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Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients have a higher prevalence of airway symptoms, such as chronic cough, wheezing, and hoarseness. The therapeutic management of patients with these symptoms is controversial. Therefore, this study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of anti-reflux surgery for controlling respiratory symptoms related to GERD. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Extraction of the data concerning proportions of participants who were not free of respiratory symptoms related to GERD (cough, wheezing, hoarseness) or not substantially improved at follow-ups (failure to cure) was performed. Of the 3,424 initially screened articles, 68 studies were included for systematic review and 61 were included for meta-analysis, with a cumulative sample size of 3,869 patients. Of all the included patients, after anti-reflux surgery, the general symptoms improvement was 80% (95% CI 75.2–84%). The numbers needed to harm (NNH) and the numbers needed to treat (NNT) were 15.21 and 1.23, respectively. Of the included patients, 83.4% (95% CI 78.3–87.5%) patients reported improvement in cough symptoms after surgery. For the wheezing symptom, 71.5% (95% CI 62.9–78.8%) reported improvement after surgery. Moreover, surgery presented better results in improving respiratory symptoms than medical therapy (risk difference: −0.46; 95% CI -0.77, −0.16). Physicians should strongly consider surgical anti-reflux procedures for controlling respiratory symptoms in GERD patients after proper patient selection. Anti-reflux surgery has shown high efficacy in improving respiratory symptoms related to GERD, even when compared to medical therapy.

Lung diseases have a strong relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It has been previously demonstrated that conditions such as tracheal stenosis, asthma and even lung transplantation may worsen with reflux and these patients have few symptoms of GERD. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people who needed mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy increased. Our objective was to demonstrate the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with tracheostomy and describe its characteristics. Methods Esophageal manometry and 24 h pH-metry was performed in 137 consecutive patients with a tracheostomy already in a chronic phase, independent of symptoms. Inquire on respiratory and digestive symptoms was also carried out at the time of the examination. Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux was identified in this population and description of the groups with reflux and without it, as well as comparison between them. Results Of the 137 patients, 49 were male, the average age was 40.94 ± 17.3 and the body mass index was 26.3 ± 4.85. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux was 45.2%. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups with and without reflux. In the reflux group, the mean DeMeester score was 36.5 ± 20.8 and the presence of lower sphincter hypotonia was found in only 31% of the patients and was not correlated with reflux between the groups (p = 0.285). Regarding the symptoms, 48% had heartburn symptoms and only 30% had a combination of typical symptoms (heartburn + regurgitation). Conclusion The presence of tracheostomy is related to an increased prevalence of reflux, even without typical symptoms most of the time. The mechanism for this is still unknown, perhaps the altered respiratory dynamics has a role. These patients should be investigated with functional exams if they develop any condition that may be affected by reflux.

Botulinum toxin is already in use to treat abdominal wall giant hernia. The concept is to reduce pressure e create new space in the abdominal compartiment after the surgey. We show a case that a similar aproach was used to treat giant hiatal hernia. Methods We used botulinum toxin 4 weeks prior the surgery to increase de abdominal compartment. it was checked in a ct scan. Results The surgey was performed with a hiatoplasty, fundoplication and a gastropexy. Conclusion The use of botulinum seens to be a new stragy for selected cases. Video https://www.dropbox.com/s/td7fr3a6buejqnd/Bianchi%20ET%20botox.wmv?dl=0.

Key Clinical Message This study describes a patient with symptomatic Killian‐Jamieson, a rare entity, successfully treated by cervical approach with diverticulum resection and esophagomyotomy.

Highlights • Heterotopic pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly. • Patients may present with complications such as inflammation and abscess. • The management depends on size, ability to exclude other etiologies and symptoms., Introduction Heterotopic pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of esophageal heterotopic pancreas complicated by recurrent mediastinal abscess and treated by minimally invasive resection. Presentation of case A 31-year-old woman was admitted with a history of recurrent chest pain, dysphagia, and heartburn. CT scan revealed focal confined collection in the lower mediastinum surrounding esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a subepithelial lesion. The patient was treated by minimally invasive esophagectomy and made an uneventful postoperative recovery. Discussion The management of subepithelial lesions would depend on their size, ability to exclude other etiologies and their associated symptoms. The patient, in this case, was obviously symptomatic and accurate differentiation from malignant etiologies could not be accurately made. Conclusion Although pancreatic heterotopia is rare, it should be remembered in the differential diagnosis of various gastrointestinal lesions.

Diverticula of the thoracic esophagus are uncommon disorders and its most appropriate treatment continues unclear. The majority of these diverticula are results of underlying esophageal motility disorders, but some cases are results of periesophageal inflammation. The patients can be asymptomatic, or present dysphagia, regurgitation, aspirated pneumonia, retrosternal pain and weight loss. The barium esophagogram is considered the best study to show and evaluate these cases. Esophageal manometry allow study the esophageal motility abnormality. Methods Patients with small and asymptomatic diverticula could not require any treatment. Patients with symptomatic or big diverticula should be submitted a diverticulectomy and often with an esophageal myotomy. However the necessity, the esophageal extension and local of the myotomy are still unclear. We describe a case of a 70 yo woman with a intrathoracic esophageal diverticulum. She presented progressive dysphagia to solids in the last two years, associated to regurgitation, retrosternal pain, nausea and weight loss of 10 kilograms. She has no history of aspirated pneumonia. Results The upper GI endoscopy showed the diverticulum in middle esophagus (25 cm from superior dental arch) and the size in barium esophagogram was 6,5 x 4,8 cm. The high resolution esophageal manometry was normal and the patient had no tuberculosis history. She was submitted a thoracoscopic diverticulectomy with extend myotomy (intrathoracic and abdominal) and Dor’s fundoplication. She was able to resume a liquid diet by day 3, after a normal barium esophagogram, and was discharged at the 4 post-operative day. After 9 months the patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusion In our experience, the diverticulectomy associated with an extend myotomy bring excellent results at the esophageal function, allowing an adequate emptying of the esophagus, avoiding severe complications as mediastinitis or esophageal leakage even in patients without severe motility disorder. References 1. Altorki N K, Sunagawa M, Skinner D B. Thoracic esophageal diverticula. Why is operation necessary? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1993 Feb; 105(2): 260–4. 2. Rice T W, Baker M E. Midthoracic esophageal diverticula. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999 Oct; 11(4): 352–7.

Barrett’ s esophagus (BE) is a complication of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The major concern aspect is its association to dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The endoscopic treatment of the epithelium, as well as the follow-up (FU) period, should be guided according to the diagnosis and the worst degree of dysplasia found in the last endoscopies. However, we are aware of the great difficulty and variation among pathologists in diagnosing and grading dysplasia in BE. Methods Aim: Review new diagnoses of low- and high-grade dysplasia (LGD and HGD) in BE with specialized pathologists during long-term FU in clinical or surgical treatment for GERD From January 1980 to July 2019, 738 patients with BE were FU (average of 98 months), with routine endoscopic examination each 2 years with multiple biopsies, in patients with BE without dysplasia. 48 patients were diagnosed with any grade of dysplasia on FU endoscopic biopsies. The biopsies were reviewed by specialized pathologists and evaluated epidemiologic data, clinical or surgical treatment for the GERD and about the confirmation, downgrade or upgrade of dysplasia degree. Results 48 patients were reviewed, 32 males. The medium age was 61,9 YO (29 -93). Only 18 patients were in follow-up after surgical treatment for GERD. 9 patients had first diagnosis of in situ Adenocarcinoma, after review 8 were confirmed and treated and 1 were downgrade to HGD. 8 patients had first HGD and after review, 2 were upgrade to Adenocarcinoma, 4 were confirmed as HGD (endoscopic treatment) and 2 downgraded to no dysplasia BE. 31 patients had first LGD. 2 had upgrade to HGD/Adeno, 8 are in FU annually and 21 were downgrade to non dysplastic BE. Conclusion The diagnosis of dysplasia in BE remains a challenge. 23 of 48 (47%) of our patients once marked with any grade of dysplasia, were downgrade after pathological review and FU to non dysplasic BE. These difficulty of appropriate dysplasia degree diagnosis could make some mistakes in BE treatment and surveilance.

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is frequently associated with both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and simultaneous esophageal dysmotility (ED). Antireflux surgery have to considerate the individual esophageal dysmotility degree of each patient. They need GERD treatment as a priority to help control worsening lung function, in patients developing pulmonary fibrosis or in lung transplantation patients. Another issue is the possibility that fundoplications in this patients can cause esophageal stasis, an event that can also disrupt lung function. Methods 113 patients were referred for surgical treatment of GERD, related with pulmonary impairment. SS patients are the most critical, once the ED may be an obstacle to fundoplication. We divided this patients in three groups regarding the esophageal function. A- Partial fundoplication—without important affection of ED, checked by manometry, confirmed with a complete emptying of esophagus in barium swallow test. B- Laparoscopic gastric bypass for treatment of GERD (RYGBP)—aperistalsis or atonic esophageal body, with normal esophageal empty at barium test. C- Esophagectomy—Atonic esophageal body with important delayed emptying of esophagus in barium swallow test. Results We could follow up 4 patients in group A, 3 patients in group B and 2 patients in group C. Median follow-up was 75, 30 and 18 months for Groups A,B and C respectively. All 3 patients in the RYGB group resolved all the symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation, with a sensitive improve in lung function. Only 1 patients in the fundoplication group reported symptom improvement or resolution. The Patients at Group C have no complain of Dysphagia but referred regurgitation and difficulty feedingtill first year. Conclusion Laparoscopic RYGB as an anti-reflux procedure is safe and may provide an alternative to fundoplication in the treatment of GERD for systemic sclerosis patients with esophageal dysmotility. Both reflux control and dysphagia rates were improved in the RYGBP group compared with fundoplication and esophagectomy.. This finding suggests that RYGBP may be an option for the primary manage- ment of scleroderma-associated gastroesophageal reflux in patients without importnat impairing of esophageal emptying.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients have a higher prevalence of airway symptoms, such as chronic cough, wheezing, and hoarseness. The therapeutic management of patients with these symptoms is controversial. Therefore, this study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of anti-reflux surgery for controlling respiratory symptoms related to GERD. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Extraction of the data concerning proportions of participants who were not free of respiratory symptoms related to GERD (cough, wheezing, hoarseness) or not substantially improved at follow-ups (failure to cure) was performed. Results Of the screened articles, 61 were included for meta-analysis, with a cumulative sample size of 3,869 patients. Of all the included patients, after anti-reflux surgery, the general symptoms improvement was 80% (95% CI 75.2–84%). The numbers needed to harm (NNH) and the numbers needed to treat (NNT) were 15.21 and 1.23, respectively. Of the included patients, 83.4% (95% CI 78.3–87.5%) patients reported improvement in cough symptoms after surgery. For the wheezing symptom, 71.5% (95% CI 62.9–78.8%) reported improvement after surgery. Moreover, surgery presented better results in improving respiratory symptoms than medical therapy (risk difference: -0.46; 95% CI -0.77, −0.16). Conclusion Physicians should strongly consider surgical anti-reflux procedures for controlling respiratory symptoms in GERD patients after proper patient selection. Anti-reflux surgery has shown high efficacy in improving respiratory symptoms related to GERD, even when compared to medical therapy.

Corrosive ingestion is a significant challenge for healthcare support. Limited data is available regarding the best treatment, and there is still a lack of consensus about the optimal surgical approach and its outcomes. This study aims to show a single-institution experience of surgical treatment of esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion and review the current literature. Methods A retrospective review, including demographics, psychiatric profile, surgical procedures, and outcomes, is described. A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed. Results In total, 27 surgical procedures for esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substances ingestion were performed from 2010 to 2019. Depression and drug abuse were diagnosed in 30% and 22% of the included patients, respectively. The incidence rate of cancer in patients with corrosive esophageal stenosis is 701.7–874.1 per 1,000,000 person-years, and the cancer latency between corrosion ingestion to carcinoma is 10–58 years. Esophagectomy and esophageal bypass were performed in 13 and 14 patients, respectively. No 30-day mortality was recorded. Conclusion The surgical intervention either by esophagectomy or esophageal bypass seems to show a high success rate. However, the outcomes depend on a high-quality multidisciplinary network of esophageal and thoracic surgeons, intensivists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nutritional teams.

Gastric tube fistula is a rare event, but very feared, as it invariably progresses with associated mediastinitis and can be fatal. We present a case in which this fistula occurred together with all diagnostic investigation of etiology and treatment, in addition to a brief review of this complication. Methods A 45-year-old patient underwent minimaly invasive esophagectomy due to end-stage achalasia. After 6 days, she presented acute multivisceral migration to the chest and needed to reintervation by open surgery and hiatoplasty. The patient evolved with outflow of bile through the chest drain. Conservative treatment was attempted. However, after 4 days, she underwent thoracotomy and suture of the orifice, and a nasal tube was maintained to drain the gastric tube. There was no suture dehiscence and in control a seriogram evidenced pyloric stenosis. After 2 months, she was submitted to GPOEM with improvement of gastric emptying and normal return to feeding. Results The risk factors for gastric tube fistula are the same as those for cervical or intrathoracic anastomosis fistula after esophagectomy. Some authors attribute the vascularization of the stomach and malnutrition. However, as shown in this case, impairment of gastric emptying is an important factor to increased pressure and consequent fistula. The patient experienced acute migration through the hiatus, which obstructed the tube for a few hours. And after the defect was corrected, he maintained an increased pressure due to pyloric achalasia, which was initially treated by depressurizing the tube by nasogastric tube and then GPOEM. Conclusion Gastric tube fistula can be avoided when we can establish a good gastric tube emptying condition.

Background Corrosive ingestion is a significant challenge for healthcare systems. Limited data are available regarding the best treatments, and there remains a lack of consensus about the optimal surgical approach and its outcomes. This study aims to review the current literature and show a single institution's experience regarding the surgical treatment of esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion. Methods A retrospective review that accounted for demographics, psychiatric profiles, surgical procedures, and outcomes was performed. A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed. Results In total, 27 surgical procedures for esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion were performed from 2010 to 2019. Depression and drug abuse were diagnosed in 30% and 22% of the included patients, respectively. Esophagectomies and esophageal bypasses were performed in 13 and 14 patients, respectively. No 30-day mortality was recorded. Conclusion Surgical intervention either by esophagectomy or esophageal bypass results in durable relief from dysphagia. However, successful clinical outcomes depend on a high-quality multidisciplinary network of esophageal and thoracic surgeons, intensivists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nutritional teams.

Objective: to evaluate esophageal dysmotility (ED) and the extent of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in patients previously diagnosed with BE and ED. Methods: twenty-two patients with BE diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with biopsies and ED diagnosed by conventional esophageal manometry (CEM) were submitted to a LNF, and followed up with clinical evaluations, upper GI endoscopy with biopsies and CEM, for a minimum of 12 months after the surgical procedure. Results : sixteen patients were male (72.7%) and six were females (27.3%). The mean age was 55.14 (± 15.52) years old. and the mean postoperative follow-up was 26.2 months. The upper GI endoscopy showed that the mean length of BE was 4.09 cm preoperatively and 3.91cm postoperatively (p=0.042). The evaluation of esophageal dysmotility through conventional manometry showed that: the preoperative median of the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (LESRP) was 9.15 mmHg and 13.2 mmHg postoperatively (p=0.006). The preoperative median of the esophageal contraction amplitude was 47.85 mmHg, and 57.50 mmHg postoperatively (p=0.408). Preoperative evaluation of esophageal peristalsis showed that 13.6% of the sample presented diffuse esophageal spasm and 9.1% ineffective esophageal motility. In the postoperative, 4.5% of patients had diffuse esophageal spasm, 13.6% of aperistalsis and 22.7% of ineffective motor activity (p=0.133). Conclusion: LNF decreased the BE extension, increased the LES resting pressure, and increased the amplitude of the distal esophageal contraction; however, it was unable to improve ED.

Background Abnormal gastroesophageal acid reflux (GEaR) is often found in laryngeal diseases and tracheal stenosis. The study focuses on the prevalence of GEaR and the impact of anti-reflux surgery in the outcome of post-intubation tracheal stenosis Methods Prospective non-randomized study of patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Inclusion criteria: adult with subglottic or recurrent tracheal stenosis. Exclusion criteria: previous gastroesophageal surgery. Patients were submitted to esophageal manometry and pH study. Patients were divided in 3 groups: one with pH study negative, one with pH study positive receiving treatment with proton pump inhibitor and one with pH study positive submitted to Nissen fundoplication. Follow-up was 24 months. Outcome was considered satisfactory when airway stenosis could be successfully managed by resection, no need for dilatation or definitive decannulation. In order to match the 3 groups, it was used a propensity score match (PSM) and them they were compared. Statistical significance was assumed for P Results Prevalence of GEaR was assessed in 175 patients. Abnormal pH study was found in 74 (42%) with a predominance of supine reflux. Typical GEaR symptoms were found in only 21%. Abnormal manometry was found in 37%, and hypotonic lower sphincter was the most frequent finding. Of the 124 patients who met the inclusion criteria, pH study was normal in 72 and abnormal in 52 (32 underwent clinical treatment and 20 nissen fundoplication). There were no peri-operative complications. After PSM, patients with abnormal pH study submitted to fundoplication had a higher chance of a satisfactory outcome of the stenosis compared to those treated with Omeprazole (OR 5.31; CI 2.41–11.07; P = 0.03) which was similar to those without GEaR (OR 1; CI 0.47–2.11; P = 0.99). Patients without GeAR had a higher chance of resolution of the tracheal stenosis compared to the patients treated with Omeprazole (OR 3.54; CI 2.02–6.19; P = 0.02). Conclusion Asymptomatic GEaR is a frequent finding in tracheal stenosis. Nissen fundoplication was safe and effective in selected patients with tracheal stenosis and GEaR. Control of the airway stenosis was superior after fundoplication if compared to medical treatment of GEaR. A larger prospective randomized multicenter trial is needed to confirm these findings Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Achalasia of the cardia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal carcinoma. The real burden of achalasia at the malignancy genesis is still a controversial issue. Therefore, there are no generally accepted recommendations on follow-up evaluation for achalasia patients. This study aims to estimate the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in achalasia patients. We searched for association between carcinoma and esophageal achalasia in databases up to January 2017 to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 1,046 studies were identified from search strategy, of which 40 were selected for meta-analysis. A cumulative number of 11,978 esophageal achalasia patients were evaluated. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma was 312.4 (StDev 429.16) cases per 100,000 patient-years at risk. The incidence of adenocarcinoma was 21.23 (StDev 31.6) cases per 100,000 patient-years at risk. The prevalence for esophageal carcinoma was 28 carcinoma cases in 1,000 esophageal achalasia patients (CI 95% 2, 39). The prevalence for squamous cell carcinoma was 26 cases in 1,000 achalasia patients (CI 95% 18, 39) and for adenocarcinoma was 4 cases in 1,000 achalasia patients (CI 95% 3, 6).The absolute risk increase for squamous cell carcinoma was 308.1 and for adenocarcinoma was 18.03 cases per 100,000 patients per year. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis estimating the burden of achalasia as an esophageal cancer risk factor. The high increased risk rate for cancer in achalasia patients points to a strict endoscopic surveillance for these patients. Also, the increased risk for developing adenocarcinoma in achalasia patients suggests fundoplication after myotomy, to avoid esophageal reflux and Barret esophagus, a known risk factor for adenocarcinoma.

Context Evaluating quality of life after surgery for gastroesophageal reflux is fundamental, since improvement of symptoms is the main goal of treatment. Objective To compare the satisfaction of patients operated for GERD, interviewed at the office, with patients interviewed by telephone. Methods One hundred and seventy-eight patients were submitted to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Ninety patients were found, and 45 agreed to come to the hospital’s office. The other 45 patients were interviewed by telephone. Quality of life was evaluated using three methods: The GERD-HRQL questionnaire, translated to Portuguese; question “If you could choose it today, would you do surgery again?”; and question “If you could classify your symptom improvement between 0 and 10, which grade would you give?” Patients were divided in group A (office interview) and B (telephone interview). Statistical analysis was performed. Results The average GERD-HRQL score in group A was 6.29, while in group B was 14.09(P = 0.002). There was no statistical difference between groups A and B regarding patients choice of doing the surgery again(P = 0.714) and their grade of postoperative symptom improvement (P = 0.642). Conclusion The overall postoperative satisfaction was high. The GERD-HRQL questionnaire might not be suitable for application by telephone in our population, and based on other analyzes, the satisfaction and quality of life of patients interviewed at the office or by telephone was similar. Contexto A avaliação da qualidade de vida após a cirurgia para a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico é fundamental, pois a melhora dos sintomas é o principal objetivo do tratamento. Objetivo Verificar a satisfação dos pacientes após a cirurgia para doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, e comparar a aplicação ambulatorial e telefônica do questionário GERD-HRQL. Métodos Cento e setenta e oito pacientes foram submetidos à fundoplicatura laparoscópica à Nissen. Noventa pacientes foram encontrados e 45 puderam comparecer ao ambulatório. Os demais 45 pacientes foram entrevistados por telefone. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada por três métodos: o questionário GERD-HRQL, traduzido para o Português; pergunta “Se você pudesse escolher hoje, faria a cirurgia novamente?”; e pergunta: “Se você pudesse classificar sua melhora dos sintomas entre 0 e 10, que nota você daria?” Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo A (entrevista ambulatorial) e B (entrevista telefônica). Resultados A pontuação média do grupo A no questionário GERD-HRQL foi de 6,29, enquanto que no grupo B foi de 14,09 (P = 0,002). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos A e B em relação a escolha de fazer a cirurgia novamente (P = 0,714) e o grau de melhora dos sintomas no pós-operatório (P = 0,642). Conclusão A satisfação geral dos pacientes no pós-operatório foi elevada. O questionário GERD-HRQL pode não ser adequado para aplicação por telefone na nossa população, e com base em outras análises, a satisfação e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes entrevistados no ambulatório ou por telefone foi semelhante.

Dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma may arise in patients with Barrett's esophagus after fundoplication esophageal pH monitoring showing no acid in esophagus. This suggests the need to develop methodology to evaluate the occurrence of ultra-distal reflux (1cm above the LES). The objective of the study was to compare acid exposition in three different levels: 5cm above the upper border of the LES, 1cm above the LES and in the intrasphincteric region. Eleven patients with Barrett's esophagus after Nissen fundoplication with no clinical, endoscopic and radiologic evidence of reflux were selected. Four-channel pH monitoring took place: channel A, 5cm above the upper border of the LES; channel B, 1cm above the LES; channel C, intrasphincteric; channel D, intragastric. The results of channels A, B and C were compared. There was significant increase in number of reflux episodes and a higher fraction of time with pH

Background Ectopic pancreas is an extremely rare genetic malformation in the esophagus. It is defined by pancreatic tissue outside the pancreas and usually presents as a subepithelial lesion in the esophagus. To date, there are fewer than 15 patients reported in the literature. Methods We present 2 cases of pancreatitis in the esophageal ectopic pancreas with different presentation, treatment and development, as well as a review of the literature. Results 1. A 48-year-old woman admitted to the ER with acute dysphagia and chest pain. There were elevation of amylasemia and lipasemia, as well as presence of a tumor in the Gastroesophageal junction with hypersignal at the CT scan, suggesting acute inflammation. An echoendoscopy with biopsy, diagnosed ectopic pancreas in the distal esophagus. The patient was then submitted to laparoscopic resection of subepithelial tumor of the cardia, recovered by a fundoplication. The specimen confirmed pancreatic tissue with acute inflammation. 2. A 33-year-old woman with a history of episodic chest pain confused with GERD, nausea and vomiting pain episodes accompanied by elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. She was submitted to an ERCP without alterations to investigate the clinical complains. After some crisis she was hospitalized with a septic condition, where a CT scan revealed a cystic lesion in the lower mediastinum in the esophageal wall. Endoscopy was performed, showing a drainage orifice with purulent secretion in the cardia. She was treated with antibiotics and fasting. She had two more crises and was referred to our specialized service. Thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis was performed for treatment of a suspected esophageal duplication cyst with recurrent infections. The specimen showed the presence of organized pancreatic tissue characterizing ectopic pancreas complicated with chronic pancreatitis. Conclusion The ectopic esophageal pancreas can be present as a differential of these lesions. The second case, was first admitted at a secondary care unit and the diagnosis was delayed, probably leading to a worse development and necessity of a esophagectomy. In the literature, there is only one description of 1 case of recurrent pancreatitis. We have shown that complications can range from dysphagia to abscess, requiring more invasive treatment. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Achalasia surgical treatment alters the esophagogastric junction anatomy (cardiomyotomy plus fundoplication or esophagectomy and gastric pull-up), thus favoring a certain degree of gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric secretory and hormonal functioning is not completely known in chagasic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric secretory and hormonal response in patients with end-stage chagasic achalasia compared with normal subjects. Gastric secretion and hormonal response were assessed by estimation of gastric acid secretion (GAS) in basal condition and after pentagastrin stimulation, basal serum gastrin, and serum pepsinogen (SP) in basal condition and after betazole hydrochloride (Histalog; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA) stimulation in 27 patients with chagasic achalasia. The results were then compared with those of 24 normal subjects. In the chagasic group, the mean basal and stimulated GAS were significantly lower than in the control group (basal: 1.277 vs. 3.13, P = 0.002; stimulated: 15.9 vs. 35.8, P = 0.0001). Chagasic patients' SG levels showed a significantly higher basal value than the control group (83.3 vs. 36.8, P = 0.0001). There was a significant increase of SP after stimulation compared with the basal levels in both chagasic and control groups. Although the chagasic patients' SP values were higher than the controls, this difference was not statistically significant, either in basal and stimulated conditions (basal: 122.0 vs. 108.9, stimulated 120 min: 177.1 vs. 158.9). In patients with chronic Chagas' disease (ChD), although autonomic denervation does not suppress the strength of the gastric mucosal cells' secretory response to stimulation, it reduces GAS (parietal cell) without, however, affecting SP production (chief cells). On the other hand, the gastrin-producing cells have continuously been stimulated by low GAS.

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de esôfago apresenta-se como uma das neoplasias mais freqüentes e letais. O acometimento linfático aparece como principal fator individual de pior prognóstico, sendo a esofagectomia com linfadenectomia extensa ainda seu tratamento de escolha. Ressecções mais extensas através da toracotomia estão associadas com maior sobrevida, mas apresentam altas taxas de morbimortalidade. O conceito de micrometástases pode nos trazer avaliação mais acurada do estadiamento dos tumores operados, com detecção através de imunoistoquímica ou reação em cadeia de polimerase de metástases não diagnosticadas pelos métodos convencionais. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de artigos científicos publicados e disponíveis no PubMed, através do site www.pubmed.gov. cruzando-se os descritores neoplasias esofágicas, biologia molecular, estadiamento de neoplasias, linfonodo sentinela, metástase linfática. REVISÃO DA LITERATURA: O conceito do linfonodo sentinela, onde se pesquisa durante a cirurgia os possíveis primeiros sítios de metástases, direcionando desta maneira a rota da ressecção linfática no intuito de permitir ressecções completas não necessariamente extensas, possibilita diminuir a morbimortalidade e restringir as indicações de procedimentos muitas vezes super-dimensionados que podem não trazer benefício aos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O estadiamento preciso através da procura de micrometástase e o tratamento mais regrado pelo método do linfonodo sentinela, podem trazer novas perspectivas no tratamento do câncer de esôfago, principalmente em casos de tumores precoces.

BACKGROUND: Association between esophageal achalasia/ gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cholelithiasis is not clear. Epidemiological data are controversial due to different methodologies applied, the regional differences and the number of patients involved. Results of concomitant cholecistectomy associated to surgical treatment of both diseases regarding safety is poorly understood. AIM: To analyze the prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients with esophageal achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux submitted to cardiomyotomy or fundoplication. Also, to evaluate the safety of concomitant cholecistectomy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1410 patients operated from 2000 to 2013. They were divided into two groups: patients with GERD submitted to laparocopic hiatoplasty plus Nissen fundoplication and patients with esophageal achalasia to laparoscopic cardiomyotomy plus partial fundoplication. It was collected epidemiological data, specific diagnosis and subgroups, the presence or absence of gallstones, surgical procedure, operative and clinical complications and mortality. All groups/subgroups were compared. RESULTS: From 1,229 patients with GERD or esophageal achalasia, submitted to laparoscopic cardiomyotomy or fundoplication, 138 (11.43%) had cholelitiasis, occurring more in females (2.38:1) with mean age of 50,27 years old. In 604 patients with GERD, 79 (13,08%) had cholelitiasis. Lower prevalence occurred in Barrett's esophagus patients 7/105 (6.67%) (p=0.037). In 625 with esophageal achalasia, 59 (9.44%) had cholelitiasis, with no difference between chagasic and idiopathic forms (p=0.677). Complications of patients with or without cholecystectomy were similar in fundoplication and cardiomyotomy (p=0.78 and p=1.00).There was no mortality or complications related to cholecystectomy in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of cholelithiasis was higher in patients submitted to fundoplication (GERD). Patients with chagasic or idiopatic forms of achalasia had the same prevalence of cholelithiasis. Gallstones occurred more in GERD patients without Barrett's esophagus. Simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy was proved safe. RACIONAL: São controversas as relações entre megaesôfago e doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) com colelitíase, especialmente a forma mais adequada de conduzir pacientes com ambas. Dados epidemiológicos são díspares devido às diversas metodologias aplicadas, às diferenças regionais e à quantidade de pacientes envolvidos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência de colelitíase em pacientes submetidos às operações de refluxo gastroesofágico e megaesôfago (chagásicos ou não) e a segurança da colecistectomia estar associada. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva de 1410 pacientes operados entre 2000 e 2013. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos: os com DRGE e operados por hiatoplastia/fundoplicatura a Nissen laparoscópicas e os com acalásia por cardiomiotomia e fundoplicatura parcial laparoscópicas. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos, diagnóstico, a presença ou não de litiase biliar, tratamento cirúrgico efetuado, complicações clínicas ou cirúrgicas e mortalidade. Todos os grupos e subgrupos foram comparados. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 1229 pacientes portadores de megaesôfago e/ou DRGE, operados por fundoplicatura com hiatoplastia, nos casos de DRGE, e cardiomiectomia com fundoplicatura, nos casos de megaesôfago, no período de 2000 a 2013, verificando-se presença de colelítiase ou colecistectomia prévia. A colelítiase ocorreu mais no sexo feminino (2,38:1) e na faixa etária entre os 50 e 70 anos. A prevalência global foi de 11,43%; 13,08% na DRGE, menor nos portadores de esôfago de Barrett (6,67%) sendo a diferença significativa (p=0,037); e 9,44% no megaesôfago, não havendo diferença significativa entre os chagásicos e os idiopáticos (p=0,677). Não houve mortalidade ou complicações relacionadas à colecistectomia nesta série. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de colelitíase é maior nos pacientes com DRGE do que nos com megaesôfago. Não há diferenças na prevalência de colelitíase nos pacientes com megaesôfago chagásico e não chagásico. É mais frequente litíase biliar nos pacientes sem esôfago de Barrett em relação portadores. A colecistectomia videolaparoscópica simultânea se mostrou-se segura.

Woman with 53-years-old diagnosed with congenital esophageal atresia, underwent to several surgical procedures in childhood, the latest was a cervical retrosternal esophagocoloplasty at 11 years old. After 42 years she was evolved with cervical dysphagia, and an initial diagnosis of stenosis of the esophagocolic anastomosis was performed, treated with endoscopic dilation without improvement. Later, biopsies were performed in the area of stenosis in proximal colonic segment (Figure 1) and polypectomy of sessile polyp of 10 mm, 5 cm distal to the stenosis (Figure 2). The pathological assessment showed tubular-villous intramucosal adenocarcinoma at the resected polyp and the area of stenosis was a invasive adenocarcinoma in colonic mucosa. Colonoscopy of remained colon was normal. Staging performed with CT scan showed an eccentric wall thickening of proximal colon transposed with luminal reduction target of left innominate vein; densification of mediastinal fat plane adjacent and regional lymph nodes up to 1.9 cm.

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of preoperative gastric secretory and hormonal response, to the appearance of Barrett’s esophagus in the esophageal stump following subtotal esophagectomy. Thirty-eight end-stage chagasic achalasia patients submitted to esophagectomy and cervical gastric pull-up were followed prospectively for a mean of 13.6 ± 9.2 years. Gastric acid secretion, pepsinogen, and gastrin were measured preoperatively in 14 patients who have developed Barrett’s esophagus (Group I), and the results were compared to 24 patients who did not develop Barrett’s esophagus (Group II). In the group (I), the mean basal and stimulated preoperative gastric acid secretion was significantly higher than in the group II (basal: 1.52 vs. 1.01, p = 0.04; stimulated: 20.83 vs. 12.60, p = 0.01). Basal and stimulated preoperative pepsinogen were also increased at the Group I compared to Group II (Basal = 139.3 vs. 101.7, p = 0.02; stimulated = 186.0 vs. 156.5, p = 0.07. There was no difference in preoperative gastrin between the two groups. Gastritis was present during endoscopy in 57.1% of the Group I, while it was detected in 16.6% of the Group II, p = 0.014. Barrett’s esophagus in the esophageal stump was associated to high preoperative levels of gastric acid secretion, serum pepsinogen, and also gastritis in the transposed stomach.

Background Mucin immunoexpression in adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus (BE) may indicate the carcinogenesis pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate resected specimens of adenocarcinoma in BE for the pattern of mucins and to correlate to the histologic classification. Methods Specimens were retrospectively collected from thirteen patients who underwent esophageal resection due to adenocarcinoma in BE. Sections were scored for the grade of intestinal metaplasia. The tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry for MUC2 and MUC5AC antibodies. Results Eleven patients were men. The mean age was 61 years old (varied from 40 to 75 years old). The tumor size had a mean of 4.7 ± 2.3 cm, and the extension of BE had a mean of 7.7 ± 1.5 cm. Specialized epithelium with intestinal metaplasia was present in all adjacent mucosas. Immunohistochemistry for MUC2 showed immunoreactivity in goblet cells, while MUC5AC was extensively expressed in the columnar gastric cells, localizing to the surface epithelium and extending to a variable degree into the glandular structures in BE. Tumors were classified according to the mucins in gastric type in 7/13 (MUC5AC positive) and intestinal type in 4/13 (MUC2 positive). Two tumors did not express MUC2 or MUC5AC proteins. The pattern of mucin predominantly expressed in the adjacent epithelium was associated to the mucin expression profile in the tumors, p = 0.047. Conclusion Barrett's esophagus adenocarcinoma shows either gastric or intestinal type pattern of mucin expression. The two types of tumors developed in Barrett's esophagus may reflect the original cell type involved in the malignant transformation.

Subtotal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with cervical anastomosis is the main treatment for advanced achalasia. This surgical technique has been associated to esophagitis and also Barrett’s epithelium following esophagectomy. To analyze late clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic findings in the esophageal stump (ES) mucosa after subtotal esophagectomy in patients treated for advanced chagasic achalasia. 101 patients submitted to esophagectomy and cervical gastroplasty were followed-up prospectively for a mean of 10.5 ± 8.8 years. All patients underwent clinical, endoscopic and histopathological evaluation every 2 years. Gastric acid secretion was also assessed. The incidence of esophagitis in the esophageal stump (45.9% at 1 year; 71.9% at 5 years, and 70.0% at 10 years follow-up); gastritis in the transposed stomach (20.4% at 1 year, 31.0% at 5 years, and 40.0% at 10 or more years follow-up), and the occurrence of ectopic columnar metaplasia and Barrett’s Esophagus in the ES (none until 1 year; 10.9% between 1 and 5 years; 29.5% between 5 and 10 years; and 57.5% at 10 or more years follow-up), all rose over time. Gastric acid secretion returns to its preoperative values 4 years postoperatively. Esophageal stump cancer was detected in the setting of chronic esophagitis in five patients: three squamous cell carcinomas and two adenocarcinomas. (1) Esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus in the esophageal stump rose over time. (2) These mucosal alterations and the development of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are probably due to exposure to duodenogastric reflux, and progressively higher acid output in the transposed stomach.

O esofago de Barrett e definido como a substituicao do epitelio escamoso do esofago distal por epitelio colunar. A metaplasia intestinal no esofago de Barrett e considerada por muitos como o principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do adenocarcinoma. Embora ja descrito, o adenocarcinoma do tipo difuso e o esofago de Barrett sem metaplasia intestinal, sao raros e pouco estudados. OBJETIVO E METODO: O presente estudo objetivou o calculo da prevalencia do adenocarcinoma no esofago de Barrett, assim como a analise macroscopica e microscopica detalhada de treze pacientes operados no periodo de 1990 a 2002, com realizacao de estudo imunohistoquimico do p53 e Ki67, correlacionando o tipo de tumor com o epitelio adjacente a este. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos uma prevalencia de 5,7% de adenocarcinoma em pacientes internados para tratamento cirurgico de esofago de Barrett . Encontraram-se tumores relativamente grandes, com media de 4,67 ± 2,28 cm, e sempre em esofago de Barrett longo, com media de 7,71 ± 1,5 cm. Observou-se tendencia de os tumores se localizarem proximos a transicao escamo-colunar. O estudo histologico mostrou dois pacientes (15,4%) que apresentavam esofago de Barrett adjacente ao tumor do tipo juncional sem presenca de metaplasia intestinal. Classificaram-se os tumores segundo a classificacao japonesa de Nakamura (23% de padrao diferenciado ou intestinal e 77% de padrao indiferenciado ou gastico) e pela classificacao de Lauren (61% intestinais e 39% difusos). A diferenca decorre da migracao dos tumores microtubulares e foveolares do padrao gastrico para o tipo intestinal de Lauren. O estudo do Ki67 foi fortemente positivo em todos os pacientes, mostrando o alto indice de proliferacao celular no epitelio colunar e no tumor. O p53 mostrou-se negativo em 66,7% dos pacientes no epitelio colunar e 41,7% no tumor, nao mostrando correlacao entre os dois materiais. CONCLUSAO: O adenocarcinoma se desenvolve sobre o esofago de Barrett a partir do epitelio colunar misto, intestinal, bem como do juncional, apresentando padrao tanto gastrico como intestinal; portanto tumores podem se desenvolver em epitelio colunar sem metaplasia intestinal o qual tambem deve ser seguido, principalmente quando for extenso.

Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's mucosa are risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADC). The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric features and prevalence of GERD in patients with ADC compared with patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and control subjects. A total of 262 patients with ADC and 302 with SCC were enrolled consecutively. A control group of 262 individuals, sex and age matched to the ADC group, and an additional group of 138 patients with GERD confirmed by 24-h pH monitoring were used for comparison. The prevalence of symptomatic GERD was 32.4% in the subgroup of patients with Barrett's ADC (male-female=6.4:1; mean age=62 years) vs. 8% in those with gastric cardia carcinoma (P0.01), 3% in the SCC group (P0.01), and 10% in the control group (P0.01). ADC patients, controls and refluxers had similar body mass index (BMI) that was significantly higher than in the SCC group (P0.05). Whether surveillance endoscopy is indicated in men over 50 years with a long-lasting history of GERD and a BMI25 remains to be determined.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is rare, but is of utmost importance due to its high morbidity and mortality. It is markedly important in patients with blunt abdominal trauma, and diagnosis is difficult because of the numerous associated injuries. A patient with few symptoms of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is described, who underwent surgery due to a gastric volvulus. Laparoscopic surgery permits repair of these injuries through an abdominal approach, avoiding a thoracic incision or selective intubation.

We critically appraised 50 consecutive patients operated on according to our laparoscopic approach to achieve the same good results of open cardiomyotomy with partial fundoplication in the treatment of non-advanced achalasia. We performed the same operation as we have made in open surgery, with some variations in order to achieve a safer laparoscopic procedure: we began with the partial fundoplication, performing the first suture line between posterior esophagus and gastric fundus; the second line in the anterior surface of the esophagus, and thus the myotomy. The third suture line was made in the gastric fundus and right border or myotomy. There were no conversions to laparotomy. There were six (12%) intraoperative complications, all of them with good evolution. We had two immediate postoperative complications and one death. There were no late complications. LCPF in the management of achalasia provide the same functional results and brings to the patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality.