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JAMA May 2015Achalasia significantly affects patients' quality of life and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Achalasia significantly affects patients' quality of life and can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnosis and management of achalasia, with a focus on phenotypic classification pertinent to therapeutic outcomes.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Literature review and MEDLINE search of articles from January 2004 to February 2015. A total of 93 articles were included in the final literature review addressing facets of achalasia epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Nine randomized controlled trials focusing on endoscopic or surgical therapy for achalasia were included (734 total patients).
FINDINGS
A diagnosis of achalasia should be considered when patients present with dysphagia, chest pain, and refractory reflux symptoms after an endoscopy does not reveal a mechanical obstruction or an inflammatory cause of esophageal symptoms. Manometry should be performed if achalasia is suspected. Randomized controlled trials support treatments focused on disrupting the lower esophageal sphincter with pneumatic dilation (70%-90% effective) or laparoscopic myotomy (88%-95% effective). Patients with achalasia have a variable prognosis after endoscopic or surgical myotomy based on subtypes, with type II (absent peristalsis with abnormal pan-esophageal high-pressure patterns) having a very favorable outcome (96%) and type I (absent peristalsis without abnormal pressure) having an intermediate prognosis (81%) that is inversely associated with the degree of esophageal dilatation. In contrast, type III (absent peristalsis with distal esophageal spastic contractions) is a spastic variant with less favorable outcomes (66%) after treatment of the lower esophageal sphincter.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Achalasia should be considered when dysphagia is present and not explained by an obstruction or inflammatory process. Responses to treatment vary based on which achalasia subtype is present.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins; Chest Pain; Deglutition Disorders; Dilatation; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Esophagus; Humans; Manometry; Prognosis
PubMed: 25965233
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.2996 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2012Because of the disability associated with surgery for anal fissure and the risk of incontinence, medical alternatives for surgery have been sought. Most recently,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Because of the disability associated with surgery for anal fissure and the risk of incontinence, medical alternatives for surgery have been sought. Most recently, pharmacologic methods that relax the anal smooth muscle, to accomplish reversibly what occurs in surgery, have been used to obtain fissure healing.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and morbidity of various medical therapies for anal fissure.
SEARCH METHODS
Search terms include "anal fissure randomized". Timing from 1966 to August 2010. Further details of the search below.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies in which participants were randomized to a non-surgical therapy for anal fissure. Comparison groups may include an operative procedure, an alternate medical therapy or placebo. Chronic fissure, acute fissure and fissure in children are included in the review. Atypical fissures associated with inflammatory bowel disease or cancer or anal infection are excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were abstracted from published reports and meeting abstracts, assessing method of randomization, blinding, "intention to treat" and drop-outs, therapies, supportive measures (applied to both groups), dosing and frequency and cross-overs. Dichotomous outcome measures included Non-healing of the fissure (a combination of persistence and recurrence), and Adverse events (including incontinence, headache, infection, anaphylaxis). Continuous outcome measures included measures of pain relief and anorectal manometry.
MAIN RESULTS
In this update 23 studies including 1236 participants is added to the 54 studies and 3904 participants in the 2008 publication, however 2 studies were from the last version reclassified as un included, so the final number of participants is 5031.49 different comparisons of the ability of medical therapies to heal anal fissure have been reported in 75 RCTs. Seventeen agents were used (nitroglycerin ointment (GTN), isosorbide mono & dinitrate, Botulinum toxin (Botox), diltiazem, nifedipine (Calcium channel blockers or CCBs), hydrocortisone, lignocaine, bran, minoxidil, indoramin, clove oil, L-arginine, sitz baths, sildenafil, "healer cream" and placebo) as well as Sitz baths, anal dilators and surgical sphincterotomy. GTN was found to be marginally but significantly better than placebo in healing anal fissure (48.9% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.0009), but late recurrence of fissure was common, in the range of 50% of those initially cured. Botox and CCBs were equivalent to GTN in efficacy with fewer adverse events. No medical therapy came close to the efficacy of surgical sphincterotomy, though none of the medical therapies in these RCTs were associated with the risk of incontinence.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Medical therapy for chronic anal fissure, currently consisting of topical glyceryl trinitrate, botulinum toxin injection or the topical calcium channel blockers nifedipine or diltiazem in acute and chronic fissure and fissure in children may be applied with a chance of cure that is marginally better than placebo. For chronic fissure in adults all medical therapies are far less effective than surgery. A few of the newer agents investigated show promise based only upon single studies (clove oil, sildenifil and a "healer cream") but lack comparison to more established medications.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Child; Dilatation; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Hydrotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 22336789
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003431.pub3 -
Dysphagia Apr 2023The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial. The severity of abnormal reflux burden corresponds to the dysfunction of the antireflux... (Review)
Review
The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial. The severity of abnormal reflux burden corresponds to the dysfunction of the antireflux barrier and inability to clear refluxate. The crural diaphragm is one of the main components of the esophagogastric junction and plays an important role in preventing gastroesophageal reflux. The diaphragm, as a skeletal muscle, is partially under voluntary control and its dysfunction can be improved via breathing exercises. Thus, diaphragmatic breathing training (DBT) has the potential to alleviate symptoms in selected patients with GERD. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is a useful method for the assessment of antireflux barrier function and can therefore elucidate the mechanisms responsible for gastroesophageal reflux. We hypothesize that HRM can help define patient phenotypes that may benefit most from DBT, and that HRM can even help in the management of respiratory physiotherapy in patients with GERD. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current data supporting physiotherapeutic practices in the treatment of GERD and to illustrate how HRM may guide treatment strategies focused on respiratory physiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Esophagogastric Junction; Manometry; Breathing Exercises
PubMed: 35842548
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10494-6 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Feb 2020Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology characterized by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which results in impaired relaxation of the...
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology characterized by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which results in impaired relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), along with the loss of organized peristalsis in the esophageal body. The criterion standard for diagnosing achalasia is high-resolution esophageal manometry showing incomplete relaxation of the EGJ coupled with the absence of organized peristalsis. Three achalasia subtypes have been defined based on high-resolution manometry findings in the esophageal body. Treatment of patients with achalasia has evolved in recent years with the introduction of peroral endoscopic myotomy. Other treatment options include botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy. This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Standards of Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of achalasia, based on an updated assessment of the individual and comparative effectiveness, adverse effects, and cost of the 4 aforementioned achalasia therapies.
Topics: Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors; Botulinum Toxins; Dilatation; Disease Management; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Heller Myotomy; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Manometry; Myotomy; Societies, Medical; United States
PubMed: 31839408
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2019.04.231 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Dec 2021Aim of this systematic review is to assess the changes in esophageal motility and acid exposure of the esophagus through esophageal manometry and 24-hours pH-monitoring... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Aim of this systematic review is to assess the changes in esophageal motility and acid exposure of the esophagus through esophageal manometry and 24-hours pH-monitoring before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
METHODS
Articles in which all patients included underwent manometry and/or 24-hours pH-metry or both, before and after LSG, were included. The search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, revealing overall 13,769 articles. Of these, 9702 were eliminated because they have been found more than once between the searches. Of the remaining 4067 articles, further 4030 were excluded after screening the title and abstract because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thirty-seven articles were fully analyzed, and of these, 21 further articles were excluded, finally including 16 articles.
RESULTS
Fourteen and twelve studies reported manometric and pH-metric data from 402 and 547 patients, respectively. At manometry, a decrease of the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure after surgery was observed in six articles. At 24-hours pH-metry, a worsening of the DeMeester score and/or of the acid exposure time was observed in nine articles and the de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rate that ranged between 17.8 and 69%. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of data.
CONCLUSIONS
After LSG a worsening of GERD evaluated by instrumental exams was observed such as high prevalence of de novo GERD. However, to understand the clinical impact of LSG and the burden of GERD over time further long-term studies are necessary.
Topics: Gastrectomy; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Laparoscopy; Manometry; Obesity, Morbid
PubMed: 33855600
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02171-3 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Aug 2022Hirschsprung disease is commonly encountered by pediatric surgeons. Despite advances in the surgical management, these children may experience symptoms of bowel... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hirschsprung disease is commonly encountered by pediatric surgeons. Despite advances in the surgical management, these children may experience symptoms of bowel dysfunction throughout adulthood. Anorectal manometry may be used to assess post-operative anorectal structure and function. This review aimed to consolidate and evaluate the literature pertaining to post-operative findings of anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease.
PURPOSE
(1) Synthesize the available data regarding anorectal motility patterns in children following repair of Hirschsprung disease. (2) Evaluate the reported anorectal manometry protocols.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed.
STUDY SELECTION
This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting results of post-operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease were evaluated for inclusion.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies satisfied inclusion criteria, with a combined cohort of 939 patients. Post-operative anorectal manometry results were reported for 682 children. The majority of included studies were assessed as "poor quality." Disparate manometry protocols, heterogeneous cohorts, and lack of standardized outcome assessments introduced a risk of outcome reporting bias, limited the comparability of results, and impeded clinical translation of findings.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review demonstrated the lack of high-quality evidence underlying the current understanding of post-operative anorectal motility in children with HD. There was little consistency in reported manometry outcomes between studies. In future work, emphasis must be placed on the application of standardized manometry protocols, cohort reporting, and patient outcome assessments.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Child; Hirschsprung Disease; Humans; Manometry; Postoperative Period; Rectum
PubMed: 34964199
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14311 -
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2018We undertook a systematic review of swallowing biomechanics, as assessed using pharyngeal and esophageal manometry in healthy or dysphagic older individuals aged over 60... (Review)
Review
We undertook a systematic review of swallowing biomechanics, as assessed using pharyngeal and esophageal manometry in healthy or dysphagic older individuals aged over 60 years of age, comparing findings to studies of younger participants. PRISMA-P methodology was used to identify, select, and evaluate eligible studies. Across studies, older participants had lower upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressures and evidence of decreased UES relaxation when compared to younger groups. Intrabolus pressures (IBP) above the UES were increased, demonstrating flow resistance at the UES. Pharyngeal contractility was increased and prolonged in some studies, which may be considered as an attempt to compensate for UES flow resistance. Esophageal studies show evidence of reduced contractile amplitudes in the distal esophagus, and an increased frequency of failed peristaltic events, in concert with reduced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, in the oldest subjects. Major motility disorders occurred in similar proportions in older and young patients in most clinical studies, but some studies show increases in achalasia or spastic motility in older dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain patients. Overall, study qualities were moderate with a low likelihood of bias. There were few clinical studies specifically focused on swallowing outcomes in older patient groups and more such studies are needed.
PubMed: 31011102
DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics3040067 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Dec 2022Children with anorectal malformations may experience constipation and fecal incontinence following repair. The contribution of altered anorectal function to these... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Children with anorectal malformations may experience constipation and fecal incontinence following repair. The contribution of altered anorectal function to these persistent symptoms is relatively intuitive; however, colonic motility in this cohort is less well understood. Manometry may be used to directly assess colonic motility.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility in children with anorectal malformations and evaluate the reported equipment and protocols used to perform colonic manometry in this cohort. This systematic review was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We conducted a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library (1 January 1985-22 July 2021). Studies reporting colonic manometry performed in children following anorectal malformation repair were assessed for eligibility. Data were extracted independently by two authors. Four studies were eligible for inclusion. Of the combined total cohort of 151 children, post-operative colonic manometry was conducted in 35. Insufficient reporting of medical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes restricted comparison between studies, and limited clinical applicability. No results from high-resolution colonic manometry were identified. Despite the prevalence of post-operative bowel dysfunction in children with repaired anorectal malformations, this systematic review highlighted the markedly limited evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility. This cohort may benefit from assessment with high-resolution techniques; however, future work must emphasize adherence to standardized manometry protocols, and include robust reporting of surgical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes.
Topics: Child; Humans; Anorectal Malformations; Rectum; Anal Canal; Manometry; Colon; Constipation; Fecal Incontinence
PubMed: 35699343
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14415 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Aug 2012Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a benign pathological syndrome. The clinical manifestations may be a consequence of an anatomical stenosis or sphincter... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a benign pathological syndrome. The clinical manifestations may be a consequence of an anatomical stenosis or sphincter dysmotility. Manometry is invasive and has an associated morbidity. Non-invasive investigations have been evaluated to ameliorate risk but have unknown efficacy. The review aims to critically appraise current evidence for the diagnosis and management of SOD.
METHODS
A systematic review of articles containing relevant search terms was performed.
RESULTS
Manometry is the current gold standard in selecting which patients are likely to benefit from endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). It can, however, be misleading. Several non-invasive investigations were identified. These have poor sensitivities and specificities compared to manometry. There is a paucity of data examining the investigation's specific ability to select patients for ES. Outcomes of ES for Type I SOD are favourable irrespective of manometry. Types II and III SOD may respond to an initial trial of medical therapy. Manometry may predict response to ES in Type II SOD, but not in Type III.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-invasive investigations currently lack sufficient sensitivities and specificities for routine use in diagnosing SOD. Type I SOD should be treated with ES without manometry. Manometry may be useful for Type II SOD. However, whilst data is lacking a therapeutic trial of Botox(TM) or trial stenting may bean alternative. Careful and thorough patient counselling is essential. Type III SOD is associated with high complications from manometry and poor outcomes from ES. Alternative diagnoses should be thoroughly sought and its management should be medical.
Topics: Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Diagnostic Imaging; Endosonography; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Manometry; Prospective Studies; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 22688754
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-012-0971-3 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... May 2022Manometry is the best established technique to assess anorectal function in faecal incontinence. By systematic review, pooled prevalences of anal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Systematic review and meta-analysis of anal motor and rectal sensory dysfunction in male and female patients undergoing anorectal manometry for symptoms of faecal incontinence.
AIM
Manometry is the best established technique to assess anorectal function in faecal incontinence. By systematic review, pooled prevalences of anal hypotonia/hypocontractility and rectal hypersensitivity/hyposensitivity in male and female patients were determined in controlled studies using anorectal manometry.
METHODS
Searches of MEDLINE and Embase were completed. Screening, data extraction and bias assessment were performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed based on a random effects model with heterogeneity evaluated by I .
RESULTS
Of 2116 identified records, only 13 studies (2981 faecal incontinence patients; 1028 controls) met the inclusion criteria. Anal tone was evaluated in 10 studies and contractility in 11; rectal sensitivity in five. Only three studies had low risk of bias. Pooled prevalence of anal hypotonia was 44% (95% CI 32-56, I = 96.35%) in women and 27% (95% CI 14-40, I = 94.12%) in men. The pooled prevalence of anal hypocontractility was 69% (95% CI 57-81; I = 98.17%) in women and 36% (95% CI 18-53; I = 96.77%) in men. Pooled prevalence of rectal hypersensitivity was 10% (95% CI 4-15; I = 80.09%) in women and 4% (95% CI 1-7; I = 51.25%) in men, whereas hyposensitivity had a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI 5-9; I = 0.00%) in women compared to 19% (95% CI 15-23; I = 0.00%) in men.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of appropriately controlled studies of anorectal manometry is small with fewer still at low risk of bias. Results were subject to gender differences, wide confidence intervals and high heterogeneity indicating the need for international collective effort to harmonize practice and reporting to improve certainty of diagnosis.
Topics: Anal Canal; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Humans; Male; Manometry; Muscle Hypotonia; Rectum
PubMed: 35023242
DOI: 10.1111/codi.16047