Detachable string magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy for the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal diseases:A prospective,blind clinical study

BACKGROUND Traditional esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD),an invasive examination method,can cause discomfort and pain in patients.In contrast,magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy(MCE),a noninvasive method,is being applied for the detection of stomach and small intestinal diseases,but its application in treating esophageal diseases is not widespread.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of detachable string MCE(ds-MCE)for the diagnosis of esophageal diseases.METHODS Fifty patients who had been diagnosed with esophageal diseases were pros-pectively recruited for this clinical study and underwent ds-MCE and conven-tional EGD.The primary endpoints included the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for patients with esophageal diseases.The secondary endpoints consisted of visualizing the esophageal and dentate lines,as well as the subjects'tolerance of the procedure.RESULTS Using EGD as the gold standard,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for esophageal disease detection were 85.71%,86.21%,81.82%,89.29%,and 86%,respectively.ds-MCE was more comfortable and convenient than EGD was,with 80%of patients feeling that ds-MCE examination was very comfortable or comfortable and 50%of patients believing that detachable string v examination was very convenient.CONCLUSION This study revealed that ds-MCE has the same diagnostic effects as traditional EGD for esophageal diseases and is more comfortable and convenient than EGD,providing a novel noninvasive method for treating esophageal diseases.

Therapeutic effect of Wendan Decoction combined with mosapride on gastroesophageal reflux disease after esophageal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common complication of esophageal cancer surgery that can affect quality of life and increase the risk of esophageal stricture and anastomotic leakage.Wendan Decoction(WDD)is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders,such as gastritis,functional dyspepsia,and irritable bowel syndrome.Mosapride,a prokinetic agent,functions as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 agonist,enhancing gastrointestinal motility.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects of WDD combined with mosapride on GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.METHODS Eighty patients with GERD were randomly divided into treatment(receiving WDD combined with mosapride)and control(receiving mosapride alone)groups.The treatment was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023.The primary outcome was improved GERD symptoms as measured using the reflux disease questionnaire(RDQ).The secondary outcomes were improved esophageal motility(measured using esophageal manometry),gastric emptying(measured using gastric scintigraphy),and quality of life[measured via the Short Form-36(SF-36)Health Survey].RESULTS The treatment group showed a notably reduced RDQ score and improved esophageal motility parameters,such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure,peristaltic amplitude,and peristaltic velocity compared to the control group.The treatment group showed significantly higher gastric emptying rates and SF-36 scores(in both physical and mental domains)compared to the control group.No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.CONCLUSION WDD combined with mosapride is an effective and safe therapy for GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.It can improve GERD symptoms,esophageal motility,gastric emptying,and the quality of life of patients.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy:An update

Achalasia cardia,the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder,is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation.The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation(PD),Heller's myotomy,and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia.Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy,the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques.While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent,the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications.Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors,diagnostic methodologies,preventative strategies,and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM.This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux,potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk,and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: What’s new right now?

Gastroesophageal reflux(GER)in children is very common and refers to the involuntary passage of gastric contents into the esophagus.This is often physiological and managed conservatively.In contrast,GER disease(GERD)is a less common pathologic process causing troublesome symptoms,which may need medical management.Apart from abnormal transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter,other factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of GERD include defects in esophageal mucosal defense,impaired esophageal and gastric motility and clearance,as well as anatomical defects of the lower esophageal reflux barrier such as hiatal hernia.The clinical manifestations of GERD in young children are varied and nonspecific prompting the necessity for careful diagnostic evaluation.Management should be targeted to the underlying aetiopathogenesis and to limit complications of GERD.The following review focuses on up-to-date information regarding of the pathogenesis,diagnostic evaluation and management of GERD in children.

New progress in endoscopic treatment of esophageal diseases

The technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),which was developed for en bloc resection of large lesions in the stomach,has been widely accepted for the treatment of the entire gastrointestinal tract.Many minimally invasive endoscopic therapies based on ESD have been developed recently.Endoscopic submucosal excavation,submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection and laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery have been used to remove submucosal tumors,especially tumors which originate from the muscularis propria of the digestive tract.Peroral endoscopic myotomy has recently been described as a scarless and less invasive surgical myotomy option for the treatment of achalasia.Patients benefit from minimally invasive endoscopic therapy.This article,in the highlight topic series,provides detailed information on the indications and treatments for esophageal diseases.

Gender difference in gastro-esophageal reflux diseases

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC) has risen sharply in western countries over the past 4 decades. This type of cancer is considered to follow a transitional process that goes from gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD) to Barrett's esophagus(BE,a metaplastic condition of the distal esophagus), a precursor lesion and ultimately adenocarcinoma. This spectrum of GERD is strongly predominant in males due to an unidentified mechanism. Several epidemiologic studies have des cribed that the prevalence of GERD, BE and EAC in women is closely related to reproductive status, which suggests a possible association with the estrogen level. Recently, we revealed in an in vivo study that the inactivation of mast cells by the anti-inflammatory function of estrogen may account for the gender difference in the GERD spectrum. Other studies have described the contribution of female steroid hormones to the gender difference in these diseases. Estrogen is reported to modulate the metabolism of fat, and obesity is a main risk factor of GERDs. Moreover, estrogen could confer esophageal epithelial resistance to causative refluxate. These functions of estrogen might explain the approximately 20-year delay in the incidence of BE and the subsequent development of EAC in women compared to men, and this effect may be responsible for the male predominance. However, some observational studies demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy exerts controversial effects in GERD patients. Nevertheless, the estrogen-related endocrine milieu may prevent disease progression toward carcinogenesis in GERD patients. The development of innovative alternatives to conventional acid suppressors may become possible by clarifying the mechanisms of estrogen.

Endoscopic trans-esophageal submucosal tunneling surgery:A new therapeutic approach for diseases located around the aorta ventralis

AIM To assess the efficiency of endoscopic trans-esophageal submucosal tunneling surgery(EESTS) technique for diseases located around the aorta ventralis.METHODS Nine pigs were assigned to EESTs. The procedures were as follows: First, a long esophageal submucosal tunnel was established. Second, full-thickness myotomy was created. Third, an endoscope was entered into the abdominal cavity through a muscle incision and the endoscope was around the aorta ventralis. Eventually,celiac trunk ganglion neurolysis, partial hepatectomy and splenectomy, partial tissue resection in the area of the posterior peritoneum, and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) combined with lymph node dissection were performed. The animals were given antibiotics for 5 d and necropsied 7 d after surgery.RESULTS In all surgeries, one pig died from intraperitoneal hemorrhage after doing partial splenectomy, while the other pigs were alive after successfully operating other surgeries. For surgery of celiac trunk ganglion damage, at necropsy, there was no exudation in the abdominal cavity. Regarding surgery of partial hepatectomy, the wound with part healing was observed in the left hepatic lobe, and no bleeding or obvious exudation was seen. In surgery of partial splenectomy, massive hemorrhage was observed on the splenic wound surface, and the metal clips could not stop bleeding. After surgery of retroperitoneal tissue resection, mild tissue adhesion was observed in the abdominal cavity of one animal, and another one suffered from severe infection. For surgery of ESD and lymph node dissection, a moderate tissue adhesion was observed.CONCLUSION EESTS is a feasible and safe technique for diseases located around the aorta ventralis.

Proton pump inhibitor resistance, the real challenge in gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases.Although proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)represent the mainstay of treatment both for healing erosive esophagitis and for symptom relief,several studies have shown that up to 40%of GERD patients reported either partial or complete lack of response of their symptoms to a standard PPI dose once daily.Several mechanisms have been proposed as involved in PPIs resistance,including ineffective control of gastric acid secretion,esophageal hypersensitivity,ultrastructural and functional changes in the esophageal epithelium.The diagnostic evaluation of a refractory GERD patients should include an accurate clinical evaluation,upper endoscopy,esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring,which allows to discriminate non-erosive reflux disease patients from those presenting esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn.Treatment has been primarily based on doubling the PPI dose or switching to another PPI.Patients with proven disease,not responding to PPI twice daily,are eligible for anti-reflux surgery.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease:From pathophysiology to treatment

This review focuses on the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its implications for treatment. The role of the natural anti-reflux mechanism (lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal peristalsis, diaphragm, and trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient), mucosal damage, type of refluxate, presence and size of hiatal hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Barrett’s esophagus are reviewed. The conclusions drawn from this review are: (1) the pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial; (2) because of the pathophysiology of the disease, surgical therapy for GERD is the most appropriate treatment; and (3) the genesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with GERD.

Stretta:A valuable endoscopic treatment modality for gastroesophageal reflux disease

One potential option for the management of refractory gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the gastro-esophageal junction(Stretta).This endoscopic therapy is safe,effective,durable,and repeatable if necessary and serves an unmet need for many GERD sufferers.Stretta could be effective in decreasing esophageal sensitivity to acid and in decreasing the gastro-esophageal junction compliance,which in turn contributes to symptomatic benefit by decreasing refluxate volume.Therefore,Stretta may serve as an endoscopic pain modulator and should be considered in patients with refractory symptoms despite proton pump inhibitors,as well as in patients with functional heartburn.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Update on inflammation and symptom perception

Although gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common disorder in Western countries,with a significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs,the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of symptoms remain to be fully elucidated.GERD symptoms and complications may result from a multifactorial mechanism,in which acid and acid-pepsin are the important noxious factors involved.Prolonged contact of the esophageal mucosa with the refluxed content,probably caused by a defective anti-reflux barrier and luminal clearance mechanisms,would appear to be responsible for macroscopically detectable injury to the esophageal squamous epithelium.Receptors on acid-sensitive nerve endings may play a role in nociception and esophageal sensitivity,as suggested in animal models of chronic acid exposure.Meanwhile,specific cytokine and chemokine profiles would appear to underlie the various esophageal phenotypes of GERD,explaining,in part,the genesis of esophagitis in a subset of patients.Despite these findings,which show a significant production of inflammatory mediators and neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of GERD,the relationship between the hypersensitivity and esophageal inflammation is not clear.Moreover,the large majority of GERD patients(up to 70%)do not develop esophageal erosions,a variant of the condition called non-erosive reflux disease.This summary aims to explore the inflammatory pathway involved in GERD pathogenesis,to better understand the possible distinction between erosive and non-erosive reflux disease patients and to provide new therapeutic approaches.

Atrial fibrillation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A comprehensive review

AIM:To analyze the potential relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and the development of atrial fibrillation(AF).METHODS:Using the key words"atrial fibrillation and gastroesophageal reflux","atrial fibrillation and esophagitis,peptic","atrial fibrillation and hernia,hiatal"the PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,OVIDSP,WILEY databases were screened for relevant publications on GERD and AF in adults between January 1972-December 2013.Studies written in languages other than English or French,studies not performed in humans,reviews,case reports,abstracts,conference presentations,letters to the editor,editorials,comments and opinions were not taken into consideration.Articles treating the subject of radiofrequency ablation of AF and the consecutive development of GERD were also excluded.RESULTS:Two thousand one hundred sixty-one titles were found of which 8 articles met the inclusion criteria.The presence of AF in patients with GERD was reported to be between 0.62%-14%,higher compared to those without GERD.Epidemiological data provided by these observational studies showed that patients with GERD,especially those with more severe GERD-related symptoms,had an increased risk of developing AF compared with those without GERD,but a causal relationship between GERD and AF could not be established based on these studies.The mechanisms of AF as a consequence of GERD remain largely unknown,with inflammation and vagal stimulation playing a possible role in the development of these disorders.Treatment with proton pomp inhibitors may improve symptoms related to AF and facilitate conversion to sinus rhythm.CONCLUSION:Although links between AF and GERD exist,large randomized clinical studies are required for a better understanding of the relationship between these two entities.

Fiber-enriched diet helps to control symptoms and improves esophageal motility in patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM To investigate the effect of dietary fiber on symptoms and esophageal function testing parameters in nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)(NERD) patients.METHODS Thirty-six NERD patients with low(< 20 g/d) dietary fiber intake were enrolled in the study. They were examined with the use of symptom questionnaire(GERD-Q), highresolution esophageal manometry, 24-h esophageal p Himpedance examinations, and food frequency questionnaire before and after 10 d of usual diet supplemented by psyllium 5.0 g TID. Complete data of 30 patients were available to the final analysis. The obtained results were analyzed with the use of non-parametric statistics(Wilcoxon matched pairs test). RESULTS The number of patients experiencing heartburn was less(93.3% at baseline vs 40% at the end of the study, P < 0.001) and the GERD-Q score decreased(mean ± SD: 10.9 ± 1.7 vs 6.0 ± 2.3, P < 0.001) after the treatment period. Minimal resting lower esophageal sphincter(LES) pressure increased from 5.41 ± 10.1 to 11.3 ± 9.4 mm Hg(P = 0.023), but no change in residual LES pressure and mean resting pressure was found. Total number of gastroesophageal refluxes(GER) decreased from 67.9 ± 17.7 to 42.4 ± 13.5(P < 0.001) predominantly by acid and weak acid types of GERs. No significant change in mean esophageal p H and % of time p H < 4 was registered. Maximal reflux time decreased from 10.6 ± 12.0 min to 5.3 ± 3.7 min(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Fiber-enriched diet led to a significant increase of minimal lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure, a decrease of number of gastroesophageal refluxes, and a decrease of heartburn frequency per week in NERD.

Esophageal motility abnormalities in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Esophageal motility abnormalities are among the main factors implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The recent introduction in clinical and research practice of novel esophageal testing has markedly improved our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, allowing a better management of patients with this disorder. In this context, the present article intends to provide an overview of the current literature about esophageal motility dysfunctions in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophageal manometry, by recording intraluminal pressure, represents the gold standard to diagnose esophagealmotility abnormalities. In particular, using novel techniques, such as high resolution manometry with or without concurrent intraluminal impedance monitoring, transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations, hypotensive LES, ineffective esophageal peristalsis and bolus transit abnormalities have been better defined and strongly implicated in gastroesophageal reflux disease development. Overall, recent findings suggest that esophageal motility abnormalities are increasingly prevalent with increasing severity of reflux disease, from nonerosive reflux disease to erosive reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. Characterizing esophageal dysmotility among different subgroups of patients with reflux disease may represent a fundamental approach to properly diagnose these patients and, thus, to set up the best therapeutic management. Currently, surgery represents the only reliable way to restore the esophagogastric junction integrity and to reduce transient LES relaxations that are considered to be the predominant mechanism by which gastric contents can enter the esophagus. On that ground, more in depth future studies assessing the pathogenetic role of dysmotility in patients with reflux disease are warranted.

Overlap of functional heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome

Several studies indicate a significant degree of overlap between irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).Likewise,both functional heartburn(FH)and IBS are functional digestive disorders that may occur in the same patients.However,data establishing a solid link between FH and IBS are lacking,mainly because the clinical definition of FH has undergone substantial changes over the years.The available literature on the overlap between GERD or FH and IBS highlights considerable heterogeneity in terms of the criteria and diagnostic procedures used to assess heartburn and IBS.In particular,several epidemiological studies included patients with concomitant IBS and GERD without any attempt to distinguish FH(as defined by the RomeⅢcriteria)from GERD via pathophysiological investigations.Independent of these critical issues,there is preliminary evidence supporting a significantdegree of FH-IBS overlap.This underscores the need for studies based on updated diagnostic criteria and accurate pathophysiological classifications,particularly to distinguish FH from GERD.This distinction would represent an essential starting point to achieving a better understanding of pathophysiology in the subclasses of patients with GERD and FH and properly assessing the different degrees of overlap between IBS and the subcategories of heartburn.The present review article intends to appraise and critically discuss current evidence supporting a possible concomitance of GERD or FH with IBS in the same patients and to highlight the pathophysiological relationships between these disorders.

Heartburn and regurgitation have different impacts on life quality of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM:To investigate the impact of heartburn and regurgitation on the quality of life among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).METHODS:Data from patients with GERD,who were diagnosed according to the Montreal definition,were collected between January 2009 and July 2010.The enrolled patients were assigned to a heartburn or a regurgitation group,and further assigned to an erosive esophagitis(EE)or a non-erosive reflux disease(NERD)subgroup,depending on the predominant symptoms and endoscopic findings,respectively.The general demographic data,the scores of the modified Chinese version of the GERDQ and the Short-form 36(SF-36)questionnaire scores of these groups of patients were compared.RESULTS:About 108 patients were classified in the heartburn group and 124 in the regurgitation group.The basic characteristics of the two groups were similar,except for male predominance in the regurgitation group.Patients in the heartburn group had more sleep interruptions(22.3%daily vs 4.8%daily,P=0.021),more eating or drinking problems(27.8%daily vs 9.7%daily,P=0.008),more work interferences(11.2%daily vs none,P=0.011),and lower SF-36 scores(57.68 vs64.69,P=0.042),than patients in the regurgitation group did.Individuals with NERD in the regurgitation group had more impaired daily activities than those with EE did.CONCLUSION:GERD patients with heartburn or regurgitation predominant had similar demographics,but those with heartburn predominant had more severely impaired daily activities and lower general health scores.The NERD cases had more severely impaired daily activity and lower scores than the EE ones did.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common disease with a prevalence as high as 10%-20% in the western world. The disease can manifest in various symptoms which can be grouped into typical,atypi-cal and extra-esophageal symptoms. Those with the highest specificity for GERD are acid regurgitation and heartburn. In the absence of alarm symptoms,these symptoms can allow one to make a presumptive diagnosis and initiate empiric therapy. In certain situations,further diagnostic testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis as well as to assess for complications or alternate causes for the symptoms. GERD complications include erosive esophagitis,peptic stricture,Barrett's esophagus,esophageal adenocarcinoma and pulmonary disease. Management of GERD may involve lifestyle modification,medical therapy and surgical therapy. Life-style modifications including weight loss and/or head of bed elevation have been shown to improve esophageal pH and/or GERD symptoms. Medical therapy involves acid suppression which can be achieved with antacids,histamine-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors. Whereas most patients can be effectively managed with medical therapy,others may go on to require anti-reflux surgery after undergoing a proper pre-operative evaluation. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gas-troesophageal reflux disease.

Evidence-based appraisal in laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications for gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To demonstrate the optimal surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: The electronic databases of Medline, Elsevier, Springerlink and Embase over the last 16 years were searched. All clinical trials involved in the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) were identified. The data of assessment in benefits and adverse results of LNF and LTF were extracted and compared using metaanalysis. RESULTS: We ultimately identified a total of 32 references reporting nine randomized controlled trials, eight prospective cohort trials and 15 retrospective trials. These studies reported a total of 6236 patients, of whom 4252 (68.18%) underwent LNF and 1984 (31.82%) underwent LTF. There were no differences between LNF and LTF in patients' satisfaction, perioperative complications, postoperative heartburn, refluxrecurrence and reoperation. Both LNF and LTF enhanced the function of lower esophageal sphincter and improved esophagitis. The postoperative dysphagia, gasbloating syndrome, inability to belch and the need for dilatation after LNF were more common than after LTF. Subgroup analyses showed that dysphagia after LNF and LTF was similar in patients with normal esophageal peristalsis (EP), but occurred more frequently in patients with weak EP after LNF than after LTF. Furthermore, patients with normal EP after LNF still had a higher risk of developing dysphagia than did patients with abnormal EP after LTF.CONCLUSION: Compared with LNF, LTF offers equivalent symptom relief and reduces adverse results.

Role of microbial dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of esophageal mucosal disease:A paradigm shift from acid to bacteria?

Genomic sequencing,bioinformatics,and initial speciation(e.g.,relative abundance)of the commensal microbiome have revolutionized the way we think about the“human”body in health and disease.The interactions between the gut bacteria and the immune system of the host play a key role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases,including those impacting the esophagus.Although relatively stable,there are a number of factors that may disrupt the delicate balance between the luminal esophageal microbiome(EM)and the host.These changes are thought to be a product of age,diet,antibiotic and other medication use,oral hygiene,smoking,and/or expression of antibiotic products(bacteriocins)by other flora.These effects may lead to persistent dysbiosis which in turn increases the risk of local inflammation,systemic inflammation,and ultimately disease progression.Research has suggested that the etiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related esophagitis includes a cytokine-mediated inflammatory component and is,therefore,not merely the result of esophageal mucosal exposure to corrosives(i.e.,acid).Emerging evidence also suggests that the EM plays a major role in the pathogenesis of disease by inciting an immunogenic response which ultimately propagates the inflammatory cascade.Here,we discuss the potential role for manipulating the EM as a therapeutic option for treating the root cause of various esophageal disease rather than just providing symptomatic relief(i.e.,acid suppression).