Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction successfully treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication: First case report in the literature.

Background: Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a rare syndrome, characterized by an elevation of the integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, not accompanied by alterations in esophageal motility that may lead to the criteria for achalasia. We were unable to find any prior report of the combination of Heller myotomy with anterior partial fundoplication (Dor) as the treatment for EGJOO. We herein report a case of EGJOO treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy combined with Dor fundoplication.

Is there an association between hiatal hernia and ineffective esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Introduction: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease is multifactorial, where esophageal motility is one of the factors implicated in its genesis. However, there is still no consensus on the existence of an association between esophageal dysmotility and hiatal hernia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility in patients with hiatal hernia and to determine if herniation is a factor related to esophageal dysmotility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Immunohistochemical evaluation for P53 and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is not prognostic for long term survival in end stage esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Objectives: To correlate the expression of p53 protein and VEGF with the prognosis of patients submitted to curative resection to treat esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: Forty-six patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, submitted to curative resection, were studied. The expressions of p53 protein and VEGF were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 52.

Extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease often presents as heartburn and acid reflux, the so-called "typical" symptoms. However, a subgroup of patients presents a collection of signs and symptoms that are not directly related to esophageal damage. These are known collectively as the extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Nutritional assessment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Background/aims: Protein-calorie malnutrition that occurs in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus presents defined implications in surgical results. The present study aims to establish a nutritional score for malnutrition to measure the prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition and to determine parameters with higher discriminatory power for protein-calorie malnutrition diagnosis.

Methodology: Forty-five (45) patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (cases) and 90 surgical patients (controls) were analyzed using twelve parameters: percentage of body weight loss, triceps and subscapular skin fold, mid arm circumference and arm muscle circumference, serum total proteins, albumin, transferin, pre-albumin, hematocrit, total lymphocyte count and late hypersensitivity skin tests.