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Gastroenterology Jun 2023For patients with achalasia experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms after laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), pneumatic dilation (PD) is the most frequently used... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The Efficacy of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy vs Pneumatic Dilation as Treatment for Patients With Achalasia Suffering From Persistent or Recurrent Symptoms After Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
BACKGROUND & AIMS
For patients with achalasia experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms after laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), pneumatic dilation (PD) is the most frequently used treatment. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly being investigated as rescue therapy. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of POEM vs PD for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after LHM.
METHODS
This randomized multicenter controlled trial included patients after LHM with an Eckardt score >3 and substantial stasis (≥2 cm) on timed barium esophagogram and randomized to POEM or PD. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3 and without unscheduled re-treatment. Secondary outcomes included the presence of reflux esophagitis, high-resolution manometry, and timed barium esophagogram findings. Follow-up duration was 1 year after initial treatment.
RESULTS
Ninety patients were included. POEM had a higher success rate (28 of 45 patients [62.2%]) than PD (12 of 45 patients [26.7%]; absolute difference, 35.6%; 95% CI, 16.4%-54.7%; P = .001; odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.54; relative risk for success, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.37-3.99). Reflux esophagitis was not significantly different between POEM (12 of 35 [34.3%]) and PD (6 of 40 [15%]). Basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP-4) were significantly lower in the POEM group (P = .034; P = .002). Barium column height after 2 and 5 minutes was significantly less in patients treated with POEM (P = .005; P = .015).
CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with achalasia experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms after LHM, POEM resulted in a significantly higher success rate than PD, with a numerically higher incidence of grade A-B reflux esophagitis.
NETHERLANDS TRIAL REGISTRY
NL4361 (NTR4501), https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID = NTR4501.
Topics: Humans; Esophageal Achalasia; Heller Myotomy; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Dilatation; Barium; Treatment Outcome; Esophagitis, Peptic; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery
PubMed: 36907524
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.02.048 -
The Laryngoscope Dec 2022To examine the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for the treatment of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for the treatment of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, databases, including PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), and CINAHL (EBSCO), were searched for articles examining the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. Outcome measures included symptom resolution, ability to return to work, equalization problems (EP) scores, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores, and pressure chamber testing parameters. Pooled meta-analysis was performed for dichotomous measures and ETDQ-7 scores.
RESULTS
Eleven articles with 81 patients were included. Seventy-two patients from 10 articles underwent balloon Eustachian tube dilation; nine patients in 1 study underwent laser Eustachian tuboplasty (LET). All 81 patients were preoperatively symptomatic with barometric pressure change, and 26/30 (86.7%) were unable to work due to symptoms. On meta-analysis, after balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BDET), 82.5% (n = 30 [95% confidence interval: 42%-100%]) had improvement in ability to valsalva, 79.1% (n = 16 [57.9%-94.1%]) in ability to return to work, and 84.3% (n = 69 [69.8%-94.7%]) in any symptom. Of 25 patients with individual ETDQ-7 scores, 79.1% [51.4, 96.9] had improvements after BDET. For four case series with 36 patients, ETDQ-7 scores decreased by 1.2 [0.7, 1.7] (p < 0.00001). Of 20 patients with preoperative ETDQ-7 scores >2.0, there was a mean decrease of 2.1 [1.3, 2.8] (p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
From the available evidence, Eustachian tube procedures appear to be effective at improving symptoms of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, higher quality evidence is needed to support making definite recommendations for the use of balloon Eustachian tube dilation or LET for these patients. Laryngoscope, 132:2473-2483, 2022.
Topics: Humans; Dilatation; Ear Diseases; Eustachian Tube; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tympanoplasty
PubMed: 35442523
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30132 -
Digestive and Liver Disease : Official... May 2024Endoscopic treatments such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and pneumatic dilation (PD) are commonly used to treat achalasia. Although POEM has gained popularity due... (Review)
Review
Endoscopic treatments such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and pneumatic dilation (PD) are commonly used to treat achalasia. Although POEM has gained popularity due to its high efficacy, the technique is more complex and may be associated with a higher risk of long-term complications compared to PD. This narrative review will focus on efficacy and safety of PD and POEM, and their suitability for different patient populations. While evidence suggests that POEM may be preferred for type III achalasia, PD remains a valuable alternative for patients with a straight, non-dilated esophagus, who prioritize the preservation of anatomical integrity and a lower risk of post-procedural gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While PD carries a non negligibile risk of perforation, it has an excellent safety profile in terms of GERD and is minimally likely to cause permanent esophageal deformation. PD can be repeated with minimal risks to maintain symptom relief, whereas reversing permanent anatomical modifications related to POEM is difficult. The choice of treatment for achalasia should be patient-tailored, considering benefits and drawbacks of each intervention. The importance of personalized approach in the "POEM era" is highlighted, emphasizing the reasons why PD should still be considered a valuable option in the therapeutic armamentarium for achalasia. Areas requiring further research will be also outlined.
Topics: Esophageal Achalasia; Humans; Dilatation; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Esophagoscopy; Myotomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37932169
DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.10.019 -
Cardiology in the Young Dec 2023Coronary artery dilation associated with bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves is described in adults with limited data in children. We aimed to describe the clinical course...
INTRODUCTION
Coronary artery dilation associated with bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves is described in adults with limited data in children. We aimed to describe the clinical course of children with bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves and coronary dilation including coronary Z-score changes over time, association of coronary changes with aortic valve anatomy/function, and complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Institutional databases were searched for children ≤18 years with both bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves and coronary dilation (1/2006-6/2021). Kawasaki disease and isolated supra-/subvalvar aortic stenosis were excluded. Statistics were descriptive with associations measured by Fisher's exact test and overlapping 83.7% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
Of 17 children, bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valve was diagnosed at birth in 14 (82%). Median age at coronary dilation diagnosis was 6.4 years (range: 0-17.0). Aortic stenosis was present in 14 (82%) [2 (14%) moderate, 8 (57%) severe]; 10 (59%) had aortic regurgitation; 8 (47%) had aortic dilation. The right coronary was dilated in 15 (88%), left main in 6 (35%), and left anterior descending in 1 (6%) with no relationship between leaflet fusion pattern or severity of aortic regurgitation/stenosis on coronary Z-score. Follow-up evaluations were available for 11 (mean 9.3 years, range 1.1-14.8) with coronary Z-scores increasing in 9/11 (82%). Aspirin was used in 10 (59%). There were no deaths or coronary artery thrombosis.
DISCUSSION
In children with bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves and coronary dilation, the right coronary artery was most frequently involved. Coronary dilation was observed in early childhood and frequently progressed. Antiplatelet medication use was inconsistent, but no child died nor developed thrombosis.
Topics: Adult; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Child, Preschool; Infant; Child; Adolescent; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Aortic Valve; Coronary Vessels; Dilatation; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Coronary Aneurysm; Thrombosis
PubMed: 37078183
DOI: 10.1017/S104795112300077X -
Surgical Endoscopy May 2023Benign duodenal stenosis (BDS) is most commonly caused by peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is the recommended initial management despite...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Benign duodenal stenosis (BDS) is most commonly caused by peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is the recommended initial management despite limited supporting literature. Our study investigated the etiologic spectrum of BDS and its response to endoscopic dilation.
METHODS
We performed a cohort study of a prospectively maintained database of BDS at our large tertiary academic center between 2002 and 2018. All patients who underwent EBD were analyzed. Dilation was performed using through-the-scope balloons. Technical and clinical successes of initial and repeat EBD were compared. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.
RESULTS
The study included 86 patients with 54.7% female gender. Etiologies included 39 patients with PUD (45.3%), 19 patients with Crohn's disease (22.1%), 23 patients had idiopathic etiologies (26.7%), and 5 patients were listed as other etiologies (5.8%). Proximal stricture location (1st part of duodenum) occurred in 66% of females, whereas distal duodenal involvement was seen in 63.6% of males (p value 0.007). Usage of PPI was associated with 3.6 times higher clinical success rate (p value 0.04). Technical (97.4%) and clinical (77.8%) successes for index dilations in PUD were not significantly better than those of non-PUD patients (p values 0.99, 0.52).
CONCLUSION
EBD has both a high technical and clinical success for BDS regardless of etiology and should be considered over initial surgical intervention due to low risk profile. Males tend to have more distal duodenal involvement, and PPI usage is an independent predictor for clinical success.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Dilatation; Cohort Studies; Treatment Outcome; Endoscopy; Peptic Ulcer; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36624215
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09844-0 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Sep 2022The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between left ventricular (LV) dilation and outcomes following valve-sparing root reimplantation.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between left ventricular (LV) dilation and outcomes following valve-sparing root reimplantation.
METHODS
Patients with an indexed LV internal diameter during systole of ≥2.0 cm/m2 were categorized as having LV dilation. Outcomes were postoperative aortic insufficiency (AI), reintervention and all-cause mortality. The cumulative incidence of each outcome was computed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Adjusted comparisons between strata were performed for each outcome using a Cox proportional-hazards model. Where possible, the competing risk of death was accounted for. Multilevel mixed-effects ordered logistic regression was performed for AI grade at follow-up.
RESULTS
There were 295 patients of whom 52 had LV dilation. Operative outcomes were excellent; there were no significant differences between groups. Patients with LV dilation demonstrated significant improvement in indexed LV internal diameter during systole overtime. There was no association between LV dilation and postoperative AI grade >2 [hazard ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-3.67, P = 0.89] or odds of increased AI grade overtime (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.30-1.93, P = 0.57). There were no re-interventions among those with LV dilation. Adjusted mortality was significantly higher among those with LV dilation (hazard ratio 5.56, 95% CI 1.56-19.9); however, deaths were unrelated to aortic valve dilation.
CONCLUSIONS
LV dilation is not associated with poorer operative outcomes, postoperative AI or reintervention. It is associated with an increased risk of mortality, though not from valvular dysfunction. LV dilation should not deter valve-sparing root reimplantation when otherwise indicated.
Topics: Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Dilatation; Humans; Proportional Hazards Models; Replantation; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35861386
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac393 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Dec 2022Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) has emerged as an alternative intervention to manage Crohn's disease (CD) strictures. We determined the cost-effectiveness of EBD...
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) has emerged as an alternative intervention to manage Crohn's disease (CD) strictures. We determined the cost-effectiveness of EBD versus resection surgery for patients with short (< 4-5 cm) primary or secondary/anastomotic small or large bowel strictures.
METHODS
A microsimulation state-transition model analyzed the benefits and risks of EBD and resection surgery for patients with primary or anastomotic CD strictures. Our primary outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over ten years, and strategies were compared using a willingness to pay of $100,000/QALY from a societal perspective. Costs (2021 $US) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated. Deterministic 1-way and probabilistic analyses assessed model uncertainty.
RESULTS
The EBD strategy cost $19,822 and resulted in 6.18 QALYs while the surgery strategy cost $41,358 and resulted in 6.37 QALYs. Surgery had an ICER of $113,332 per QALY, making EBD a cost-effective strategy. The median number of EBDs was 5 in the EBD strategy and 0 in the surgery strategy. The median number of surgeries was 2 in the surgery strategy and 1 in the EBD strategy. Of individuals who initially received EBD, 50.4% underwent subsequent surgery. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that the probabilities of requiring repeated interventions, surgery mortality (< 0.7%), and quality of life after interventions were the most influential model parameters. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses favored EBD in 50.9% of iterations.
CONCLUSIONS
EBD is a cost-effective strategy for managing CD strictures. Differences in patient risk and quality of life after intervention impact cost-effectiveness. Intervention decisions should consider cost-effectiveness, patient risks, and quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Dilatation; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Quality of Life; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35290570
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07420-z -
Arquivos de Gastroenterologia 2021Esophageal stenosis (ES) in children is a fixed intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus due to numerous aetiologies.
BACKGROUND
Esophageal stenosis (ES) in children is a fixed intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus due to numerous aetiologies.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the clinical and nutritional impacts of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in Iranian children with an esophageal stricture.
METHODS
This retrospective study, pediatric patients (aged <18 years) who underwent EBD for esophageal stricture from April 2015 until March 2020 in Abuzar Children's Hospital (Ahvaz, Iran) were enrolled in the study. Outcome parameters were the frequency of dilations, nutritional status, complications, and clinical success rates. EBD was used in children with radiologic evidence of esophageal stenosis. The nutritional status was evaluated by weight-for-age (z-score). Clinical success was considered as no necessity of EBD for a minimum of one year and/or increasing interval among dilation and the frequency of EBD was less than four times per year.
RESULTS
A total of 53 cases (mean age, 4.72±3.38 years) were enrolled. There were 25 (47.2%) females and 28 (52.8%) males. During follow-up, a total of 331 EBD sessions were performed, with an average of 6.24 sessions per patient. There was one case of perforation and one case of mediastinitis, while there was no other complication or mortality. The clinical success rate of EBD therapy was 62.3% (33/53). The mean standard deviation z-score weight-for-age of patients before and after endoscopic dilation was 2.78 (2.41) and 1.18 (1.87), respectively. The t-test showed a significant difference between the weights-for-age (z-score) before and after endoscopic dilation. The majority of the patients had raised weight-for-age (z-score) after EBD treatment.
CONCLUSION
EBD attained a good clinical success rate and nutritional improvement in children with an esophageal stricture.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Dilatation; Esophageal Stenosis; Female; Humans; Infant; Iran; Male; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34909860
DOI: 10.1590/S0004-2803.202100000-93 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Feb 2022Tracheal stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the airway distal to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage. It is initially diagnosed based on clinical presentation and...
OBJECTIVES
Tracheal stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the airway distal to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage. It is initially diagnosed based on clinical presentation and then confirmed using direct laryngobronchoscopy. Other adjunctive diagnostic methods, including spirometry, have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between tracheal stenosis severity and pre- and post-balloon dilatation spirometry parameters in order to assess for significant changes in spirometry values and to evaluate for the effects of stenosis-associated factors on post-dilation spirometry values, including vertical length and grade of the stenosis, as well as the role of wound-modifying agents.
METHODS
This retrospective study included adults (>18 years of age) with isolated tracheal stenosis who underwent endoscopic balloon dilations at King Saud University Medical City from June 2015 to May 2019, with detailed documentation of operative findings and valid spirometry measurements pre- and post-balloon dilation. Basic demographic data and operative note details, including information about the percentage of tracheal stenosis, distance of tracheal stenosis from vocal cords, vertical length of stenotic segment, and use of wound-modifying agents (topical mitomycin C or triamcinolone injections), were extracted.
RESULTS
Fourteen patients with spirometry measurements obtained on 50 occasions (25 pre-balloon dilation and 25 post-balloon dilation) were included. Each 1-unit increase in the vertical length of the stenosis showed a statistically significant negative relationship (-1.47 L/s) with pre-balloon dilation peak expiratory flow (PEF; = .034). Post-balloon dilation spirometric values showed statistically significant improvements for most variables.
CONCLUSIONS
The vertical length of an isolated tracheal stenosis can be predicted before surgical interventions using PEF values and may be a significant indicator of anticipated post-balloon dilation surgical success. Our study suggested that spirometry is a very useful technique for evaluating patients with tracheal stenosis due to its noninvasiveness, cost-effectiveness, with a good clinical value.
Topics: Adult; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Spirometry; Tracheal Stenosis
PubMed: 32692288
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320936968 -
Dysphagia Feb 2020This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of endoscopic dilation for esophageal anastomotic strictures, and to compare response between caustic... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of endoscopic dilation for esophageal anastomotic strictures, and to compare response between caustic anastomotic strictures (CAS) and non-caustic anastomotic strictures (NCAS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients with anastomotic strictures (enrolled during January 1996-December 2015) were analyzed. Short- and long-term outcomes of dilation, in terms of clinical success, refractory, and recurrent strictures were compared between NCAS and CAS. Patients with refractory and recurrent strictures were managed with adjunctive therapy including intralesional steroids. Factors predicting refractoriness at start of dilation and reasons for more than ten lifetime dilations were also evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 142 patients, 124 (mean age-44.02; males-74) underwent dilation. Clinical success was achieved in 113 (91.3%) patients requiring a median [Interquartile range (IQR)] of 4 (2-10) sessions. The number of dilations to achieve clinical success, refractory strictures, and recurrent strictures, and the use of adjunctive therapy were significantly higher for CAS than for NCAS. Intralesional steroid use decreased periodic dilation index (PDI) significantly in CAS. Caustic etiology and starting dilation diameter of < 10 mm were found to be predictors of refractoriness, with the former alone being an independent predictor of more than ten lifetime dilations. No patient had free perforation; however, five required revision surgery.
CONCLUSION
Patients with CAS fared worse than those with NCAS in terms of number of dilations, refractoriness, recurrence of strictures, and need of adjunctive therapy. Endoscopic dilation can successfully ameliorate dysphagia due to anastomotic strictures in a majority of patients.
Topics: Adult; Burns, Chemical; Deglutition Disorders; Dilatation; Esophageal Stenosis; Esophagoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30929058
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10004-1