Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of schwannomas of the esophagus and stomach: A case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign mesenchymal neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath of Auerbach′s plexus or less frequently from Meissner′s plexus.The main differential diagnosis of gastric schwannomas are the gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs),which are classified by their immunohistochemistry.The treatment of choice for gastric schwannomas is surgery where laparoscopy plays an important role.Wedge resection,subtotal or total gastrectomy can be done.In its counterpart,esophageal schwannomas are benign tumors of the esophagus that are very uncommon since they comprise less than 2%of all esophageal tumors.The main differential diagnosis is the leiomyoma which corresponds to the most common benign esophageal tumor,followed by GIST.The treatment consists on tumoral enucleation or esophagectomy.AIM To review the available literature about gastrointestinal schwannomas;especially lesions from de stomach and esophagus,including diagnosis,treatment,and follow up,as well as,reporting our institutional experience.METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines.The following databases were used for reviewing process:Pub Med,Ovid,MEDLINE,and Scopus.Only English language manuscripts were included.All gastrointestinal schwannomas specifically located in the esophagus and stomach were included.Cases that did not report long-term follow-up were excluded.RESULTS Gastric localization showed a higher prevalence in both,the literature review and our institution:94.95%(n=317)and 83%(n=5)respectively.With a follow-up with disease-free survival greater than 36 mo in most cases:62.01%(n=80)vs66.66%(n=4).In both groups,the median size was>4.1 cm.Surgical treatment is curative in most cases CONCLUSION Schwannoma must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors.It has a good prognosis,and most are benign.A disease-free survival of more than 36 mo can be achieved by surgery.

Oropharyngeal acid reflux and motility abnormalities of the proximal esophagus

AIM To investigate the relationship between pathological oropharyngeal(OP) acid exposure and esophageal motility in patients with extra-esophageal syndromes.METHODS In this prospective study we enrolled consecutive outpatients with extra-esophageal symptoms suspected to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). We enrolled only patients with a reflux symptom index(RSI) score-higher than 13 and with previous lung, allergy and ear, nose and throat evaluations excluding other specific diagnoses. All patients underwent 24-h OP pH-metry with the Dx probe and esophageal highresolution manometry(HRM). Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of a normal or pathological p H-metric finding(Ryan Score) and all manometric characteristics of the two groups were compared.RESULTS We examined 135 patients with chronic extra-esophageal syndromes. Fifty-one were considered eligible for the study. Of these, 42 decided to participate in the protocol. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of normal or pathological OP acid exposure. All the HRM parameters were compared for the two groups. Significant differences were found in the median upper esophageal sphincter resting pressure(median 71 mmH g vs 126 mmH g, P = 0.004) and the median proximal contractile integral(median 215.5 cm·mmH g·s vs 313.5 cm·mmH g·s, P = 0.039), both being lower in the group with pathological OP acid exposure, and the number of contractions with small or large breaks, which were more frequent in the same group. This group also had a larger number of peristaltic contractions with breaks in the 20 mm Hg isobaric contour(38.7% vs 15.38%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION In patients with suspected GERD-related extraesophageal syndromes pathological OP acid exposure was associated with weaker proximal esophageal motility.

Breast cancer metastasizing to the upper gastrointestinal tract(the esophagus and the stomach):A comprehensive review of the literature

Breast cancer can infrequently metastasize to the upper gastrointestinal(GI)tract but the exact incidence is not well established-there is considerable variation between incidence reported from clinical studies and incidence noted in autopsy series.Clinical presentation can be very non-specific and often mimics primary gastrointestinal conditions.Endoscopy alone may not be sufficient to make a diagnosis and misdiagnosis is also common.A high degree of awareness and clinical suspicion is required to establish metastases to the upper GI tract.We undertook a comprehensive review of the available literature on breast cancer metastases to the esophagus and stomach including the clinical symptoms and presentation,endoscopic features,additional diagnostic imaging modalities,treatment and outcomes.

Effect of esophagus and stomach cancer-preventing vinegar on N-nitrosoproline formation in human body

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Crohn's disease of esophagus,stomach and duodenum

Crohn's disease with involvement of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum has a prevalence of 0.5% to 4% in symptomatic adult patients, but some studies have shown that these results may be underestimated, since upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is not performed routinely in the initial evaluation of the disease in adult patients, as it is in the pediatric population. In general, involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract in Crohn's disease occurs concomitantly with involvement of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis depends on clinical,endoscopic, histological and radiological evaluation. The presence of aphthoid ulcers, longitudinal ulcers, bamboo-joint-like appearance, stenoses and fistulas are endoscopic findings suggestive of the disease, and it is important to exclude the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The primary histological findings,which facilitate the diagnosis, are the presence of a chronic inflammatory process with a predominance of lymphoplasmacytic cells and active focal gastritis. The presence of epithelioid granuloma, although less frequent, is highly suggestive of the disease in the absence of chronic granulomatous disease. Treatment should include the use of proton pump inhibitors associated with corticosteroids,immunomodulators and biological therapy according to the severity of the disease.

Laparoscopic surgery for benign and malign diseases of the digestive system:Indications,limitations,and evidence

The laparoscopic technique was introduced in gastrointestinal surgery in the mid 1980s. Since then, the development of this technique has been extraordinary. Triggered by technical innovations (stapling devices or coagulation/dissecting devices), nowadays any type of gastrointestinal resection has been successfully performed laparoscopically and can be performed laparoscopically dependent on the patient&#x02019;s condition. This summary gives an overview over 30 years of laparoscopic surgery with focus on today&#x02019;s indications and evidence. Main indications remain the more common procedures, e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy, bariatric procedures or colorectal resections. For all these indications, the laparoscopic approach has become the gold standard with less perioperative morbidity. Regarding oncological outcome there have been several high-quality randomized controlled trials which demonstrated equivalency between laparoscopic and open colorectal resections. Less common procedures like esophagectomy, oncological gastrectomy, liver and pancreatic resections can be performed successfully as well by an experienced surgeon. However, the evidence for these special indications is poor and a general recommendation cannot be given. In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the field of gastrointestinal surgery by reducing perioperative morbidity without disregarding surgical principles especially in oncological surgery.

Pathophysiology and treatment of Barrett's esophagus

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the United States. About 10%-15% of patients with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus, which can progress to adenocarcinoma, currently the most prevalent type of esophageal cancer. The esophagus is normally lined by squamous mucosa, therefore, it is clear that for adenocarcinoma to develop, there must be a sequence of events that result in transformation of the normal squamous mucosa into columnar epithelium. This sequence begins with gastroesophageal reflux, and with continued injury metaplastic columnar epithelium develops. This article reviews the pathophysiology of Barrett’s esophagus and implications for its treatment. The effect of medical and surgical therapy of Barrett’s esophagus is compared.

Sensory-motor responses to mechanical stimulation of the esophagus after sensitization with acid

AIM: Sensitization most likely plays an important role in chronic pain disorders, and such sensitization can be mimicked by experimental acid perfusion of the esophagus.The current study systematically investigated the sensory and motor responses of the esophagus to controlled mechanical stimuli before and after sensitization.METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were included.Distension of the distal esophagus with a balloon was performed before and after perfusion with 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid for 30 min. An impedance planimetry system was used to measure cross-sectional area,volume, pressure, and tension during the distensions. A new model allowed evaluation of the phasic contractions by the tension during contractions as a function of the initial muscle length before the contraction (comparable to the Frank-Starling law for the heart). Length-tension diagrams were used to evaluate the muscle tone before and after relaxation of the smooth muscle with butylscopolamine.RESULTS: The sensitization resulted in allodynia and hyperalgesia to the distension volumes, and the degree of sensitization was related to the infused volume of acid. Furthermore, a nearly 50% increase in the evoked referred pain was seen after sensitization. The mechanical analysis demonstrated hyper-reactivity of the esophagus following acid perfusion, with an increased number and force of the phasic contractions, but the muscle tone did not change.CONCLUSION: Acid perfusion of the esophagus sensitizes the sensory pathways and facilitates secondary contractions.The new model can be used to study abnormal sensorymotor mechanisms in visceral organs.

The Affects of Acupuncture at Sibai and Neiting Acupoints on Gastric Peristalsis

The frequency and amplitude of gastric peristaltic wave were significantly changed in 15 subjects when Sibai (ST 2) and Neiting (ST 44) acupoints of the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming were punctured. The results demonstrate that these acupoints are effective for treatment of stomach diseases, providing an experimental basis for the theory of channels and collaterals.

Distal esophageal spasm:Update on diagnosis and management in the era of high-resolution manometry

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare major motility disorder in the Chicago dassification of esophageal motility disorders (CC).DES is diagnosed by finding of≥20%premature contractions,with normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES)relaxation on high-resolution manometry (HRM) in the latest version of CCv3.0.This feature differentiates it from achalasia type 3,which has an elevated LES relaxation pressure.Like other spastic esophageal disorders,DES has been linked to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease,psychiatric conditions,and narcotic use.In addition to HRM,ancillary tests such as endoscopy and barium esophagram can provide supplemental information to differentiate DES from other conditions.Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP),a new cutting-edge diagnostic tool,is able to recognize abnormal LES dysfunction that can be missed by HRM and can further guide LES targeted treatment when esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is diagnosed on FLIP.Medical treatment in DES mostly targets symptomatic relief and often fails.Botulinum toxin injection during endoscopy may provide a temporary therapy that wears off over time.Myotomy through peroral endoscopic myotomy or via surgical Heller myotomy can provide long term relief in cases with persistent symptoms.

Esophageal mucosal metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach

Dissemination of gastric cancer may usually occur by direct spread through the perigastric tissues to adjacent organ, lymphatic spread, and hematogenous spread. We report a rare case of gastric cancer with mucosal metastastic lesion on the upper esophagus that was diagnosed by endoscopy and endosonography. A biopsy of the esophageal mass was performed and the pathologic findings with immunohistochemical stain for Mucin-5AC are proved to be identical to that of gastric adenocarcinoma, suggesting metastasis from main lesion of the gastric cancer. The lesion could not be explained by lymphatic or hematogenous spread,and its metastasis mechanism is considered to be different from previous studies. We suggest that the gastroesophageal reflux of cancer cells could be one of the possible metastatic pathways for metastasis of esophagus from an adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF 103 PATIENTS WITH EARLY ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AND CARDIAC CANCER OF STOMACH

Screening of the general population for esophageal cancer and gastric cardia cancer using an occult blood bead detector supplemented by fiberogastroscopy was able to detect 103 cases with early esophageal cancer and gastric cardia cancer at Yangzhong County where the incidence was high from Apr. 1986 to Feb. 1992. Among them, there were 47 cancers of esophagus and 56 cancers of gastric cardia through pathological verification.. They took 17.1% (103/604) of the correspouding esophageal and gastric cardia caucers. We thought that about 90% of early esophageal and gastric cardia cancers have symptoms. We should couduct screening for high risk group in the area where the incidence is high at regular intervals. Besides, it is also important to strengthen propaganda for cancer prevention and self-protection for population, to emphasize the diagnosis and recognition of early cancer for medical workers.

Esophagus,cardia of stomach

210305 Clinical analysis of disturbance of intrathoracic gastric emptying after esophageal carcinoma surgery/Li Xuefeng(李学峰,Dept Thorac Surg,1st Peop Hosp Luoyang,Luoyang 471002)…Chin J Mordern Operat Surg.-2010,14(1).

Factors predicting survival in patients with proximal gastric carcinoma involving the esophagus

AIM： To investigate the clinicopathologic features which predict surgical overall survival in patients with proxima gastric carcinoma involving the esophagus （PGCE）. METHODS： Electronic pathology database established in the Department of Pathology of the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital was searched for consecutive resection cases of proximal gastric carcinoma over the period from May 2004 through July 2009. Each retrieved pa- thology report was reviewed and the cases with tumors crossing the gastroesophageal junction line were se- lected as PGCE. Each tumor was re-staged, following the guidelines on esophageal adenocarcinoma, accord- ing to the 7th edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer Staging Manual. All histology slides were studied along with the pathology report for a retrospec- tive analysis of 13 clinicopathologic features, i.e., age, gender, Helicobacter pylori （H. pylon} infection, surgical modality, Siewert type, tumor Bormann＇s type, size, dif- ferentiation, histology type, surgical margin, lympho- vascular and perineural invasion, and pathologic stage in relation to survival after surgical resection. Prognos- tic factors for overall survival were assessed with uni- and multi-variate analyses. RESULTS： Patients＇ mean age was 65 years （range： 47-90 years）. The male： female ratio was 3.3. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 87%, 61% and 32%, respectively. By univariate analysis, age, male gender, H. pylori, tumor Bormann＇s type, size, histology type, surgical modality, positive surgical margin, lym- phovascular invasion, and pT stage were not predictive for overall survival; in contrast, perineural invasion （P = 0.003）, poor differentiation （P = 0.0003）, 〉 15 to- tal lymph nodes retrieved （P = 0.008）, positive lymph nodes （P = 0.001）, and distant metastasis （P = 0.005） predicted poor post-operative overall survival. Celiac axis nodal metastasis was associated with significantly worse overall survival （P = 0.007）. By multivariate analysis, ≥ 16 positive nodes （P = 0.018）, lymph node ratio 〉 0.2 （P = 0.003）, and overall pathologic stage （P= 0.002） were independent predictors for poor overa survival after resection. CONCLUSION： Patients with PGCE showed worse over- all survival in elderly, high nodal burden and advanced pathologic stage. This cancer may be more accurately staged as gastric, than esophageal, cancer.

Achalasia: A review of Western and Iranian experiences

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the eso-phagus, in which esophageal emptying is impaired. Diagnosis of achalasia is based on clinical fi ndings. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiographic, endoscopic, and manometric evaluations. Several treatments for achalasia have been introduced. We searched the PubMed Database for original articles and meta-analyses about achalasia to summarize the current knowledge regarding this disease, with particular focus on different procedures that are used for treatment of achalasia. We also report the Iranian experience of treatment of this disease, since it could be considered as a model for medium-resource countries. Myotomy, particularly laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication, is the most effective treatment for achalasia. Compared to other treatments, however, the initial cost of myotomy is usually higher and the recovery period is longer. When performing myotomy is not indicated or not possible, graded pneumatic dilation with slow rate of balloon inflation seems to be an effective and safe initial alternative. Injection of botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter before pneumatic dilation may increase remission rates. However, this needs to be conf irmed in further studies. Due to lack of adequate information regarding the role of expandable stents in the treatment of achalasia, insertion of stents does not currently seem to be a recommended treatment. In summary, laparoscopic myotomy can be considered as the procedure of choice for treatment of achalasia. Graded pneumatic dilation is an effective alternative when the performance of myotomy is not possible for any reason.

Immunohistochemical study of the digestive tract of Oligosarcus hepsetus

AIM: To describe the histology of the digestive tract and to investigate the occurrence of endocrine cells in Oligosarcus hepsetus (O. hepsetus ). METHODS: The digestive tract (DT) of O. hepsetus was divided into esophagus, two stomach regions (glandular and non-glandular) and two intestinal regions (anterior and posterior). These specimens were processed by routine histological techniques and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori's trichrome, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB). An immunohistochemical method using avidin-biotin-peroxidase was employed.RESULTS: The esophagus is lined with a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that is reactive to PAS and AB. The stomach has a mucosa lined with a simple columnar epithelium with mucus-secreting cells that are reactive only to PAS. The intestine has a simple columnar epithelium with a brush border and goblet cells that are reactive to PAS and AB. Somatostatin, serotonin and cholecystokinin immunoreactive cells were identified throughout the DT.CONCLUSION: This study revealed adaptations for the species' diet and showed that the distribution and relative frequency of immunoreactive cells are similar to those of other fish.

Sporadic ganglioneuromatosis of esophagogastric junction in a patient with gastro-esophageal reflux disorder and intestinal metaplasia

A 58-year-old female with a recurrent history of upper abdominal pain and intermittent dysphagia underwent endoscopic evaluation that demonstrated an irregular and nodular esophago-gastric （EG） junction and grade I erosive esophagitis. Biopsies showed prominent intestinal metaplasia of Barrett＇s type without dysplasia, chronic inflammation and multiple aggregates of large cells within the mucosal lamina propria, some with spindle shaped nuclei. Immunohistochemistry stains for keratins AE-1/ AE-3 were negative, while S-100 and NSE were positive. This, together with routine stains, was diagnostic for mucosal ganglioneuromatosis. The background of chronic inflammation with intestinal type metaplasia was consistent with long-term reflux esophagitis. No evidence of achalasia was seen. Biopsies of gastric antrum and fundus were unremarkable, without ganglioneural proliferation. Colonoscopy was unremarkable. No genetic syndromes were identified in the patient including familial adenomatous polyposis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type Ⅱ b （MEN Ⅱ b）. Iansoprazole （Prevacid） was started by oral administration each day with partial relief of symptoms. Subsequent esophagogastroscopy repeated at 4 mo showed normal appearing EG junction. Esophageal manometry revealed a mild nonspecific lower esophageal motility disorder. Mild motor dysfunction is seen with gastro-esophageal reflux disease （GERD） and we feel that the demonstration of localized ganglioneuromatosis was not likely related etiologically. In the absence of findings that might suggest neural hypertrophy, such as achalasia, the nodular mucosal irregularity seen with this instance of ganglioneuromatosis may, however, have exacerbated the patient＇s reflux.

Effects of meal size and proximal-distal segmentation on gastric activity

AIM:To evaluate the effects of meal size and three segmentations on intragastric distribution of the meal and gastric motility,by scintigraphy.METHODS:Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly assessed,twice,by scintigraphy.The test meal consisted of 60 or 180 mL of yogurt labeled with 64 MBq 99m Tc-tin colloid.Anterior and posterior dynamic frames were simultaneously acquired for 18 min and all data were analyzed in MatLab.Three proximal-distal segmentations using regions of interest were adopted for both meals.RESULTS:Intragastric distribution of the meal between the proximal and distal compartments was strongly influenced by the way in which the stomach was divided,showing greater proximal retention after the 180 mL.An important finding was that both dominant frequencies (1 and 3 cpm) were simultaneously recorded in the proximal and distal stomach;however,the power ratio of those dominant frequencies varied in agreement with the segmentation adopted and was independent of the meal size.CONCLUSION:It was possible to simultaneously evaluate the static intragastric distribution and phasic contractility from the same recording using our scintigraphic approach.

Epidemiology of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Brazil(Epi Gastro):A population-based study according to sex and age group

AIM:To determine the prevalences of symptoms consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and dyspepsia in South America.METHODS:A telephone survey was conducted among adult owners of land-based telephones in S?o Paulo,Brazil,using previously validated computer-assisted sampling and survey protocols.The Portugueselanguage survey included(1)sociodemographic characteristics(e.g.,weight,height,smoking)and comorbidities;(2)dietary habits;(3)presence of symptoms consistent with GERD or dyspepsia within the prior 3mo;and(4)use of medications and other therapies to manage symptoms.Data were stratified post-hoc into three homogeneous geographical regions of S?o Paulo according to the Social Exclusion Indices of the districts and postal codes.Survey response data from each respondent were weighted by the numbers of adults and landline telephones in each household.The analyses were weighted to account for sampling design and to be representative of the S?o Paulo population according to city census data.RESULTS:Among 4570 households contacted,an adult from 3050(66.7%)agreed to participate.The nonresponse rate was 33.3%.The mean(SE)respondent age was 42.6(16.0)years.More than half of all respondents were women(53.1%),aged 18 through 49 years(66.7%),married or cohabitating(52.5%),and/or above normal-weight standards(i.e.,35.3%overweight and 16.3%obese).A total of 26.5%of women were perimenopausal.More than 20%of respondents reported highly frequent symptoms consistent with GERD(e.g.,gastric burning sensation=20.8%)or dyspepsia(e.g.,abdominal swelling/distension=20.9%)at least once per month.Prevalences of these symptoms were significantly(approximately 1.5-to 2.0-fold)higher among women than men but did not vary significantly as a function of advancing age.For instance,14.1%of women reported that they experienced stomach burning(symptom of GERD)at least twice per week,compared to 8.4%of men(P=0.012 byχ2 test).A total of 15.7%of women reported that they experienced abdominal swelling(symptom of dyspepsia)at least twice per week,compared to 6.4%of men(P<0.001byχ2 test).Despite frequent manifestations of GERD or dyspepsia,most(≥90%)respondents reported that they neither received prescription medications fromphysicians,nor took behavioral measures(e.g.,dietary modifications),to manage symptoms.CONCLUSION:Symptoms consistent with dyspepsia and GERD are prevalent in Brazil and represent major public-health and clinical challenges.

Carcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction in Chinese patients

Carcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction(GEJ) is defined as carcinoma that crosses the GEJ line,irrespective of where the tumor epicenter is located.This group of cancer is rare but controversial.Based on study results from the majority of epidemiologic and clinicopathologic investigations carried out in Western countries,this cancer is believed to arise from Barrett's esophagus(BE) and includes both distal esophageal and proximal gastric carcinomas because of similar characteristics in epidemiology,clinicopathology,and molecular pathobiology in relation to BE.As such,the most recent American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual requires staging all GEJ carcinomas with the rule for esophageal adenocarcinoma(EA).This mandate has been challenged recently by the data from several studies carried out mainly in Chinese patients.The emerging evidence derivedfrom those studies suggests:(1) both BE and EA are uncommon in the Chinese population;(2) almost all GEJ cancers in Chinese arise in the proximal stomach and show the features of proximal gastric cancer,not those of EA;(3) application of the new cancer staging rule to GEJ cancer of Chinese patients cannot stratify patients' prognosis effectively;and(4) prognostic factors of GEJ cancer in Chinese are similar,but not identical,to those of EA.In conclusion,the recent evidence suggests that GEJ cancer in Chinese shows distinct clinicopathologic characteristics that are different from EA.Further investigations in molecular pathology may help illustrate the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms of this cancer in Chinese patients and better manage patients with this fatal disease.