups （P〉0.05）. The amplitude and number of primary peristalsis in remnant esophagus of group of anastomosis above aortic arch were significantly reduced in comparison with control group. The number of primary peristalsis in remnant esophagus of group of anastomosis above aortic arch was significantly lower than that of group of anastomosis below aortic arch （P〈0. 05）. The motility in the body of intrathoracic stomach was not observed. Weak motor activity of the gastric antrum was observed with upper alimentary tract roentgenography after surgery and evidently recovered 1 year after surgery. Conclusions The resting pressure of remnant esophagus and intrathoracic stomach is not influenced by the site of anastomosis. Esophagogastric anastomosis at the upper thorax is likely to result in poor motility of remnant esophagus. The motor activity of intrathoracic stomach becomes weak after esophagectomy and then recovers gradually over time, hut still fail to return to normal level.
Objective To explore the value of dual-channel anastomosis of residual stomach and jejunum in radical resection of the upper gastric cancer. Methods Forty patients with upper gastric cancer had undergone proximal gastrectomy and dualchannel digestive tract reconstruction, including esophagus-jejunum side to side anastomosis, residual stomachjejunum anastomosis, and jejunum-jejunum anastomosis. Results The cutting margin away from tumor in all the cases was more than 5 cm and no carcinoma residual. The number of lymph nodes dissection was 21±6, reaching the requirement of D2 radical surgery. There was no case appearing complications such as anastomotic leakage, obstruction or bleeding. Barium meal examination after operation showed that most of barium was directly into the jejunum, the remaining went through the duodenum into the jejunum without gastroesophageal reflux. Followed up 6-30 months with average 18 months, there were no visible reflux esophagitis in all the cases, and only 1 case appeared minor dumping syndrome. The hemoglobin increased and the quality of life was satisfactory after operation. Conclusions In regard to dual-channel anastomosis of residual stomach and jejunum, resection range is reasonable, dissection scope accords with the protocol and residual stomach has a certain pouch effect. The anastomosis has a favorable prevention from reflux esophagitis and dumping syndrome and retains the duodenum pathway, so that improves the quality of patients’ life and is a relatively ideal digestive tract reconstruction.
Objective To review the clinical experience of Heller myotomy for treatment of achalasia through a small thoracotomy. Methods Twenty-five patients with achalasia (9 moderate, 16 severe) underwent Heller myotomy without concomitant antireflux procedure through a small incision. A left thoracotomy was carried out through either the seventh or eighth intercostals space. The length of skin incision was 6 to 8 cm. Results There was no hospital death and severe postoperative complications. The mean operating time was 50 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 10 days. There was one intraoperative perforation and repaired successfully. All patients reported good to excellent relief of dysphagia and no symptom of gastroesophageal reflux after surgery. Eight patients were subsequently studied with a 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and no evidence of pathologic reflux found. Conclusions Transthoracic Heller myotomy with a small incision is effective and safe method for treatment of achalasia with minimal invasion, quick recovery, less postoperative complication and shorter hospital stay. Proper extent of the myotomy may decrease the risk of subsequent gastroesophageal reflux in the postoperative period.
Objective To provide a reliable experimental model for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) study. Methods Twenty Japan 5-month-old male rabbits wererandomly divided into two groups: group cardiomyotomy(n=10), group partial cardiomyectomy(n=10). The operations of cardiomyotomy and parital cardiomyectomy were performed in 2 groups respectively. All the animals underwent intraesophagealpH detection 1 week before operation and 4 weeks after operation. The mean changes of reflux ratios were compared between before operation and after operation.Results In gastroesophageal reflux ratio between before operation and after operation, there was no significant difference in group cardiomyotomy (1.98%±1.52% and 4.32%±2.39%, Pgt;0.05) and there was significant difference in group partialcardiomyectomy（1.56%±1.57% and 13.56%±3.27%, Plt;0.05）. Conclusion The reliable experimental model of GER can be made with procedure of partial cardiomyectomy. It can be used in estimating the operative procedure of antireflux and is conducive to dynamic observation and study of esophagitis.
ObjectiveTo explore and analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is manifested mainly as stubborn pharyngitis. MethodsFrom February 2010 to December 2012, 79 cases were diagnosed as stubborn pharyngitis and otolaryngology standard treatment was invalid. GERD questionnaire ratings and conventional endoscopy were performed for patients with obvious manifestations of stubborn pharyngitis shown on the laryngoscopy. They were randomly divided into treatment group (n=40) and control group (n=39). Patients in the treatment group accepted esomeprazole 40 mg, qd, for 12 weeks; and patients in the control group had sucralfate suspension 15 mL bid for 12 weeks. At the three observation points which are 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment began, clinical symptom score and pharyngeal inflammatory changes were recorded, and at the end of the treatment, all patients underwent endoscopy, and esophageal mucosal healing was observed. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in terms of general data. After the treatment, the symptom scores were significantly decreased in the treatment group at the three observation points (P<0.05). The same situation happened also in the control group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The symptom scores between the two groups after treatment were significantly different (P<0.5). And the effective rate for local pharyngeal infection was 83.9% and 41.4% in the treatment group and the control group respectively (P<0.05). ConclusionSome atypical GERDs feature by the symptoms of stubborn pharyngitis. Clinically, patients with long-term stubborn pharyngitis should be screened to exclude the possibility of GERD. esomeprazole therapy can significantly improve the pharyngitis symptoms and relieve local inflammation.
ObjectiveTo explore clinical outcomes of complete mechanical cervical side-to-side esophago-gastric tube anastomosis. MethodsClinical data of 60 patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC)who underwent complete mechanical cervical side-to-side esophago-gastric tube anastomosis in the 153rd Central Hospital of People's Liberation Army from June 2010 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 male and 19 female patients with their age of 46-78 (64.2±6.4)years and body weight of 58.6±12.6 kg. There were 39 patients with mid-thoracic EC, 15 patients with lower-thoracic EC, and 6 patients with upper-thoracic EC. There was 1 patient with stageⅠ EC, 32 patients with stage Ⅱ EC, 23 patients with stage Ⅲ EC, and 4 patients with stage Ⅳ EC. Six to 12 months after the operation, all the patients received a survey questionnaire regarding their quantity and quality of food intake as well as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Fifty-two patients received barium swallow, and 38 patients received gastroscopy and esophageal mucosal biopsy during follow-up. ResultsAll the 60 patients were successfully discharged. Average length of hospital stay was 12.0±2.6 days. Average time for anastomosis was 18.4±3.2 minutes. The incidence of anastomotic leak was 1.7% (1/60). During follow-up, all the 60 patients restored normal food intake, and 14 patients (23.3%)had GER symptoms. Barium swallow showed the average anastomotic diameter of 1.6±0.2 cm (range, 1.2 to 2.2 cm). In 45° trendelenburg position, 31 patients (59.6%)had barium GER, but none of the patients had prolonged barium retention, intrathoracic gastric dilation or disturbed gastric emptying. Gastroscopy of 38 patients showed full anastomotic opening in 24 patients (63.2%)and irregular or semiclosed anastomosis in the other 14 patients (36.8%). Mucosal biopsy under gastroscopy showed chronic inflammation in 18.4% (7/38)patients. ConclusionComplete mechanical cervical side-to-side esophago-gastric tube anastomosis can significantly prevent anastomotic stenosis, leak and intrathoracic stomach symptoms with good clinical outcomes.
Objective To evaluate preventive effectiveness of pocket esophagogastric anastomosis for postoperativeanastomotic leak，stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD），and investigate clinical significance of Montreal definition and classification of GERD after esophageal reconstruction. Methods Clinical data of 1 078 patients whoreceived 2 different surgical procedures for resection of esophageal or cardiac carcinoma from June 2007 to June 2011 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. In the experimental group，there were 582 patients who received pocketesophagogastric anastomosis，including 403 male and 179 female patients with their age of 60.4±12.6 years. There were 399 patients with esophageal carcinoma and 183 patients with cardiac carcinoma，392 patients receiving esophagogastrostomyabove the aortic arch and 190 patients receiving esophagogastrostomy below the aortic arch respectively. In the control group，there were 496 patients who received conventional end-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis，including 343 male and 153 female patients with their age of 59.2±12.8 years. There were 322 patients with esophageal carcinoma and 174 patients with cardiac carcinoma，317 patients receiving esophagogastrostomy above the aortic arch and 179 patients receivingesophagogastrostomy below the aortic arch respectively. A survey questionnaire was made on the basis of relevant diagnosticstandards to investigate the incidence of postoperative anastomotic stricture and GERD of the 2 groups during follow-up.Results The incidence of postoperative anastomotic leak of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group ［0% （0/582）versus 1.0% （5/496），χ2=5.835，P=0.016］. Patients in the experimental group had less severeGERD symptoms，and the percentage of patients who needed antacid therapy for extraesophageal symptoms of GERD ofthe experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group ［1.6% （33/541） versus 12.6% （57/453），χ2=23.564，P=0.000］. The incidence of anastomotic stricture of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of thecontrol group ［0.9% （5/539） versus 7.3% （34/465），χ2=25.124，P=0.000］，and especially，the incidence of severe anastomoticstricture of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group ［0% （0/539） versus 4.7% （22/465），χ2=24.883，P=0.000］. There was no statistical difference in five-year survival rate. Conclusion Pocket esophagogastric anastomosis is better than conventional end-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis for the prevention of postoperative anastomoticleak，stricture and GERD. Montreal definition and classification of GERD is suitable for the diagnosis of postoperativeGERD after esophageal reconstruction.
ObjectiveTo analyze the effect and prognosis of laparoscopic patch repair of esophageal hiatal hernia.MethodsFrom October 2014 to January 2019, 100 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease undergoing laparoscopic esophageal hiatus hernia repair were randomly divided into the patch group and the non-patch group. All patients underwent laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia plus fundoplication (Nissen’s method). On that basis, the patients in the patch group used special mesh for esophageal hiatal hernia repair, while the ones in the non-patch group did not. All the patients were followed up for a long time. The operative effect, postoperative complication rate, recurrence rate, and satisfaction rate of the patients between the two groups were compared.ResultsA total of 98 patients were successfully followed up for more than one year, including 68 in the patch group and 30 in the non-patch group. One year after surgery, the differences between the patch group and the non-patch group in the improvements of reflux attack, heartburn, dysphagia, and food intake were statistically significant (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the patch group and the non-patch group in satisfaction rate (82.4% vs. 73.3%, P>0.05); the differences in recurrence rate (2.9% vs. 26.7%) and incidence of dysphagia (47.0% vs. 6.7%) between the patch group and the non-patch group were statistically significant (P<0.05).ConclusionFor the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease caused by esophageal hiatal hernia, the laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia + Nissen fundoplication on the basis of reasonable selection of special mesh for esophageal hiatal hernia can obtain satisfactory clinical effect.
Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect on gastroesophageal reflux and gastric emptying in the different route of gastroesophageal anastomosis objectively after esophagectomy for patients with midesophageal carcinoma. Methods Forty patients with midesophageal carcinoma were randomly divided into two groups. Esophageal bed group (n=20): the gastroesophageal anastomosis were performed while the stomach were pulled on through the esophageal bed after esophagectomy; endothoracic group (n=20): gastroesophageal anastomosis were performed while the stomach were pulled on in the thoracic cavity. Ten persons had no disease of digestive system and healthy volunteers were recruited as normal control group. 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and radioisotope gastric emptying checkup were carried out in all experimental subjects 3 months after operation, so as to observe the changes of gastroesophageal reflux and gastric emptying. Results All of the patients’s operation were success. And no anastomotic leakage and no anastomotic stenosis. Three months after operation, the patients in both operation groups were with different level of reflux. DeMeester total appraise score, the times of regurgitation of gastric juice in 24h, gt;5 min reflux frequency, the longest time of keep reflux, pHlt;4.00 total time and pHlt;4.00 of total time percent, these targets in both operation groups were higher than those in control group (Plt;0.01) DeMeester total appraise score, the times of regurgitation of gastric juice in 24 hours, the longest time of keeping reflux, pHlt;4.00 of total time and pHlt;4.00 of total time percent in esophageal bed group were lower than those in endothoracic group(Plt;0.01). The recent period of gastric emptying percentage (GE) in both operative groups were lower than that in normal control group. GE in esophageal bed group experimental meal in the stomach after entering the 30,60,90,120,180 and 240 min were higher than those in endothoracic group. Conclusion After the operation of esophagogastric anastomosis through esophageal bed in upper aortic site,gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying exist objectively, However, the technique is superior to the traditional technique to reduce the extent of gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying, its mechanism might be the result of mechanical factors.