Psychosocial factors and their association with reflux oesophagitis,Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To investigate the role of psychological characteristics as risk factors for oesophageal adenocarcinoma(OAC),as well as the reflux-mediated precursor pathway.METHODS:An all-Ireland population-based case-control study recruited 230 reflux oesophagitis(RO),224 Barrett's oesophagus(BO) and 227 OAC patients and 260 controls.Each case/control group completed measures of stress,depression,self-efficacy,self-esteem,repression and social support.A comparative analysis was undertaken using polytomous logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders.RESULTS:Compared to controls,OAC patients were almost half as likely to report high stress levels over their lifetime(P = 0.010,OR 0.51;95%CI:0.29-0.90)and 36% less likely to report having experienced depression(OR 0.64;95%CI:0.42-0.98).RO patients reported significantly higher stress than controls particularly during middle-and senior-years(P for trends < 0.001).RO patients were 37% less likely to report having been highly emotionally repressed(OR 0.63;95%CI:0.41-0.95).All case groups(OAC,RO and BO) were more likely than controls to report having had substantial amounts of social support(OR 2.84;95%CI:1.63-4.97;OR 1.97;95%CI:1.13-3.44 and OR 1.83;95%CI:1.03-3.24,respectively).CONCLUSION:The improved psychological profile of OAC patients may be explained by response shift.The role of psychological factors in the development of OAC requires further investigation.

Rabeprazole is effective for bile reflux oesophagitis after total gastrectomy in a rat model

AIM:To elucidate the effect of a proton pump inhibitor(PPI,rabeparazole)on oesophageal bile reflux in oesophagitis after total gastrectomy.METHODS:Twenty-one 8-week-old male Wistar rats were studied.They were performed oesophagoduodenostomy of total gastrectomy to induce oesophageal reflux of biliary and pancreatic juice.Five rats were performed the sham operation(Sham).On post-operative day 7,they were treated with saline(Control)(n=8)or PPI(rabeprazole,30 mg/kg per day,ip)(n=8)for 2 wk.On post-operative 21,all rats were sacrificed and each oesophagus was evaluated histologically.Oesophageal injury was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic findings as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX2).We measured bile acid in the oesophageal lumen and the common bile duct.RESULTS:At 3 wk after surgery,a histological study analysis revealed an increase in the thickness of the epithelium,elongation of the lamina propria and basal cell hyperplasia in the oesophageal mucosa.The macroscopic ulcer score and microscopic ulcer length of the control group were significantly higher compared to those of the rabeprazole-treated group.The expression of COX2 was significantly increased according to the immunostaining in the control group compared to rabeprazole-treated group.Although there was no difference between the control and PPI groups in the total bile acid in the common bile duct,the bileacid activity in the oesophageal lumen was significantly decreased in the rabeprazole-treated group due to augmentation of the duodenal motor complex.CONCLUSION:With this model,rabeprazole is good effect for reflux esophagitis after total gastrectomy from bile reflux.Bile acid is an important factor in the mucosal lesion induced by duodenal reflux.

H pylori infection and reflux oesophagitis: A case-control study

AIM： To examine the relationship between Hpylori and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease （GORD） in Iran. METHODS： In this study 51 GORD patients （referred to endoscopy at Taleghani hospital） were compared with 49 age-sex matched controls. Diagnosis of H pylori was made by gastric mucosal biopsy and rapid urease test （positive if the result of one or both diagnostic methods was positive）. Updated Sydney system was used to report histopathological changes. RESULTS： The frequency of H pylori infection based on rapid urease test and histology was 88.2% （45） in patients and 77.6% （38） in controls, which showed no significant difference. The frequency of H pylori infection was significantly higher in the antrum than in the corpus and cardia. The mean activity, inflammation, and gastritis scores were also higher in the antrum of patients than in the antrum of controls. The mean scores were significantly higher in the corpus of controls than in the corpus of patients. Diffuse active gastritis was observed in a significantly larger number of controls, while the frequency of diffuse chronic gastritis was higher in patients. There in the frequency of other patients and controls. was no significant difference histological findings between.CONCLUSION： H pylori infection cannot prevent GORD in this region.

Current hurdles in the management of eosinophilic oesophagitis:The next steps

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic,antigen mediated disease of the disease of the oesophagus that may present in both adults and children.It is characterised by intermittent dysphagia,food bolus obstruction and weight loss.The pathogenesis is incompletely understood but is thought to culminate in poor compliance,or reduced distensibility.The condition is being reported and studied in the literature with increasing incidence,although equally it is highly likely that the diagnosis is being missed altogether with alarming frequency.Diagnosis of the condition requires at least one oesophageal biopsy with an eosinophil count greater than 15 per high power field.Endoscopic features include trachealisation,furrows,white exudate,narrowing and in the most severe cases stricture formation although none are pathognomonic of the condition.Therapy is often not required,but in the acute setting may take the form of dietary therapy or topical steroids.Long term maintenance therapy is usually only required in the most severe cases and the most effective treatment is the subject of ongoing research.There are a number of hurdles to be overcome in the management of patients with EoE.These include;improving our understanding of the aetiologyof the condition,investigating the individual causes,assessing the true disease severity and planning the best long term maintenance therapy.Distinguishing EoE from EoE gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is also a hurdle because the two conditions,both being common,can co-exist.In order to overcome these hurdles,a multifaceted approach is required.The management of food bolus obstruction requires a management algorithm that is accepted and endorsed by a number of specialties.National and international disease registers should be established in order to facilitate future research but more importantly to address areas where further education or increased diagnostic capabilities may be required.Assessment of disease severity should become a key goal,and the development of specific biomarkers for EoE should also be a priority.Finally,randomised controlled trials of new agents are required to assess the best treatment in both the acute and long term setting.

Acute suppurative oesophagitis with fever and cough: A case report

BACKGROUND Suppurative oesophagitis is a diffuse inflammation of the oesophagus characterized by suppurative exudate or pus formation.Suppurative infections can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract,most commonly the stomach,with inflammation involving the entire gastric cavity.However,cases extending beyond the cardia or pylorus and involving the oesophagus,small intestine,and colon are rare.Usually such cases are discovered during surgery or autopsy.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of acute suppurative oesophagitis.A 57-year-old man presented at the Emergency Department of our hospital with fever and productive cough.The patient had a significant history of lower oesophageal mucosal frostbite.He was successfully diagnosed and treated with repeated gastroscopy,appropriate antibiotics,and innovative symptomatic treatment.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of acute suppurative oesophagitis are critical.Nutritional support,postural drainage,and other symptomatic treatments must be considered.

Prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in adults presenting with oesophageal food bolus obstruction

AIM: To look at the relationship between eosinophilic oesophagitis(EO) and food bolus impaction in adults. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed medical records of 100 consecutive patients who presented to our hospital with oesophageal food bolus obstruction(FBO) between 2012 and 2014. In this cohort, 96 were adults(64% male), and 4 paediatric patients were excluded from the analysis as our centre did not have paediatric gastroenterologists. Eighty-five adult patients underwent emergency gastroscopy. The food bolus was either advanced into the stomach using the push technique or retrieved using a standard retrieval net. Biopsies were obtained in 51 patients from the proximal and distal parts of the oesophagus at initial gastroscopy. All biopsy specimens were assessed and reviewed by dedicated gastrointestinal pathologists at the Department of Pathology, University Hospital Geelong. The diagnosis of EO was defined and established by the presence of the following histological features:(1) peak eosinophil counts > 20/hpf;(2) eosinophil microabscess;(3) superficial layering of eosinophils;(4) extracellular eosinophil granules;(5) basal cell hyperplasia;(6) dilated intercellular spaces; and(7) subepithelial or lamina propria fibrosis. The histology results of the biopsy specimens were accessed from the pathology database of the hospital and recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Our cohort had a median age of 60. Seventeen/51(33%) patients had evidence of EO on biopsy findings. The majority of patients with EO were male(71%). Classical endoscopic features of oesophageal rings, furrows or white plaques and exudates werefound in 59% of patients with EO. Previous episodes of FBO were present in 12/17 patients and 41% had a history of eczema, hay fever or asthma. Reflux oesophagitis and benign strictures were found in 20/34 patients who did not have biopsies. CONCLUSION: EO is present in approximately one third of patients who are admitted with FBO. Biopsies should be performed routinely at index endoscopy in order to pursue this treatable cause of long term morbidity.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis: What is the relationship?

Eosinophilic oesophagitis(EoE) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(GORD) are the most common causes of chronic oesophagitis and dysphagia associated with oesophageal mucosal eosinophilia. Distinguishing between the two is imperative but challenging due to overlapping clinical and histological features. A diagnosis of EoE requires clinical, histological and endoscopic correlation whereas a diagnosis of GORD is mainly clinical without the need for other investigations. Both entities may exhibit oesophageal eosinophilia at a similar level making a histological distinction between them difficult. Although the term proton-pump inhibitor responsive oesophageal eosinophilia has recently been retracted from the guidelines, a relationship between Eo E and GORD still exists. This relationship is complex as they may coexist, either interacting bidirectionally or are unrelated. This review aims to outline the differences and potential relationship between the two conditions, with specific focus on histology, immunology, pathogenesis and treatment.

Survival outcomes in early-onset oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients:A systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma(OAC)has been reported to be increasing in many countries.Alongside this trend,an increase in incidence of early-onset OAC,defined as OAC in adults aged under 50 years,has been observed.It is unclear whether survival outcomes for early-onset OAC patients differ from older age groups.AIM To investigate survival outcomes in early-onset OAC patients.METHODS Ovid Medline and Embase were searched from inception to January 2022 for relevant studies relating to early-onset OAC and survival outcomes.Results regarding the overall five-year survival and risk of death of younger and older patients with OAC were extracted and pooled using meta-analyses to produce pooled estimates and 95%CIs where possible.RESULTS Eleven studies which compared survival of early-onset OAC,defined as age at diagnosis of<50 years,with older patients were included.A narrative review of median and mean survival demonstrated conflicting results,with studies showing early-onset OAC patients having both better and worse outcomes compared to older age groups.A meta-analysis of five-year survival demonstrated similar outcomes across age groups,with 22%-25%of patients in the young,middle and older age groups alive after five years.A meta-analysis of four studies demon-strated that early-onset OAC patients did not have a significantly increased risk of death compared to middle-aged patients(hazard ratio 1.12,95%CI:0.85-1.47).INTRODUCTION There is concern that the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma(OAC)in patients under 50,described as early-onset OAC,is increasing.However,data regarding survival of younger patients with OAC is sparse.Globally,while increasing age remains a major non-modifiable risk factor for cancer,the incidence of early-onset cancers,largely accepted to be in adults aged under 50 years,is increasing[1].This includes an observed increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal,oesophageal,gastric and hepatobiliary cancers[2-4].Despite oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)being more common globally(88%of cases)[5],a striking increase in oesophageal OAC incidence has been reported in developed countries,such as the United States and Europe[6,7].Worryingly,the United Kingdom has the highest incidence of OAC cases in the world[8].In addition to the increase in OAC,an increase in incidence of early-onset OAC,defined as OAC in adults aged under 50 years,has been observed[9,10].A population-based cohort in the Netherlands,consisting of 59584 patients,demonstrated the incidence of early-onset OAC to have tripled from 1989 to 2018,while OSCC cases declined in this age group[7].OAC usually develops in the lower third of the oesophagus and the gastro-oesophageal junction,with risk factors including obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease[11].A poor prognosis is observed,with the overall five-year survival rate for oesophageal cancer between 15%-20%,even with treatment[12,13].These low survival rates are likely due to a combination of late diagnosis,intrinsic resistance to systemic therapy and the limited efficacy of surgical resection.Younger patients tend to present at a more advanced stage at diagnosis compared to those diagnosed later in life.A single centre,retrospective study found that 33.3%of patients in the younger age category(<50 years old)presented with stage IV OAC,compared to the 20.6%of the oldest age category(>70 years old)[14].Another population-based study in the Netherlands observed that OAC patients under 50 years old also presented with distant metastasis more often in comparison to older patients(50.5%vs 44.7%),and that tumour differentiation also varied between age groups[15].Reports of survival estimates in patients with early-onset OAC compared with older patients have resulted in contrasting findings to date.Some studies report that due to the advanced stage and aggressiveness of the tumours seen that the prognosis of these patients is almost always worse than their older counterparts[16].In contrast,another study found that the overall survival,as well as stage-specific survival was higher in those who were younger[17].A Dutch study which included only resectable cases found no difference in 5-year disease specific survival[18].Given the conflicting evidence to date,the aim of this systematic review was to investigate survival in OAC patients according to age at diagnosis.A protocol was composed,and the reporting of this systematic review designed,using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines[19].The protocol included:The review question,search strategy,inclusion criteria,type of quality assessment,the strategy for data analysis,and the‘population,intervention,comparator,and outcome’criteria.These are expanded below.

Effectiveness and tolerability of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

BACKGROUND The combination of programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor and che-motherapy is approved as a standard first-or second-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.However,it is unclear whether this combination is superior to chemotherapy alone.AIM To assess the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced gastric cancer,gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)cancer,or oesophageal carcinoma.METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies that compared the efficacy and tolerance of PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.We employed either random or fixed models to analyze the outcomes of each clinical trial,en-compassing data on overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS Nine phase 3 clinical trials(7016 advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer patients)met the inclusion criteria.Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group had a significantly longer OS than the chemotherapy-alone group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.76,95%confidence interval(CI):0.71-0.81];the pooled PFS result was consistent with that of OS(HR=0.67,95%CI:0.61-0.74).The count of patients achieving an objective response in the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group surpassed that of the chemotherapy-alone group[odds ratio(OR)=1.86,95%CI:1.59-2.18].AE incidence was also higher in the combination-therapy group than in the chemotherapy-alone group,regardless of whether≥grade 3 only(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.07-1.57)or all AE grades(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.39-2.54)were examined.We performed a subgroup analysis based on the programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)and noted extended OS and PFS durations within the CPS≥1,CPS≥5,and CPS≥10 subgroups of the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION In contrast to chemotherapy alone,the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy appears to present a more favorable option for initial or subsequent treatment in patients with gastric cancer,GEJ tumor,or oesophageal cancer.This holds true particularly for individuals with PD-L1 CPS scores of≥5 and≥10.

Gastroesophageal signet ring cell carcinoma morbidity and mortality: A retrospective review

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal(GI)signet ring cell carcinomas(SRCC)confer a poor prognosis.The benefit of operative intervention for this patient group is contro-versial in terms of overall survival.AIM To investigate factors relating to survival in patients with upper GI SRCC.METHODS A retrospective,tertiary,single-centre review of patients who were diagnosed with oesophageal,gastroesophageal junction and gastric SRCC was performed.The primary outcome was to compare mortality of patients who underwent operative management with those who had nonoperative management.Secon-dary outcomes included assessing the relationship between demographic and histopathological factors,and survival.RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one patients were included.The one-year survival for the operative group was 81%and for the nonoperative group was 19.1%.The five-year survival in the operative group was 28.6%vs 1.5%in the nonoperative group.The difference in overall survival between groups was statistically significant(HR 0.19,95%CI(0.13-0.30),P<0.001).There was no difference in survival when ad-justing for age,smoking status or gender.On multivariate analysis,patients who underwent surgical management,those with a lower stage of disease,and those with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI)had significantly improved sur-vival.CONCLUSION Well-selected patients with upper GI SRCC appear to have reasonable medium-term survival following surgery.Offering surgery to a carefully selected patient group may improve the outcome for this disease.

Oesophageal Mycosis: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects and Risk Factors for Occurrence in the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Donka National Hospital, Conakry CHU

Introduction: Oesophageal mycosis (OM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in patients infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). However, this condition is increasingly observed in immunocompetent subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the endoscopic prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis in our department. Patients and Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy during the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, i.e. one year, at the digestive endoscopy unit of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka CHU national hospital in Conakry. All patients found to have oesophageal mycosis by FOGD were included. The endoscopy was performed using appropriate equipment: A Fujinon 4400 video endoscopy column;Three Fujinon EG 590 video gastroscopes;A hoover;Data were collected using a pre-established survey form and analysed using Epi info software version 6.0.4;Pearson’s Chi2 test as a test of independence and the exact 5% threshold ficher test. Results: Out of 1343 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed, 107 cases of oesophageal mycosis were found, representing a prevalence of 7.96%. The mean age was 40 years, with a male predominance of 55.42%. The sex ratio M/F was 1.24. The 45 and over age group was the most affected, with a prevalence of 40.43%, followed by the [35 - 45] age group, with a prevalence of 22.43%. Clinical symptoms were dominated by epigastralgia in 74.76% of cases, followed by odynophagia in 37.38% of cases, nausea and vomiting in 28.03% of cases, and pyrosis in 26.16% of cases. Oesophageal mycosis without oesophagitis was the most common endoscopic finding in 70% of cases. The main associated endoscopic lesions were erythemato-erosive and congestive gastropathy in 28.03% of cases, peptic oesophagitis (9.34%) and gastric ulcer (5.60%). The main risk factors found were positive HIV serology in 39.25% of cases, and diabetes in 24.30% of cases, with a statistically significant relationship of 0.02 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: Oesophageal mycosis is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity. The prevalence of oesophageal mycosis in our series was 7.96%. This study enabled us to identify the main risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis. Our country needs to step up its programme to combat and prevent immunodeficiency diseases, particularly HIV and diabetes.

Digestive and breast cancer patients managed during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic:Short and middle term outcomes

BACKGROUND The first wave of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic in Spain lasted from middle March to the end of June 2020.Spanish population was subjected to lockdown periods and scheduled surgeries were discontinued or reduced during variable periods.In our centre,we managed patients previously and newly diagnosed with cancer.We established a strategy based on limiting perioperative social contacts,preoperative screening(symptoms and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction)and creating separated in-hospital COVID-19-free pathways for non-infected patients.We also adopted some practice modifications(surgery in different facilities,changes in staff and guidelines,using continuously changing personal protective equipment…),that supposed new inconveniences.AIM To analyse cancer patients with a decision for surgery managed during the first wave,focalizing on outcomes and pandemic-related modifications.METHODS We prospectively included adults with a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal,oesophago-gastric,liver-pancreatic or breast cancer with a decision for surgery,regardless of whether they ultimately underwent surgery.We analysed short-term outcomes[30-d postoperative morbimortality and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection]and outcomes after 3 years(adjuvant therapies,oncological events,death,SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination).We also investigated modifications to usual practice.RESULTS From 96 included patients,seven didn’t receive treatment that period and four never(3 due to COVID-19).Operated patients:28 colon and 21 rectal cancers;laparoscopy 53.6%/90.0%,mortality 3.57%/0%,major complications 7.04%/25.00%,anastomotic leaks 0%/5.00%,3-years disease-free survival(DFS)82.14%/52.4%and overall survival(OS)78.57%/76.2%.Six liver metastases and six pancreatic cancers:no mortality,one major complication,three grade A/B liver failures,one bile leak;3-year DFS 0%/33.3%and OS 50.0%/33.3%(liver metastases/pancreatic carcinoma).5 gastric and 2 oesophageal tumours:mortality 0%/50%,major complications 0%/100%,anastomotic leaks 0%/100%,3-year DFS and OS 66.67%(gastric carcinoma)and 0%(oesophagus).Twenty breast cancer without deaths/major complications;3-year OS 100%and DFS 85%.Nobody contracted SARS-CoV-2 postoperatively.COVID-19 pandemic–related changes:78.2%treated in alternative buildings,43.8%waited more than 4 weeks,two additional colostomies and fewer laparoscopies.CONCLUSION Some patients lost curative-intent surgery due to COVID-19 pandemic.Despite practice modifications and 43.8%delays higher than 4 weeks,surgery was resumed with minimal changes without impacting outcomes.Clean pathways are essential to continue surgery safely.

Significance of feeding dysfunction in eosinophilic esophagitis

Feeding dysfunction is a frequent presenting symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE). Here we present 3 children of various ages whose manifestations of EoE associated feeding dysfunction led to significant and life altering impact on their growth and development. Early identification of presenting symptoms of EoE will allow for prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatments. Recognition of salient features of dysfunction and treatment by feeding therapists and nutritionists led to symptom resolution and growth.

Feasibility and nutritional impact of laparoscopic assisted tailored subtotal gastrectomy for middle-third gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy(LaTG)is associated with reduced nutritional status,and the procedure is not easily carried out without extensive expertise.A small remnant stomach after near-total gastrectomy confers no significant nutritional benefits over total gastrectomy.In this study,we developed a modified laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy procedure,termed laparoscopicassisted tailored subtotal gastrectomy(LaTSG).AIM To evaluate the feasibility and nutritional impact of LaTSG compared to those of LaTG in patients with advanced middle-third gastric cancer(GC).METHODS We retrospectively analyzed surgical and oncological outcomes and postoperative nutritional status in 92 consecutive patients with middle-third GC who underwent radical laparoscopic gastrectomy at Department of Pancreatic Stomach Surgery,National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,and Peking Union Medical College between 2013 and 2017.Of these 92 patients,47 underwent LaTSG(LaTSG group),and the remaining underwent LaTG(LaTG group).RESULTS Operation time(210±49.8 min vs 208±50.0 min,P>0.05)and intraoperative blood loss(152.3±166.1 mL vs 188.9±167.8 mL,P>0.05)were similar between the groups.The incidence of postoperative morbidities was lower in the LaTSG group than in the LaTG group(4.2%vs 17.8%,P<0.05).Postoperatively,nutritional indices did not significantly differ,until postoperative 12 mo.Albumin,prealbumin,total protein,hemoglobin levels,and red blood cell counts were significantly higher in the LaTSG group than in the LaTG group(P<0.05).No significant differences in Fe or C-reaction protein levels were found between the two groups.Endoscopic examination demonstrated that reflux oesophagitis was more common in the LaTG group(0%vs 11.1%,P<0.05).Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant improvement in the overall survival(OS)and disease free survival(DFS)in the LaTSG group.Multivariate analysis showed that LaTSG was an independent prognostic factor for OS(P=0.048)but not for DFS(P=0.054).Subgroup analysis showed that compared to LaTG,LaTSG improved the survival of patients with stage III cancers,but not for other stages.CONCLUSION For advanced GC involving the middle third stomach,LaTSG can be a good option with reduced morbidity and favorable nutritional status and oncological outcomes.

Helicobacter pylori eradication and reflux disease onset:Did gastric acid get "crazy"?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is highly prevalent in the general population.In the last decade,a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication and GORD onset has been claimed.The main putative mechanism is the gastric acid hypersecretion that develops after bacterial cure in those patients with corpus-predominant gastritis.We performed a critical reappraisal of the intricate pathogenesis and clinical data available in this field.Oesophagitis onset after H.pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients has been ascribed to a gastric acid hypersecretion,which could develop following body gastritis healing.However,the absence of an acid hypersecretive status in these patients is documented by both pathophysiology and clinical studies.Indeed,duodenal ulcer recurrence is virtually abolished followingH.pylori eradication.In addition,intra-oesophageal pH recording studies failed to demonstrated increased acid reflux following bacterial eradication.Moreover,oesophageal manometric studies suggest that H.pylori eradication would reduce-rather than favor-acid reflux into the oesophagus.Finally,data of clinical studies would suggest that H.pylori eradication is not significantly associated with eitherreflux symptoms or erosive oesophagitis onset,some data suggesting also an advantage in curing the infection when oesophagitis is already present.Therefore,the legend of "crazy acid" remains-as all the others a fascinating,but imaginary tale.

Role of bile acids, prostag landins and COX inhibitors in chronic esophagitis in a mouse model

AIM. To develop a new experimental model of esophagitis that serves a complementary tool to clinical investigation in an insight into the mechanism of the damage to the esophagus mucosa by aggressive factors, and role of COX inhibitors in this process. METHODS： The study was conducted in 56 male mice. Animals were divided into seven groups： （1） perfused with HCI, （2） perfused with HCI and physiologic concentration of pepsin （HCI/P）, （3） perfused with similar HCI/P solution enriched with conjugated bile acids （glycho- and tauro-sodium salts） designated esophageal infusion catheter under the general anesthesia, （4） perfused as in group 2 treated with indometacin, （5） perfused as in group 2 treated with NS-398, （6） perfused as in group 3 treated with indometacin, and （7） perfused as in group 3 treated with NS-398. The esophagus was divided into 3 parts： upper, middle and lower. The PGE2 concentration was measured in all parts of esophagus using RIA method. Esophagus of sacrificed animals was macroscopically evaluated using a low power dissecting microscope （20x）. Specimeris, representing the most frequently seen changes were fixed, stained with H＆E and assessed microscopically using the damage score, and inflammatory score. RESULTS： The macroscopic changes were significantly severer in HCI/P than those in HCI animals （77%） and in HCI/P/BA group （43%）. In HCI/P NS-398 group we noticed significantly less changes than those in not treated group （42%） and in analogical group treated with indometacine （45%）. In HCI/P/BA INDO group we observed significantly severer changes than that in not treated group （52%）. We noticed less changes in HCI/P NS-398 than that in group with indometacine （46%）. In HCI/P/BA NS-398 group we had less changes than that in indometacin group （34%）. The microscopic changes observed in HCI/P/BA INDO group were severer than that in not treated group （48%）. Esophagitis index in HCI group was significantly lower than in HCI/P and also HCI/P/BA group （32% and 33 %）. In HCI/P/BA/INDO group the esophagitis surface was larger than that in not treated group （33%）. In HCL/P group the surface of esophagus with ulceration was significantly larger （10-fold） than that in HCI/P/BA group. The PGE2 concentration was significantly higher in HCI/P group than in HCI/P/BA group. The PGE2 concentration in lower part of esophagus was also significantly higher in middle than those in HCI and HCI/P/BA groups. In upper part of esophagus the PGE2 concentration was significantly higher in HCI/P/BA group than that in group treated with indometacine （46%）. We also observed higher PGE2 concentration in middle part of esophagus in HCI/P/BA group than those in group treated with indometadne and in group treated with indometacin and NS-398 （by 52% and 43% respectively）. CONCLUSION： Pepsin is the pivotal factor in the development of chronic esophageal injury. Bile acids diminish chronic esophageal injury induced by HCI/P, indicating its potential negative impact on pepsin proteolytic potential, pivotal for mucosal injury in low pH. The role of selective COX inhibitors is still unclear, and needs more investigations. This novel chronic experimental esophagitis is an excellent model for further study on the role of cytokines in genetically modified animals.

Esophageal cancer: Risk factors,screening and endoscopic treatment in Western and Eastern countries

Esophageal cancer is one of the most unknown and deadliest cancers worldwide,mainly because of its extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate.Esophageal cancer is the 6th leading cause of death from cancer and the 8th most common cancer in the world.The 5-year survival is around 15%-25%.There are clear differences between the risk factors of both histological types that affect their incidence and distribution worldwide.There are areas of high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma(some areas in China) that meet the requirements for cost-effectiveness of endoscopy for early diagnosis in the general population of those areas.In Europe and United States the predominant histologic subtype is adenocarcinoma.The role of early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus remains controversial.The differences in the therapeutic management of early esophageal carcinoma(high-grade dysplasia,T1 a,T1 b,N0) between different parts of the world may be explained by the number of cancers diagnosed at an early stage.In areas where the incidence is high(China and Japan among others) early diagnoses is more frequent and has led to the development of endoscopic techniques for definitive treatment that achieve very effective results with a minimum number of complications and preserving the functionality of the esophagus.

Achalasia: A review of clinical diagnosis, epidemiology,treatment and outcomes

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative motility disorder of the oesophagus resulting in deranged oesophageal peristalsis and loss of lower oesophageal sphincter function.Historically,annual achalasia incidence rates were believed to be low,approximately 0.5-1.2 per 100000.More recent reports suggest that annual incidence rates have risen to 1.6 per 100000 in some populations.The aetiology of achalasia is still unclear but is likely to be multi-factorial.Suggested causes include environmental or viral exposures resulting in inflammation of the oesophageal myenteric plexus,which elicits an autoimmune response.Risk of achalasia may be elevated in a sub-group of genetically susceptible people.Improvement in the diagnosis of achalasia,through the introduction of high resolution manometry with pressure topography plotting,has resulted in the development of a novel classification system for achalasia.This classification system can evaluate patient prognosis and predict responsiveness to treatment.There is currently much debate over whether pneumatic dilatation is a superior method compared to the Heller’s myotomy procedure in the treatment of achalasia.A recent com-parative study found equal efficacy,suggesting that patient preference and local expertise should guide the choice.Although achalasia is a relatively rare condition,it carries a risk of complications,including aspiration pneumonia and oesophageal cancer.The risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is believed to be significantly increased in patients with achalasia,however the absolute excess risk is small.Therefore,it is currently unknown whether a surveillance programme in achalasia patients would be effective or cost-effective.

Benefit of combination β-blocker and endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding: A meta-analysis

AIM: To determine whether the association of β-blockers with endoscopic treatment is superior to endoscopic treatment alone for the secondary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials comparing sclerotherapy (SCL) with SCL plus β-blockers (BB) or banding ligation (BL) with BL plus BB were identif ied.Main outcomes were overall and 6, 12 and 24 mo rebleeding rates, as well as overall and 6, 12 and 24 mo mortality. Two statistical methods were used: Yusuf-Peto, and Der Simonian and Laird. Inter-trial heterogeneity was systematically taken into account. RESULTS: Seventeen randomised controlled trials were included, 14 with SCL and 3 with BL. Combination β-blocker and endoscopic treatment signif icantly reduced rebleeding rates at 6, 12 and 24 mo and overall [odds ratio (OR): 2.20, 95% conf idence interval (CI): 1.69-2.85, P<0.0001] compared to endoscopic treatment alone. Mortality at 24 mo was signif icantly lower for the combined treatment group (OR: 1.83, 95% CI:1.16-2.90, P= 0.009), as well as overall mortality (OR: 1.43, 95% CI:1.03-1.98, P= 0.03). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy should thus be recommended as the fi rst line treatment for secondary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding.

Corrosive injury to upper gastrointestinal tract: Still a major surgical dilemma

In the developed and developing countries, corrosive injury to the gastrointestinal system as a consequence of either accidental ingestion or as a result of self-harm has become a less common phenomenon compared to decades ago. This could partly be attributed to the tighter legislation imposed by the government in these countries on detergents and other corrosive products and general public awareness. Most busy upper gastrointestinal surgical units in these countries, especially in the developed countries will only encounter a small number of cases per year. Up to date knowledge on the best management approach is lacking. In this article, we present our experience of two contrasting cases of corrosive injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract in our thoracic unit in the last 2 years and an up-to-date Medline literature search has been carried out to highlight the areas of controversies in the management of corrosive injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract. We concluded that the main principle in managing such patients requires a good understanding of the pathophysiology of corrosive injury in order to plan both acute and future management. Each patient must be evaluated individually as the clinical picture varies widely. Signs and symptoms alone are an unreliable guide to injury.