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Lars Lundell

Publications and source records attributed to Lars Lundell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The development and validation of an endoscopic grading system for Barrett's esophagus: the Prague C & M criteria.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma, its diagnosis relying initially on recognition of a columnar-lined distal esophagus. We aimed to develop and validate explicit, consensus-driven criteria for the endoscopic diagnosis and grading of BE. METHODS: An international working group agreed on criteria and developed materials for their formal evaluation using video-endoscopic recordings gathered in a standardized manner in 29 patients. The criteria included assessment of the circumferential (C) and maximum (M) extent of the endoscopically visualized BE segment as well as endoscopic landmarks. The recordings were scored according to these criteria by a separate international panel of 29 endoscopists. RESULTS: The Prague C & M Criteria give explicit guidance on the endoscopic recognition of BE and grading of its extent. The overall reliability coefficients (RC) for the assessment of the C & M extent of the endoscopic BE segment above the gastroesophageal junction were 0.95 and 0.94, respectively. The rates of exact agreement (for C & M values) for pairwise comparisons of individual patient values were 53% and 38%, respectively, whereas the values for agreement within a 2-cm interval were 97% and 95%, respectively. The overall RC for endoscopic recognition of BE >/=1 cm was 0.72, whereas for BE <1 cm, it was 0.22. The RCs for recognizing the location of the gastroesophageal junction and the diaphragmatic hiatus were 0.88 and 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Prague C & M Criteria have high overall validity for the endoscopic assessment of visualized BE lengths.

Barrett Esophagus↗

An evidence-based, Latin-American consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

In recognition of the high prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its importance in Latin America, the InterAmerican Association of Gastroenterology and the InterAmerican Society of Digestive Endoscopy organized a Latin-American Consensus on GORD in Cancun, Mexico in September 2004. The main objectives of the consensus meeting were to provide evidence-based guidance with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of GORD, relevant to all countries in the region. The methodology, results and recommendations of the consensus are described in detail.

Adult↗

Physical function and quality of life after thoracoabdominal oesophageal resection. Results of a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term functional outcome after thoracoabdominal resection has to be better evaluated. A study was performed to evaluate patients after a similar operation both in terms of physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS: Eighteen patients were evaluated 2 years after a thoracoabdominal resection. Respiratory function, physical performance and range of motion in shoulder, thorax and spine were recorded. HQRL was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30) and EORTC QLQ-OES18 (Oeophageal module). RESULTS: Two years after surgery, respiratory function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) was significantly impaired compared to preoperative values (p < 0.05). The physical performance was significantly reduced as measured by a functional stand-up test (p < 0.05) and the handgrip force (p < 0.001). Shoulder range of motion, thoracic lateral flexion and C7 to wall were within normal ranges, thoracic flexion significantly greater (p < 0.01) but chest expansion significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared to controls. HQRL was comparable to age- and sex-matched population norms for most of the functions. A clinical significant difference was, however, found for diarrhoea, dyspnoea, appetite loss and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Within a 2-year period, each individual regains most of the respiratory and physical performances and HRQL after a thoracoabdominal resection.

Adult↗

Acid challenge to the esophageal mucosa: effects on local nitric oxide formation and its relation to epithelial functions.

To evaluate the effect of esophageal acid exposure on epithelial function, transmucosal potential, histopathological markers of acute tissue damage, and local nitric oxide production were examined in healthy volunteers treated with proton pump inhibitors (group I), patients with treated reflux disease (group II), and patients with untreated erosive reflux disease (group III). The participants were randomized to esophageal perfusion with either saline or HCl. Denominators of acute acid exposure were balloon cells in superficial layers and superficial densification. The nitric oxide concentrations in groups I to III increased from < 1, 10.0+/-10.0, and 20.6+/-19.9 ppb, respectively, to 300+/-80, 1360+/-1080, and 920+/-700 ppb after HCl infusion (P < 0.001). Inducible nitric oxide synthase was consistently expressed in the epithelium. Blood flow was lower among reflux patients but did not correlate with acid exposure or nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is formed following acid perfusion and predominantly in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Adult↗

Acid challenge to the human esophageal mucosa: effects on epithelial architecture in health and disease.

The histological changes that occur in the squamous epithelium in response to acute acid challenge was examined in healthy controls and proton pump inhibitor-treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and related to the state of untreated erosive GERD in a saline-controlled, randomized perfusion study. In the basal state a stepwise significant increase in the thickness of the basal cell layer, papillary length, and dilatation of intercellular spaces (DIS) was seen when the three groups were compared. Acid perfusion induced a slight increase in the height of the basal cell layer mainly in healthy volunteers; this layer appears to be reactive to acute acid challenge as well as to acid suppressive therapy. DIS increases promptly in response to acute acid exposure in the healthy epithelium but no changes were seen in the lengths of the papillae or regarding DIS in the GERD patients. A protective effect of luminal nitric oxide on DIS development is suggested.

Adult↗

Supportive nutrition on recovery of metabolism, nutritional state, health-related quality of life, and exercise capacity after major surgery: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether specialized supportive enteral and parenteral feeding have superior effects compared to oral nutrition on recovery during long-term postoperative treatment of cancer patients with preoperative weight loss and reduced maximum exercise capacity. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six patients referred for resection of the esophagus (n = 48), stomach (n = 28), or pancreas (n = 50) were considered to be included before operation. Included patients (n = 80) received supportive enteral or parenteral nutrition postoperatively at home corresponding to 1000 kcal/d until the patients did not wish to continue with artificial nutrition for any reason. Patients randomized to oral nutrition only served as control subjects. Caloric intake, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), and respiratory gas exchanges at rest and during exercise were measured including health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Survival and hospital stay did not differ among the groups, whereas overall complications were higher on artificial nutrition (P < .05). Changes in resting energy expenditure and biochemical tests did not differ during follow-up among the groups. Body weight and whole body fat declined similarly over time in all groups (P < .005), whereas lean body mass was unchanged during follow-up compared to preoperative values. Maximum exercise capacity and maximum oxygen consumption were normalized within 6 months postoperatively in all groups. There was no difference in recovery of food intake among the groups. Parenteral feeding was associated with the highest rate of nutrition-related complications, whereas enteral feeding reduced quality of life most extensively. CONCLUSION: After major surgery, specialized supportive enteral and parenteral nutrition are not superior to oral nutrition only when guided by a dietitian.

Body Composition↗

Occurrence and future history of oesophageal symptoms in an urban Swedish population: results of a questionnaire-based, ten-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence and changes over time of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in adult subjects randomly recruited from the general population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire recording of upper gastrointestinal symptoms with a 10-year follow-up was carried out in a random sample of the adult population of Göteborg. The original sample, from 1986, comprised 441 subjects within the age span of 20-79 years. In total, 337 subjects participated in the index assessment, of which 197 (95 F) subsequently answered the second questionnaire 10 years later. RESULTS: A majority of the responders (159/197, 83%) reported no change in their global assessment of symptoms. Neither the point prevalence nor the severity for any symptom changed significantly over time. The prevalence of heartburn and acid regurgitation was 25 and 22%, respectively, and the corresponding yearly incidence was estimated to be 1.8 and 1.2%. The main predictor for the occurrence of symptoms of moderate to severe degree at follow-up was the presence of the same symptom 10 years previously. Age or gender per se did not significantly influence the occurrence of symptoms. Changes in body mass index and anti-reflux medication co-varied with the severity of the symptoms heartburn and acid regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal symptoms are common in the adult Swedish population and seem to be fairly stable over time.

Adult↗

Health economic evaluation of stent or endoluminal brachytherapy as a palliative strategy in patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction: results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To relieve dysphagia is the main goal in palliative treatment of patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or the gastro-oesophageal junction. The aim of this prospective, randomized multicentre study was to compare stent placement and brachytherapy regarding health economy and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction were randomized to receive a self-expandable metallic stent or 3 x 7 Gy brachytherapy. At clinical follow-up visits, dysphagia was scored and health care consumptions were recorded. Costs were based on hospital debits. Total lifetime healthcare consumption costs and costs for the initial treatments were calculated and a sensitivity analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty patients were randomized to each treatment group. There was no difference in survival or complication rates between the two treatment strategies. There was a significant difference in the change of dysphagia scores between the time of inclusion and the 1-month follow-up visit, in favour of the stented group (P = 0.03). This difference had disappeared at 3 months. Median total lifetime costs were 17,690 for the stented group compared with 33 171 for the brachytherapy group (P = 0.005). This difference was due to higher costs for the initial treatment (4615 versus 23 857, P < 0.0001). Sensitivity analyses showed that the charges for a brachytherapy session had to be reduced from 6092 to 4222 (31%) to make this therapeutic concept cost-competitive. CONCLUSION: Stenting is currently more cost-effective compared with fractionated 3 x 7 Gy brachytherapy for patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction.

Aged↗

Functional long-term outcome of a free jejunal transplant reconstruction following chemoradiotherapy and radical resection for hypopharyngeal and proximal oesophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the functional outcome of a reconstruction by a free vascularized jejunal transplant combined with a voice prosthesis after chemoradiotherapy and surgery for proximal oesophageal or hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Seven patients (6 men, mean age 52 years, range 28-70) with squamous cell cancer in the proximal oesophagus (n = 6) or the hypopharynx received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (40.8 Gy, cisplatinum and 5-FU) followed by a circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy and resection of the proximal oesophagus. A single-stage reconstruction was carried out with a free jejunal transplant using a microsurgical technique. A tracheojejunal puncture and insertion of a voice prosthesis (Provox I) was performed after 3 months in suitable cases. RESULTS: All operations had a per- and postoperative uneventful course. Five patients were alive after a mean follow-up time of 5 years and 7 months after surgery (range 3 years 4 months to 7 years 10 months), while 2 patients died from metastases within 2 years after surgery. Postoperative examination showed histopathological down-staging in all cases. Relief of dysphagia was achieved in most cases. Good or average speech was recorded in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction after radical resection for proximal oesophageal and hypopharyngeal cancer can be carried out with low mortality, acceptable morbidity and a promising functional outcome.

Adult↗

Impact of choice of therapeutic strategy for acute cholecystitis on patient's health-related quality of life. Results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to determine if health related quality of life is affected by the choice of surgical strategy in the management of acute cholecystitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After diagnostic workup, patients were randomized to one of two groups: (1) early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (i.e. within 7 days after onset of symptoms) or (2) initial conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Seventy-four patients entered the early operation group and 71 patients were assigned to the delayed operation strategy. Assessments of quality of life were made at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and in the delayed operation group also one month after the initial conservative treatment. RESULTS: The gastrointestinal symptom scores were significantly better in three dimensions (diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain) one month after surgery for the acute operation group (p < 0.01). Three and 6 months after the operation we were unable to detect any significant differences between the groups. The patients in the delayed operation group did not appear to suffer from more symptoms in the period of time waiting for their elective operation. Psychological general well-being showed no major differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy in the acute phase of acute cholecystitis offers a significant reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms during the first postoperative month and to that associated improved quality of life in this group of patients.

Acute Disease↗

Leakage testing at the time of surgical oesophageal myotomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical myotomy is a well-established and validated method to treat severe gastro-oesophageal motor disorders such as achalasia. The benign character of these diseases further substantiates the importance of operating with greatest possible safety margins. We presently report our experiences with the use of perioperative leakage testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients are reported of whom 30 had a laparoscopic, 3 a thoracoscopic and 4 an open operation. The indications for an operation were in 3 patients oesophageal spasm, in 30 patients newly diagnosed achalasia and 4 patients had an open reoperation due to a previous incomplete myotomy plus epiphrenic diverticulum. Thirty patients had a perioperative endoscopy with gas insufflation and a leakage test, whereas the others did not. RESULTS: A previously unrecognised oesophageal mucosal tear was discovered during the test and repaired in 4 of the 30 tested cases whereafter everyone had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Among the remaining 7 untested patients, 3 developed clinical signs of leakage of whom 1 had an immediate reoperation. The postoperative courses were in all those prolonged and complicated. CONCLUSION: Perioperative use of endoscopy at the time of completion of the surgical myotomy is a useful tool to document leakage. Thereby the safety profile of the operation can be further enhanced.

Air↗

A critical review of the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus: the AGA Chicago Workshop.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus (BE) are controversial. We conducted a critical review of the literature in BE to provide guidance on clinically relevant issues. METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of 18 participants evaluated the strength and the grade of evidence for 42 statements pertaining to the diagnosis, screening, surveillance, and treatment of BE. Each member anonymously voted to accept or reject statements based on the strength of evidence and his own expert opinion. RESULTS: There was strong consensus on most statements for acceptance or rejection. Members rejected statements that screening for BE has been shown to improve mortality from adenocarcinoma or to be cost-effective. Contrary to published clinical guidelines, they did not feel that screening should be recommended for adults over age 50, regardless of age or duration of heartburn. Members were divided on whether surveillance prolongs survival, although the majority agreed that it detects curable neoplasia and can be cost-effective in selected patients. The majority did not feel that acid-reduction therapy reduces the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma but did agree that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with a cancer risk reduction and are of promising (but unproven) value. Participants rejected the notion that mucosal ablation with acid suppression prevents adenocarcinoma in BE but agreed that this may be an appropriate strategy in a subgroup of patients with high-grade dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this review of BE, the opinions of workshop members on issues pertaining to screening and surveillance are at variance with published clinical guidelines.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Surgery of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a competitive or complementary procedure?

The management of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has both been simplified and immensely improved by the development of modern medical therapies. These are built entirely on the concept of profound acid inhibition, which is very successful in a substantial proportion of GERD patients. Despite the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) some failures are unavoidable, and some patients experience incomplete control of major GERD symptoms on ordinary dosing of PPIs. Although the safety profile of PPIs is very reassuring, some people express some concern about the safety of drug treatment extending beyond 10 years especially when alternative therapeutic strategies are available. Some patients complain of alleged respiratory complications to severe reflux, and in those situations as well as in cases with e.g. Barrett's esophagus, a complete control of reflux also incorporating the duodenal components in the refluxate may be warranted. In all those situations antireflux surgery can be considered indicated for the treatment of chronic GERD and thus be looked upon as complementary to medical therapy. Furthermore, some patients who have their GERD symptoms under control on PPIs still want to have an operation to avoid dependency on drugs. Hence in none of these clinical situations does antireflux surgery play a competitive role in relation to medical therapy. However, in the very few randomized clinical trials in which a head-to-head comparison has been completed between medical and surgical therapy, the latter has been found to be somewhat more effective in terms of reflux control. The other side of the coin is that antireflux surgery has some side effects that signify the importance of this surgery being performed in specialized centers.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

Gastrointestinal symptoms in type 1 diabetic patients, as compared to a general population. A questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes as compared to age- and sex-matched controls. METHOD: 395 patients with type 1 diabetes, registered at the diabetes outpatient unit at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, were studied by use of a GI symptom questionnaire. They were randomly selected within 10-year age intervals from 20 to 69 years. Age- and sex-matched controls (n=242) were sampled from a cohort recruited from the general population. RESULTS: While the study populations were well matched with regard to age, sex and body mass index (BMI), the diabetic population comprised more smokers and reported symptoms of respiratory and ischemic heart disease more frequently. Symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea and vomiting were significantly more frequent and intense in the diabetic cohort. The occurrence of GI symptoms co-varied with the presence of respiratory and cardiac symptoms but was not predicted by age, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels or the presence of peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes type 1 had more frequent and intense upper and lower GI symptoms than age- and sex-matched controls, especially if only moderate and severe symptoms were considered. The presence of symptoms was related to lifestyle factors but not to the degree of diabetes control as expressed by the level of HbA1c and the presence of peripheral neuropathy.

Adult↗

Transhepatic placement of an enteral stent to treat jaundice in a tumor recurrence obstructed afferent loop after a whipple procedure.

Tumour recurrence that obstructs the afferent limb, blocking outflow of bile and pancreatic juice, constitutes a major clinical problem after a Whipple procedure. The endoscopic route is often not a possible alternative. Surgery may be difficult and perhaps dangerous to the often very sick patient and decompression with fine bore catheters may lead to cholangitis. External drainage is inconvenient to the patient. The present case describes a less invasive method to provide adequate drainage of the obstructed jejunal limb by insertion of a 22-mm enteral Wallstent transhepatically. The patient became and stayed anicteric during 7 months' follow-up.

Catheterization↗

Surgical therapies in Barrett's esophagus.

The two main aspects relevant to the role of surgery in the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus are to define the role of surgery in controlling reflux and associated symptoms and to define the surgical options in case of dysplasia or early neoplasia. This article also will address the issue of whether complete reflux control in patients with Barrett's esophagus can prevent the metaplastic mucosa from further progression to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The effect of mosapride on oesophageal motor function and acid reflux in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of the 5-HT4 agonist and 5-HT3 antagonist mosapride, as compared with cisapride, on oesophageal acid reflux variables and oesophageal motor function in patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). METHOD: Forty-one patients with proven GORD were included in a double-blind, randomised, double-dummy, three-way crossover study. All patients received mosapride 60 mg twice daily, mosapride 30 mg three times daily, and cisapride 20 mg twice daily for seven days in a randomised order, separated by a washout period of at least five days. Twenty-three patients underwent four combined ambulatory 24-h motility and pH recordings within two weeks before the start of treatment and on day seven of each treatment period. The remaining 18 patients underwent three ambulatory 24-h pH recordings only, i.e. on treatment day seven of each treatment period. RESULTS: Mosapride had no significant effect on the total number of contractions in the oesophagus, or on the effectiveness, or possible effectiveness, of the propagations. Significant but numerically small effects on peristaltic durations and amplitudes were noted during both mosapride and cisapride treatment as compared with baseline values. The effect on acid reflux for both mosapride and cisapride was most pronounced for the duration of the longest reflux episode. The fraction of time with pH less than 4 was reduced by mosapride 30 mg three times daily in the supine position and by cisapride both totally and in the supine position. The number of reflux episodes was reduced significantly only by cisapride. Oesophageal clearance was reduced significantly by cisapride only in the supine position. CONCLUSION: Mosapride had small but statistically significant effects, comparable to those of cisapride, on acid reflux variables and oesophageal motor function in patients with GORD.

Adult↗