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BACKGROUND/AIMS: During esophagectomy for malignancy, the anterior and posterior branches of the vagus nerve are transected in order to achieve surgical radicality. This leads to loss of central nervous system-control of the pylorus which may lead to delayed gastric emptying. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of the EndoFLIP technique for assessment of pyloric biomechanical properties in patients undergoing esophagectomy. METHODS: A feasibility study in six patients undergoing surgery was conducted. EndoFLIP measurements were carried out preoperative (Pre-op), after surgical resection (Post-op) and following prophylactic balloon dilatation of the pylorus (Post-dil). By measuring the cross-sectional area and pressure of the pylorus the pyloric compliance and the incremental pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) were calculated. RESULTS: Placing the catheter in the pyloric region was successfully achieved in all six patients. No complications were observed. Resection of the esophagus increased the incremental pyloric elastic modulus (Ep) from 0.59 ± 0.18 kPa to 0.99 ± 0.34 kPa (p = 0.03). After dilatation, the Ep was reduced to 0.53 ± 0.23 kPa (p = 0.04), which was close to Pre-op (p = 0.62). The pyloric compliance showed a similar pattern as that found for Ep. CONCLUSION: The EndoFLIP system holds promise for assessment of biomechanics of the pyloric region in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer.

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BACKGROUND: Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) is a device that measures gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) distensibility. However, it is not demonstrated that GEJ distensibility increases proportionally with varying gastric myotomy length in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This study aimed to investigate the association between gastric myotomy length in POEM and intraoperative EndoFLIP findings. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent POEM with intraoperative EndoFLIP from December 2019 to January 2023. Using EndoFLIP, minimal balloon diameter and its distensibility index (DI) were measured pre- and post-myotomy. Primary and secondary outcomes were the post-myotomy EndoFLIP findings at 30 ml and 40 ml volume fills. RESULTS: The study included 44 patients (mean age 53.1 years, 50% female). Chicago classification included achalasia type I (39%), II (41%), III (9%), hypercontractile esophagus (2%), and EGJOO (9%). The mean esophageal myotomy length was 7.5 ± 2.2 cm and gastric myotomy was 2.1 ± 0.6 cm. Simple linear regression analyses indicated that for each 1 cm increase in gastric myotomy length, the DI at 30 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 2.0 mm2/mmHg (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.41), the minimal diameter at 30 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 2.4 mm (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.48), and the minimal diameter at 40 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 1.3 mm (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant linear relationship between gastric myotomy length and GEJ distensibility measured by EndoFLIP during POEM. These findings may be useful in clinical practice by enabling EndoFLIP to help calibrate a desired gastric myotomy length to achieve optimal DI and minimal diameter.

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INTRODUCTION: Dysphagia after anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is one of the most common indications for re-operative anti-reflux surgery and a leading cause of patient dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, the factors affecting its development are poorly understood. We investigated the correlation between pre-operative manometric and the intra-operative impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) measurements and development of post-operative dysphagia. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent index robotic ARS in our institution. Patients who underwent pre-operative manometry and intra-operative EndoFLIP™ were included in our study. Dysphagia was assessed pre-operatively and at 3-month after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (26.9%) reported post-operative dysphagia, and 34 (16.6%) reported new or worsening dysphagia. On pre-operative manometry, patients with post-operative dysphagia had a lower distal contractile integral [868.7 (IQR 402.2-1447) mmHg s cm vs 1207 (IQR 612.1-2111) mmHg s cm, p = 0.006) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure [14.7 IQR (8.9-23.6) mmHg vs 20.7 IQR (10.2-32.6) mmHg, p = 0.01] compared to those without post-operative dysphagia. They were also found to have higher pre-operative cross-sectional surface area (CSA) [83 IQR (44.5-112) mm2 vs 66 IQR (42-93) mm2, p = 0.02], and distensibility index (DI) [4.2 IQR (2.2-5.5) mm2/mmHg vs 2.9 IQR (1.6-4.6) mm2/mmHg, p = 0.003] compared to patients without post-operative dysphagia. Additionally, the decrease in CSA [- 34 (- 18.5, - 74.5) mm2 vs - 26.5 (- 10.5, - 53.7) mm2, p = 0.03] and DI [- 2.3 (- 1.2, - 3.7) mm2/mmHg vs - 1.6 (- 0.7, - 3.3) mm2/mmHg, p = 0.03] measurements were greater in patients with post-operative dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Patients who developed dysphagia post-operatively had poorer pre-operative motility and a greater change in LES characteristics intra-operatively. This finding suggests the utility of pre-operative manometry and intra-operative EndoFLIP in identifying patients at risk of developing dysphagia post-operatively.

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INTRODUCTION: Obese patients represent a large proportion of patients experiencing recurrent reflux and re-operations after initial anti-reflux surgery. However, there is a limited data describing the impact of obesity on GERD recurrence following re-operative procedures. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent re-operative anti-reflux surgery (Re-ARS) between 2012 and 2023. Peri-operative characteristics and post-operative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores were compared across the three BMI categories: (BMI < 25 kg/m2, 25 ≤ BMI > 30 kg/m2, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) over 12 IQR (9-14.9) months follow-up. Impedance planimetry measurements were included when it was utilized intraoperatively. RESULTS: Of 718 patients who underwent robotic ARS, 84 patients (11.6%) underwent Re-ARS, of which 29.7% had a BMI < 25 kg/m2, 35.7% were ≤ 25 BMI < 30 kg/m2, and 34.5% had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. The lower esophageal sphincter distensibility decreased similarly between groups with no differences in post-induction [3.2 ± 2 vs 4.5 ± 3.1 vs 3.9 ± 2.5 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.44] or post-fundoplication values [1 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.6 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.46]. There was a significant improvement in GERD-HRQL scores postoperatively compared to preoperative levels across the three BMI classes (BMI < 25 kg/m2: pre 17 IQR (12-22), post 7.5 (1.5-15), p = 0.04 vs ≤ 25 BMI < 30 kg/m2: pre 26 IQR (10-34), post 8 IQR (0-17), p < 0.01 vs BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: pre 44 IQR (26-51), post 5 IQR (3.5-14.5), p < 0.001) during 12 IQR (9-14.9) months follow-up. The rates of hiatal hernia recurrence on barium swallow [5.2 vs 15.7 vs 13.7%, p = 0.32] during 7 IQR (5.2-9.2) months follow-up, and endoscopy [13.3 vs 16.6 vs 7.1%, p = 0.74] during 11.8 (IQR 5.6-17.1) months follow-up period were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: GERD-HRQL scores in obese patients are expected to improve similarly compared to non-obese patients. Indicating that Re-ARS may be appropriate for patients across a range of BMIs.

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Gastroparesis (GP) can be a severe and debilitating disease. Its pathophysiology is complex and not completely understood. Two principal mechanisms are responsible for the development of symptoms - gastric hypomotility and pylorospasm. Pylorus targeted therapies aim to decrease presumably elevated pyloric tone - pylorospasm. There is a growing body of evidence about their role in the treatment algorithm of GP. G-POEM (endoscopic pyloromyotomy) is an extensively studied pylorus targeted therapy. Its efficacy ranges between 56 and 80% and the number of recurrences among those with treatment effect seems low. G-POEM is a safe procedure with very low frequency of severe adverse events. At present, G-POEM should not be considered as an experimental approach and may be offered to all patients with refractory and severe GP. Nevertheless, G-POEM is not a first line treatment. Conservative measures such as diet modification and pharmacotherapy should always be tried before G-POEM is considered. Further research must focus on better patient selection as at present there are no standardized criteria. Functional imaging such as impedance planimetry (EndoFlip) may hold promise in this regard.

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OBJECTIVES: Lower esophageal sphincter achalasia is associated with a higher risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) is used as an adjunctive tool in both the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, for which all children require anesthesia. Anesthesia may affect the parameters of the EndoFLIP due to its effect on gut motility. There are no standard anesthesia protocols to help decrease the risk of aspiration and the undesirable effect of anesthesia on EndoFLIP parameters. This study aims to standardize an anesthesia protocol to target both goals. METHODS: A protocol was developed to address perioperative management in patients undergoing EndoFLIP for any indication to minimize both anesthetic effect on the esophageal motility as well as perioperative complications. A retrospective data analysis was conducted on patients who underwent EndoFLIP at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; pre- and post-protocol implementation data including adverse events was compared. RESULTS: Pre-protocol implementation: 60 cases (median age of 13.8 years, 30 [50%] females) with 2 cases of adverse events (3.3%). Post-protocol implementation: 71 cases (median age of 14.6 years, 37 [52.1%] females) with no adverse events (0/71 = 0%). In comparison between pre- and post-protocol cases, no significant difference was noted in gender, age, and adverse events. Post-protocol procedures were found to be significantly shorter (median time of 89 vs. 79 min, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our anesthesia protocol provides a standardized way of administering anesthesia minimizing impact on EndoFLIP parameters and aspiration for patients with achalasia.

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Measurement of gastro-intestinal motility is increasingly performed under general anesthesia during endoscopic or surgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to review the impact of different anesthetic agents on digestive motility measurements in humans. METHODS: This systematic review was performed using the Medline-Pubmed and Web of Science databases. All articles published until October 2023 were screened by identification of key words. Studies were reviewed if patients had an assessment of digestive motility using conventional perfused manometry, high-resolution manometry, electronic barostat or functional lumen impedance planimetry with the use of inhaled or intravenous anesthetic anesthetic agents (propofol, ketamine, halogens, nitrous oxide, opioids, and neuromuscular blockades). RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-eight unique citations were identified, of which 42 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. The impact of anesthetics was mostly studied in patients who underwent esophageal manometry. There was a heterogeneity in both the dose and timing of administration of anesthetics among the studies. Remifentanil analgesia was the most studied anesthetic drug in the literature, showing a decrease in both distal latency and lower esophageal sphincter pressure after its administration, but the impact on Chicago classification was not studied. Inhaled anesthetics administration elicited a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure, but contradictory findings were shown on esophageal motility following propofol or neuromuscular blocking agents administration. CONCLUSION: Studies of the impact of anesthetics on digestive motility remain scarce in the literature, although some agents have been reported to profoundly affect gastro-intestinal motility.

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Esophageal manometry is utilized for the evaluation and classification of esophageal motility disorders. EndoFlip has been introduced as an adjunctive test to evaluate esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility. Treatment options for achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO) include pneumatic dilation, myotomy, and botulinum toxin. Recently, a therapeutic 30 mm hydrostatic balloon dilator (EsoFLIP, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) has been introduced, which uses impedance planimetry technology like EndoFlip. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EsoFLIP in the management of esophageal motility disorders. A systematic literature search was performed with Medline, Embase, Web of science, and Cochrane library databases from inception to November 2022 to identify studies utilizing EsoFLIP for management of esophageal motility disorders. Our primary outcome was clinical success, and secondary outcomes were adverse events. Eight observational studies including 222 patients met inclusion criteria. Diagnoses included achalasia (158), EGJOO (48), post-reflux surgery dysphagia (8), and achalasia-like disorder (8). All studies used 30 mm maximum balloon dilation except one which used 25 mm. The clinical success rate was 68.7%. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 week to a mean of 5.7 months. Perforation or tear occurred in four patients. EsoFLIP is a new therapeutic option for the management of achalasia and EGJOO and appears to be effective and safe. Future comparative studies with other therapeutic modalities are needed to understand its role in the management of esophageal motility disorders.

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BACKGROUND: Endoluminal functional impedance planimetry and panometry assesses secondary peristalsis in response to volumetric distention under sedation. We hypothesize that impedance planimetry and panometry can replace high-resolution manometry in the preoperative assessment prior to anti-reflux surgery. METHODS: Single institution prospective data were collected from patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery between 2021 and 2023. A 16-cm functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) assessed planimetry and panometry prior to surgery under general anesthesia at the start of each case. Panometry was recorded and esophageal contractile response was classified as normal (NCR), diminished or disordered (DDCR), or absent (ACR) in real time by a single panometry rater, blinded to preoperative HRM results. FLIP results were then compared to preoperative HRM. RESULTS: Data were collected from 120 patients, 70.8% female, with mean age of 63 ± 3 years. There were 105 patients with intraoperative panometry, and 15 with panometry collected during preoperative endoscopy. There were 60 patients (50%) who had peristaltic dysfunction on HRM, of whom 57 had FLIP dysmotility (55 DDCR, 2 ACR) resulting in 95.0% sensitivity. There were 3 patients with normal secondary peristalsis on FLIP with abnormal HRM, all ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). No major motility disorder was missed by FLIP. A negative predictive value of 91.9% was calculated from 34/37 patients with normal FLIP panometry and normal HRM. Patients with normal HRM but abnormal FLIP had larger hernias compared to patients with concordant studies (7.5 ± 2.8 cm vs. 5.4 ± 3.2 cm, p = 0.043) and higher preoperative dysphagia scores (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Impedance planimetry and panometry can assess motility under general anesthesia or sedation and is highly sensitive to peristaltic dysfunction. Panometry is a novel tool that has potential to streamline and improve patient care and therefore should be considered as an alternative to HRM, especially in patients in which HRM would be inaccessible or poorly tolerated.

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INTRODUCTION: Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a false pulsion diverticulum of the cervical esophagus. It is typically found in older adults and manifests with dysphagia. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's (Z-POEM) and intraoperative impedance planimetry (FLIP). METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective review of patients undergoing Z-POEM in a prospective database between 2014 and 2022. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) distensibility index (DI, mm2/mmHg) was measured by FLIP before and after myotomy. The primary outcome was clinical success. Secondary outcomes included technical failure, adverse events, and quality of life as assessed by the gastroesophageal health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL), reflux severity index (RSI), and dysphagia score. A statistical analysis of DI was done with the paired t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients underwent Z-POEM, with FLIP measurements available in 30 cases. We achieved technical success and clinical success in 54/54 (100%) patients and 46/54 patients (85%), respectively. Three patients (6%) experienced contained leaks. Three patients were readmitted: one for aforementioned contained leak, one for dysphagia, and one post-operative pneumonia. Three patients with residual dysphagia underwent additional endoscopic procedures, all of whom had diverticula > 4 cm. Following myotomy, mean DI increased by 2.0 ± 1.7 mm2/mmHg (p < 0.001). In those with good clinical success, change in DI averaged + 1.6 ± 1.1 mm2/mmHg. Significant improvement was found in RSI and GERD-HRQL scores, but not dysphagia score. CONCLUSION: Z-POEM is a safe and feasible for treatment of ZD. We saw zero cases of intraoperative abandonment. We propose that large diverticula (> 4 cm) are a risk factor for poor outcomes and may require additional endoscopic procedures. An improvement in DI is expected after myotomy, however, the ideal range is still not known.

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INTRODUCTION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive endoscopic option for management of achalasia. Adequate distal myotomy is necessary for relief of symptoms, but when too long may also increase risk of reflux. The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes after POEM and final length of gastric myotomy using impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP). METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 consecutive patients undergoing POEM with EndoFLIP were included. EndoFLIP measurements, including esophagogastric junction distensibility index (DI), minimum diameter (Dmin), and cross-sectional area (CSA) were recorded at 30- and 40-mL balloon-fill pre- and post- myotomy. The myotomy was considered complete when DI ≥ 3.4 mm2/mmHg. Postoperative Eckardt score (ES) was determined at initial postoperative visit and most recent follow-up. Linear and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between gastric myotomy length and post-myotomy EndoFLIP measurements on postoperative ES and GERD. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare gastric myotomy lengths and EndoFLIP parameters in relation to clinical success and development of GERD, and paired t-test to compare EndoFLIP measurements and ES pre- and post-myotomy. RESULTS: Final length of gastric myotomy measured 1 cm in 1 (2.9%), 1.5 cm in 11 (32.4%), 2.0 cm in 19 (55.9%), and 2.5 cm in 3 (8.8%) patients. Mean preoperative ES was 6.6 ± 2.2. All patients achieved ES < 3 postoperatively, which was maintained in 88.5% of patients at a median of 7.5 months of follow-up. Gastric myotomy length and post-myotomy EndoFLIP values were not associated with postoperative Eckardt scores or GERD. DISCUSSION: Early and late symptom relief was achieved in 100 and 88.5% of patients, respectively, at a gastric myotomy length of 1-2.5 cm. Using EndoFLIP to define a completed myotomy at DI of 3.4 mm2/mmHg yielded variable lengths of gastric myotomy.

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INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative evaluation of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes assessment of esophageal motility. High-resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard; endoscopic impedance planimetry (IP) with Endoflip 2.0 is increasingly utilized in esophageal disorders of motility. We hypothesized that normal IP motility would correlate with normal HRM motility and tested this in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients presenting for surgical evaluation of GERD between 9/2020 and 10/2021 were prospectively enrolled under an IRB-approved protocol. Patients with prior esophageal/gastric surgery, known motility disorders, or large paraesophageal hernias were excluded. All underwent HRM and IP, with normal motility defined by Chicago 3.0 classification for HRM and the presence of repetitive antegrade contractions for IP. Logistic regression and t test were used to analyze the data; p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 63 patients enrolled, 48 completed both IP and HRM testing. The cohort was 50% male with a median age of 52.5 [42.0, 66.0] years, mostly ASA class 1-2 (75.1%, n = 36) and had an average BMI of 31.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2. Normal motility tracings were in 62.5% of IP and 75% of HRM tests. Using HRM as the gold standard, IP detected normal motility with a sensitivity of 65.8% and a specificity of 50% (positive predictive value 83.3%, negative predictive value 27.8%). Normal IP was not statistically significant in predicting normal HRM (OR 3.182, 95% CI 0.826-12.262, p = 0.0926). Tolerability of IP was significantly better than HRM with lower rates of discomfort (10.9% vs. 93.4%, p < 0.0001) and higher willingness to repeat testing (100% vs. 47.8%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Esophageal motility testing with Endoflip 2.0 is well tolerated by patients. The low specificity (50%), poor negative predictive value (27.8%), and lack of statistically significant concordance between IP and HRM raises concern for the reliability of this test as a stand-alone replacement for HRM in the pre-operative evaluation for GERD.

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OBJECTIVES: Accurate and reproducible measurements of the pediatric airway are critical for diagnostic evaluation and management of subglottic and tracheal stenosis. The endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is a catheter-based imaging probe which utilizes impedance planimetry to calculate luminal parameters, including cross-sectional area and compliance. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of this system for multidimensional evaluation of the pediatric airway. METHODS: 3D-printed pediatric laryngotracheal models were created based on computed tomography scans, then artificially deformed to simulate both circumferential and posterior subglottic stenosis. Two observers made six measurements of the minimum cross-sectional area (MCSA) and length of stenosis of each model with EndoFLIP. Agreement between observer measurements and model dimensions was evaluated using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient; inter-observer reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation. RESULTS: Four models were created: two without pathology (MCSA: 132.4, 44.3 mm2 ) and two with subglottic stenosis (MCSA: 28.7, 59.7 mm2 , stenotic length 27.8, 24.4 mm). Observer measurements of MCSA and length of stenosis demonstrated high concordance with the models (r = 0.99, 0.95, p < 0.001) with a mean error of 4.5% and 18.2% respectively. There was a low coefficient of variation (0.6%-2.8%) for measurements, indicating high precision. Interrater reliability was high for both MCSA and stenotic length (ICC: 0.99, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The EndoFLIP system allows for accurate and reproducible measurements of cross-sectional area and stenotic length in pediatric airway models. This method may provide further advantages in the evaluation of airway distensibility, as well as measurements of asymmetric airway pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:108-112, 2024.

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INTRODUCTION: Endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) provides a real-time assessment of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) compliance during fundoplication. Given the limited data on EndoFLIP measurements during the Hill procedure, we investigated the impact of the Hill procedure on GEJ compliance compared to Toupet fundoplication. METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic Hill or Toupet fundoplication with intraoperative EndoFLIP between 2017 and 2022 were included. EndoFLIP measurements of the GEJ included cross sectional surface area (CSA), intra-balloon pressure, high pressure zone length (HPZ), distensibility index (DI), and compliance. Subjective reflux symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease-health related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score, and dysphagia score were assessed pre-operatively as well as at short- and longer-term follow-up. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-four patients (71.9%) had a Toupet fundoplication while sixty (28%) patients underwent the Hill procedure. The CSA [27.7 ± 10.9 mm2 vs 42.2 ± 17.8 mm2, p < 0.0001], pressure [29.5 ± 6.2 mmHg vs 33.9 ± 8.5 mmHg, p = 0.0009], DI [0.9 ± 0.4 mm2/mmHg vs 1.3 ± 0.6 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.001], and compliance [25.9 ± 12.8 mm3/mmHg vs 35.4 ± 13.4 mm3/mmHg, p = 0.01] were lower after the Hill procedure compared to Toupet. However, there was no difference in post-fundoplication HPZ between procedures [Hill: 2.9 ± 0.4 cm, Toupet: 3.1 ± 0.6 cm, p = 0.15]. Follow-up showed no significant differences in GERD-HRQL scores, overall dysphagia scores or atypical symptoms between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Hill procedure is as effective to the Toupet fundoplication in surgically treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) despite the lower CSA, DI, and compliance after the Hill procedure. Both procedures led to DI < 2 mm2/mmHg with no significant differences in dysphagia reporting (12-24) months after the procedure. Further studies to elucidate a cutoff value for DI for postoperative dysphagia development are still warranted.

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INTRODUCTION: Despite the increasing number of bariatric procedures over the recent years, the physiological changes in secondary esophageal motility and distensibility parameters after surgery remain unknown. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study comparing esophageal planimetry and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) distensibility in post-bariatric surgery patients (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and conversion/revisional patients (DH)) and native-anatomy patients with obesity (NAC). Distensibility refers to the area achieved with a certain amount of pressure, and secondary peristalsis represents the esophageal response to an intended obstruction. Patients with pre-surgical dysmotility symptoms were excluded from the study. RESULTS: From November 2018 to January 2023, 167 patients were evaluated and eligible for this study (RYGB = 87, SG = 33, NAC = 22, DH = 25). In NAC cohort, 17/22 (77%) patients presented normal motility patterns compared to 35/87 (40%) RYGB, 12/33 (36%) SG, and 5/25 (20%) DH (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The most common abnormal motility pattern for all three bariatric cohorts was absent contractions. DH patients generally had the highest mean maximum distensibility index averages, followed by SG, RYGB, and NAC. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery affects esophageal and GEJ physiology, and it is associated with higher rates of secondary dysmotility. DH patients have even higher rates of dysmotility. Further studies assessing clinical data and their correlation with manometric and pH-metric findings are needed.

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INTRODUCTION: Pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders represent some of the most challenging clinical conditions with largely undefined pathogenetic pathways and therefore limited therapeutic options. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent advances in treatment options for these disorders and their clinical impact. AREAS COVERED: PubMed and Medline databases were searched for relevant articles related to the treatment of achalasia, esophageal atresia, gastroparesis, PIPO and constipation published between 2017 and 2022. In this article, we review and summarize recent advances in management of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children with a particular focus on emerging therapies as well as novel diagnostic modalities that help guide their application or develop new, more targeted treatments. EXPERT OPINION: Gastrointestinal motility disorders represent one of the most challenging conundrums in pediatric age and despite significant advances in investigative tools, the palette of treatment options remain limited. Overall, while pharmacological options have failed to bring a curative solution, recent advances in minimal invasive therapeutic and diagnostic techniques have emerged as potential keys to symptom and quality of life improvement, such as ENDOFLIP, POEM, cine-MRI, fecal microbiota transplantation.

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INTRODUCTION: Gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) dilation is an independent predictor of weight regain (WR) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the role of planimetric measurements in this context remains unknown. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including adult RYGB patients who underwent a diagnostic endoscopy with Endoflip assessment of the GJA. We excluded patients in the early postoperative period and those with abnormal endoscopic findings (marginal ulcers and gastro-gastric fistulas). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were initially included. Endoscopic GJA diameter had a moderate positive correlation with WR (r=+0.438, p=0.011). However, after excluding the 7 patients with GJA> 30 mm, there was no significant correlation. There was a moderate agreement between the EndoFLIP-GJA diameter at 60mL and endoscopic diameter (ICC=0.576, p=0.049). The distensibility index (DI) showed a consistent moderate negative correlation with WR. Considering the maximum DI at 40 ml, we found a cutoff of DI = 7 mm2/mmHg that split the sample in two significantly different populations in terms of WR (67.4% vs. 43.2%, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Visual estimation of the GJA diameter correlates with EndoFLIP at 60mL. In the subset of patients with GJA ≤ 30 mm, more distensible GJAs are associated with lower rates of WR. Larger studies are needed to confirm this correlation and to validate its utility for clinical management.

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BACKGROUND: Pyloric distensibility has been reported as a predictive measure in gastroparesis. Measures can be obtained either during endoscopy under anesthesia or in unsedated patients. However, the impact of anesthetic drugs on the results of pyloric characteristics remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of anesthetics on pyloric characteristics measured using EndoFLIP® in patients with gastroparesis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with gastroparesis from three French tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with a previous history of pyloric intervention were not considered for analysis. Medical records were reviewed for the potential use of anesthetic drugs during EndoFLIP® measurement. KEY RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five patients were included in the present study [median age: 55.0 years (43.0-66.0)]. Thirty-four patients (27.2%) had pyloric assessment without general anesthesia and 91 patients (72.8%) with general anesthesia. Pyloric pressure at 40 mL of distension was higher in patients with general anesthesia in comparison with patients without general anesthesia [18.7 (13.0-25.6) mmHg vs. 15.4 (11.9-20.7) mmHg; p = 0.044)]. In multivariate analysis, suxamethonium chloride administration was associated with decreased pyloric distensibility (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.3-11.4; p = 0.013) while ephedrine was rather associated with increased pyloric distensibility (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: This study is the first to have found an impact of general anesthesia on pyloric measurement using the EndoFLIP®. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these findings, if possible, prospective studies.

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INTRODUCTION: Impedance planimetry (FLIP) provides objective feedback to optimize fundoplication outcomes. Ideal FLIP ranges for differing wraps and bougies have not yet been established. We report FLIP measurements during fundoplication grouped by choice of wrap and bougie with associated outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective gastroesophageal database was performed for all Nissen or Toupet fundoplication with intraoperative FLIP using an 8-cm catheter, 30-mL and/or 40-mL fill and/or 16-cm catheter, 60-mL fill. Surgeons used no bougie, the FLIP balloon as bougie, or a hard bougie. Outcomes included perioperative data, Reflux Symptom Index, GERD-HRQL, Dysphagia scores, need for dilation, postoperative EGD findings, and hernia recurrence. Group comparisons were made using two-tailed Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2022, 333 patients underwent fundoplication and intraoperative FLIP. Procedures included Toupet with hard bougie (TFHB, N = 147), Toupet with FLIP bougie (TFFB, N = 69), Toupet without bougie (TFNB, N = 78), Nissen with hard bougie (NFHB, n = 20), or Nissen with FLIP bougie (NFFB, N = 19). FLIP measurements at 30-mL/40-mL fills varied significantly between groups, notably distensibility index at crural closure (CCDI) and post-fundoplication (FDI). No significant differences in FLIP measurements were seen between those who developed poor postoperative outcomes and those who did not, including when grouping by choice of wrap and bougie. At a 40-mL fill, abnormal motility patients with CCDI > 3.5 mm2/mmHg developed zero postoperative dysphagia. TFFB abnormal motility patients with CCDI > 3.5 mm2/mmHg or FDI > 3.6 mm2/mmHg developed zero postoperative dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative FLIP measurements vary by fundoplication and bougie choice. A CCDI > 3.5 mm2/mmHg (40 mL fill) should be sought in abnormal motility patients, regardless of wrap or bougie, to avoid postoperative dysphagia. TFFB abnormal motility patients with FDI > 3.6 mm2/mmHg (40 mL fill) also developed zero postoperative dysphagia. FDI > 6.2 mm2/mmHg (40 mL fill) was seen in all postoperative hernia recurrences.

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BACKGROUND: It is thought the therapeutic benefit of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of esophageal dysmotility disorders is from longitudinal myotomy creation, but it is unknown if the submucosa contributes to the pathophysiology. This study investigates if submucosal tunnel (SMT) dissection alone contributes to POEM's luminal changes as measured by EndoFLIP. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of consecutive POEM cases from June 1, 2011 to September 1, 2022 with intraoperative luminal diameter and distensibility index (DI) data as measured by EndoFLIP. Patients with diagnoses of achalasia or esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction were grouped by those with pre-SMT and post-myotomy measurements (Group 1) and those with a third measurement post-SMT dissection (Group 2). Outcomes and EndoFLIP data were analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistics. RESULTS: There were 66 patients identified, of whom 57 (86.4%) had achalasia, 32 (48.5%) were female, and median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 7 [IQR: 6-9]. There were 42 (64%) patients in Group 1, and 24 (36%) patients in Group 2, with no differences in baseline characteristics. In Group 2, SMT dissection changed luminal diameter by 2.15 [IQR: 1.75-3.28]cm, which comprised 38% of the median 5.6 [IQR: 4.25-6.3]cm diameter of complete POEM change. Similarly, the median post-SMT change in DI of 1 [IQR: 0.5-1.2]units comprised 30% of the median 3.35 [2.4-3.98]units overall change in DI. Post-SMT diameters and DI were both significantly lower than the full POEM. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal diameter and DI are significantly affected by SMT dissection alone, though not equaling the magnitude of diameter or DI changes from full POEM. This suggests that the submucosa does play a role in achalasia, presenting a future target for refining POEM and developing alternative treatment strategies.

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