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PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic laser treatment of progressive dysphagia in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study was designed to evaluate the treatment of malignant dysphagia by laser palliation. METHODOLOGY: Between November 1994 and May 1997, 104 patients with esophageal carcinoma were subjected to endoscopic palliation with Nd-YAG laser. They were 83 men and 21 women with mean age 57+ 6.32 years. The majority of cases (94%) presented with difficulty in swallowing. Patients were treated at one-week intervals until benefit was achieved. RESULTS: A tumor mass was observed in the lower third of the esophagus in 75 (72%) patients. The tumor mean length was 6 cm (range 3-10 cm). Histology revealed that 74 (71%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma and 30 (29%) patients had adenocarcinoma. Hospital mortality occurred in 6 (5.76%) cases because of esophageal perforation, fistula, or pyothorax, and late mortality occurred in 29 (27.9%) patients. Perforation occurred in 5 (4.8%). Improvement in dysphagia occurred after a mean of 3.3 (range 1-13) treatment sessions. Luminal patency allowing easy passing of the endoscope was achieved in 59 (93%) patients. Relief of symptoms and overall outcome improvement occurred in these patients in a relatively short time, there was body weight gain and an increase in serum albumin levels in 65% of patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, control of dysphagia by laser palliation suggests that endoscopic laser therapy should not be regarded as being in competition with other treatment techniques such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, dilatation or stents, in contrast it plays a complementary role to these palliative modalities.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1985

Esophagocutaneous fistula in spinal cord injury: a complication of anterior cervical fusion.

Esophageal perforation can be a difficult management problem in a patient with spinal cord injury. Meticulous history taking and physical examination are essential for diagnosis. A quadriplegic patient with the unusual complication of esophagocutaneous fistula following anterior cervical fusion was admitted to our spinal cord injury service for intensive rehabilitation. Although early surgery is the usual treatment, conservative management with emphasis on local wound care can lead to satisfactory healing of the fistula. Because of the halo vest traction device used to maintain the surgical reduction of the cervical fracture, it was decided to treat the patient's fistula conservatively. Difficulties with feeding, diarrhea, and recurrent drainage that complicated the nonoperative treatment were successfully managed while the patient underwent intensive and comprehensive rehabilitation. The patient was discharged ambulating independently without any orthotic device a day after complete closure of the esophagocutaneous fistula.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Conservative treatment of benign esophageal strictures using dilation. Analysis of 500 cases].

UNLABELLED: The benign esophageal stenoses (BES) are common complications owing to many etiologies: gastroesophageal reflux, ingestion of corrosive agents, esophageal surgery, radiotherapy, postendoscopic variceal sclerotherapy, drug ingestion, prolonged nasogastric intubation, extrinsic compression and esophageal webs. Esophageal dilatations are worldwide recommended to treat this complication, employing dilators of many types and diameters and facilitating the food ingestion. PURPOSE: Evaluation of the results and advantages of the conservative treatment of the BES using esophageal dilatations, in outpatient service of upper digestive endoscopy. METHODS: During the period from 1981 to 1999, 500 patients with BES were treated and followed up at the Gastrocenter - UNICAMP, in an individually Program of Esophageal Dilatation for each case. The highest number of cases was under ages from 31 to 60 years old (52,8%), and males (59,2%). The most predominant etiologies were: peptic stenosis (30,4%), caustic ingestion (23,6%), anastomosis (23,2%), megaesophagus (8,0%) and prolonged nasogastric ingestion entubation (6,4%), totalizing 91,6% of the BES. Most of patients (94,2%) were submitted to the maximum of 25 dilations. Dilators from 10,5 to 16 mm were employed in 95,6% of the cases. The duration of the treatment was 24 months in 76,2% of the BES. Esophageal perforations occurred in 6 patients (1,2%), without mortality. RESULTS: Were considered excellent, good and bad results, respectively in 76,2%, 18,2% and 5,6% of the cases. On the other hand, excellent results were recorded in 81,0% of the peptic stenosis, 66,1% of the caustic stenosis and 82,7% of the anastomotic stenosis. The conservative treatment failed in 9,3% of the caustic stenosis, 4,3% of the anastomotic stenosis and 3,9% of the peptic stenosis. Thus, the caustic stenosis were unsuccessfull in the highest percentage of unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: The conservative treatment using guidewire dilators (Savary-Gilliard and Eder-Puestow) is the first choice in the BES, is effective for long time, with short complications and the surgical treatment is indicated only when the dilatations failed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Cardiorespiratory effects of endoscopic esophageal variceal sclerotherapy.

Endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) is an effective means of controlling variceal hemorrhage, which develops as a consequence of portal hypertension. While esophageal perforation, ulceration, strictures, and mediastinitis are potential complications associated with this procedure, it is not clear whether isolated pleuropulmonary events such as pleuritis, pneumonitis, and adult respiratory distress syndrome are causally related to the EVS. Endoscopy and sedation with the attendant risk of aspiration, particularly in the background of hepatic encephalopathy, may account for some of these events. Recent controlled studies of respiratory function demonstrate that EVS as such results in minor changes in gas exchange, lung volumes, and pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics. Most pulmonary complications have been reported with the use of sodium morrhuate sclerosant. Comparative studies among different sclerosants are necessary to evaluate relative safety. Finally, there have been rare reports of myocardial ischemia and pericarditis reported in association with EVS, but these are of a transient nature. Chest symptoms, roentgenographic pleuropulmonary changes, pulmonary hemodynamics, and cardiac perturbations are transient and should not preclude offering EVS to patients with variceal hemorrhage.

Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗
PubMed1987

Unified approach for nonmalignant esophageal lesions using right colon and terminal ileum. A 30-year experience.

Over the past 30 years, the authors reconstructed the esophagus with the right colon in 85 patients who had congenital and benign disease. The first individual operated upon in 1955 was asymptomatic. Nine patients had congenital tracheoesophageal fistula with atresia, four esophageal varices, 31 advanced obliterative esophagitis, and 23 corrosive destruction. In seven patients, severe esophagitis followed esophagogastrectomy, four had unsuccessful operations for achalasia, and seven had colon bypass following esophageal perforation. Eleven early nonfatal complications occurred. Remote nonfatal complications were seen in six patients. Three early deaths followed dehiscence of an intrathoracic esophago-colon anastomosis, and one patient died from peritonitis (4%). Four individuals died over the study period, and five patients were lost to follow-up. The late results in 72 patients show that 61 (84%) believe they have a satisfactory result, nine (13%) individuals are symptomatic, and two patients (4%) are classified as failures. Early complications have been minimized by employing preoperative intestinal angiograms and anastomotic stapling techniques, and by using the Doppler intraoperatively to prognosticate colon blood flow. Significant observations have been: Anastomosis in the neck is preferable; the transplanted colon dilates from loss of motor activity but is functionally adequate; an isoperistaltic segment is preferable, but antiperistaltic segments can be used; and colonic mucosa is relatively resistant to acid-peptic digestion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Clinical analysis of prognosis in spontaneous esophageal rupture].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Spontaneous esophageal rupture is a life-threatening injury because of delay in diagnosis and rapid progression to septic condition. But acceptable standard treatment strategy has not been established yet. This may be due to its low incidence and lack of published literature. In this study, we evaluated the proper treatment strategy as to decide when and how to manage spontaneous esophageal rupture by analyzing our experiences. METHODS: Eleven patients who were diagnosed as spontaneous esophageal perforation in Dongsan Medical Center from 1993 to 2003 were analyzed. Patients WERE divided into survival and death group. Clinical manifestations, rupture site and size, treatment methods and complications were compared. RESULTS: All patients were male and alcoholics. Six patients had survived and five patients died. Age, sites and sizes of ruptures, operation methods were not different in both groups. Before operation, septic condition was present in all patients of death group and more common than survival group (p=0.015). Survival group showed shorter time interval from rupture to initial treatment (p=0.021) and to operation (p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and initial aggressive treatments such as nothing per oral, pleural and mediastinal drainage are important factor for better prognosis. If possible, early operation such as primary repair must be done. Although any difference according to types of operation method was not found in this study, further study with larger groups seems to be necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Colon replacement of the esophagus for congenital and benign disease.

Over the past 28 years, one of us (W. E. N.) has reconstructed the esophagus with the right colon for congenital and benign disease in 84 patients. The first patient in the series, who was operated on in 1955, remains asymptomatic. Nine patients had congenital tracheoesophageal fistula with atresia; 4, esophageal varices; 30, advanced obliterative esophagitis; and 23, corrosive destruction. In 7, severe esophagitis followed esophagogastrectomy; 4 had unsuccessful operations for achalasia; and 7 had colon bypass following esophageal perforation. Eleven early nonfatal complications occurred. Late nonfatal complications were seen in 6 patients. There were 4 early deaths (4%): following dehiscence of an intrathoracic esophagocolic anastomosis and 1 due to peritonitis. Four individuals died over the years, and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. The late results in 71 patients show that 60 (84.5%) believe they have a satisfactory result. Nine (13%) individuals are symptomatic, and 2 (2.8%) must be classified as failures. Early complications have been minimized by using preoperative intestinal angiography, anastomotic stapling techniques, and the Doppler study intraoperatively to prognosticate colon blood flow. Several important observations have been made: anastomosis in the neck is preferable; the transplanted colon dilates from loss of motor activity but is functionally adequate; an isoperistaltic segment is preferable, but an antiperistaltic implant suffices; colonic mucosa is relatively resistant to acid-peptic digestion; and hyperalimentation is mandatory in very ill and debilitated patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Long-term follow-up after pneumatic dilation for achalasia cardia: factors associated with treatment failure and recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Though most patients with achalasia cardia (AC) respond to pneumatic dilation (PD), one-third experienced recurrence. Long-term follow-up studies on factors associated with various outcomes are scanty. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 126 patients (36.5 +/- 14.6 yr, 76 male) with AC (diagnosed by esophagoscopy, barium esophagogram, and/or manometry) were followed up in person or through mail. The median dysphagia-free duration was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Factors associated with nonresponse and recurrence after PD were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Symptoms were dysphagia (126, 100%), chest pain (21, 17%), regurgitation (61, 48%), weight loss (33, 26%), and pulmonary symptoms (23, 18%); 5 of 126 (4%) had megaesophagus (> or =7 cm). The mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 38.7 +/- 16.8 mmHg. One hundred and fifteen of 126 (91%) patients responded to PD (90 (71%) to first session); 25 of these had recurrence of dysphagia after 15 +/- 17 months. Post-PD chest pain requiring hospitalization occurred in 21 of 126 (17%; one had an esophageal perforation). Post-PD LES pressure, which was assessed in 48 of 126 patients, had decreased by >50% from baseline in 14 of 29 responders, 0 of 11 nonresponders (p= 0.004, chi(2) test), and 5 of 8 relapsers. The median dysphagia-free duration by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 60 months (SE 2.7, 95% CI 54.7-65.3). On univariate analysis, male gender, pulmonary symptoms (nocturnal coughing spell, history of respiratory infection), absence of chest pain, and failure to achieve a reduction in LES pressure >50% after PD were associated with poor outcome; whereas age, grade of dysphagia, regurgitation, megaesophagus, and LES pressure before PD were not. Male gender was associated with poor outcome by multivariate-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: PD is an effective and safe treatment for AC. Post-PD LES pressure measurement may be helpful in assessing response. Male patients have poorer outcomes following PD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for children with achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagomyotomy, consisting of a laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach, has become a preferred surgical treatment for adults with achalasia. This multicenter study reports on the clinical status of children who have undergone minimally invasive esophagomyotomy for achalasia. METHODS: Symptomatology for achalasia was assessed in 22 pediatric patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagomyotomy for achalasia between 1995 and 2000. All patients were evaluated for duration of hospitalization, postoperative resumption of feeds, postoperative complications, and symptomatic relief. Participants were assigned pre-and postoperative symptom severity scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe). RESULTS: The median age of the 10 females and 12 males at time of surgery was 11.3 years +/- 3.4 (standard deviation). Transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy with fundoplication was performed in 18 patients, and thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy without fundoplication was performed in 4. Two patients required conversion from transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy to open esophagomyotomy because of intraoperative esophageal perforation. The mean duration of postsurgical follow-up was 17 +/- 16 (standard deviation) months (range, 1-54 months). Mean duration of hospitalization (days +/- standard error or mean) was less for transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy than for converted open esophagomyotomy (2.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 9.0 +/- 3.0 days; P < 0.05) or for thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy (4.8 +/- 1.7 days; P = not significant). Mean time to resumption of soft feedings (days +/- standard error or mean) occurred sooner after transabdominal laparoscopic esophagomyotomy than after converted open esophagomyotomy (2.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.5 +/- 0.5 days; P < 0.001) or after thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy (4.0 +/- 1.3 days; P = not significant). Patients experienced significant pre-to postoperative improvement in mean severity score with regard to dysphagia (2.6 vs. 0.4; P < 0.001) and regurgitation (1.7 vs. 0.2; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive esophagomyotomy can provide excellent symptomatic relief from dysphagia and regurgitation for children with achalasia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and resection for carcinoma of the esophagus. Long-term results.

From May 1980 to May 1984, preoperative chemotherapy (mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil) was added to radiation therapy in patients with potentially operable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Of 129 patients observed, 122 were followed up until death or to the present. Only 33 were able to complete preoperative chemotherapy and radiation and undergo resection. There were 28 men and five women, their ages ranging from 42 to 81 years (average 60 years). There were 22 black and 11 white patients. The location of the tumor was in the middle third in 70% of the patients. Among the 33 patients, the clinical TNM classification was as follows: T1 N0 M0, three patients; T2 N0 M0, 27 patients; T2 N1 M0, two patients; and T3 N0 M0, one patient. The length of the lesions when measurable in the absence of complete obstruction varied from 3 to 17 cm (average 7 cm). The operative mortality rate in this group was 12% (4/33). There was no viable residual tumor in the surgical specimen of the esophagus in 33% (11/33) of those patients completing triple therapy. However, in two of the 11 patients, left gastric nodes contained tumor and in one there was a minute esophageal perforation. The 2-year survival rate was 33% (11/33), and the 5-year survival rate was 15.4% (5/33). Among the 11 patients having 2-year survival, the surgical specimen was normal in six and abnormal in five. Of the five patients having 5-year survival, the surgical specimen was normal in three and abnormal in two. The absence of tumor in the surgical specimen did not appear to confer any better chance for long-term survival. Data were compared to our 1967-1975 series of 75 patients receiving only preoperative radiation and resection. There was no significant difference in survival rates at 2 years (20% [1975] versus 33% [1984], p = 0.2118) or at 5 years (10% [1975] versus 15.4% [1984], p = 0.5796). The addition of preoperative chemotherapy as an adjunct did not result in a statistically significant increase in 2-year or 5-year survival rates.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Retrosternal pedicled jejunum interposition: an alternative for reconstruction after total esophago-gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: If the colon cannot be used for reconstruction after total esophago-gastrectomy, alternatives have to be sought. METHODS: From 1990 to 2001, retrosternal jejunum loop interposition was performed in 35 patients (male/female: 29:6; mean age 59.2, range 16-83 years) due to cancer in 32 cases and to esophageal perforation in three cases. In all patients reconstruction with stomach or colon, respectively, was impossible on behalf of the underlying histology, of previous resection of the stomach and impedient colonic diseases. A jejunal segment with abundant arcades was chosen, preserving a strong, distal arteriovenous mesenteric pedicle, while 2-3 proximal mesenteric vessels were severed. The loop was pulled up retrosternally, establishing a cervical end-to-side esophagojejunostomy. A Roux-en-Y anastomosis was done in a convenient position. RESULTS: Two patients died perioperatively due to mediastinitis and consecutive multiorgan failure (one Boerhaave's syndrome, one suicidal ingestion of acid). In one case the oral part of the loop developed venous congestion and was replaced by a free jejunal transplant. The perioperative course of 32 patients was uneventful. Seventeen patients are up and well (1-8.5 years). Sixteen patients died of metastatic disease. The functional results are satisfactory. In about 50% of patients recurrent dilatations became necessary due to anastomotic scars. However, none of the patients complained about severe dysphagia. CONCLUSION: In cases of impedient colonic diseases, the pedicled, retrosternal jejunal loop with cervical anastomosis is an alternative for reconstruction after total esophagogastrectomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin versus pneumatic dilatation for achalasia: a cost minimization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatic dilatation or intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection provide effective symptom relief for patients with achalasia. Although intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection is simple and safe, its efficacy may be short-lived. Pneumatic dilatation lasts longer, but esophageal perforation is a risk. We compared treatment costs for pneumatic dilatation and intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection using a decision analysis model to determine whether the practical advantages of intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection outweigh the economic impact of the need for frequent re-treatment. METHODS: Probability estimates for intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection were derived from published reports. Probability estimates for the pneumatic dilatation strategy were obtained by retrospective review of our 10-year experience using the Rigiflex dilator. Direct, "third-party payer" costs were determined in Canadian dollars. RESULTS: Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection was significantly more costly at $5033 compared with $3608 for the pneumatic dilatation strategy, yielding an incremental cost of $1425 over the 10-year period considered. Sensitivity analysis showed that pneumatic dilatation is less expensive across all probable ranges of costs and probability estimates. The intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection strategy is less costly if life-expectancy is less than 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection is more costly than pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia. The added expense of frequent re-treatment with intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection outweighs the potential economic benefits of the safety of the procedure, unless life-expectancy is 2 years or less.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Videoscopic heller myotomy as first-line therapy for severe achalasia.

To many nonsurgeons myotomy is considered an excessively invasive treatment for achalasia and has become a salvage procedure when esophageal dilation and botulinum toxin (botox) injections fail. We sought to examine our experience with videoscopic Heller myotomy to determine whether preoperative therapy predicts perioperative complications and long-term outcome. Videoscopic Heller myotomy was undertaken in 111 patients with achalasia between June 1992 and May 2000. Intraoperative endoscopy was used in all patients. Fundoplication was used selectively for patients with large hiatal hernias or as part of repair of esophageal perforation. Patients were asked to grade their dysphagia and reflux symptoms before and after myotomy on a scale of 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe symptoms). Patients were also asked to rate their outcome as excellent (no symptoms), good (greatly improved), fair (slightly improved), or poor (not improved) compared with their preoperative status. Patients were stratified on the basis of preoperative intervention (botox, pneumatic dilation, botox and pneumatic dilation, or no botox or dilation) and compared. Previous pneumatic dilation and/or botox injection had been undertaken before operation in 88 (79%) patients whereas 23 (21%) patients had no invasive preoperative therapy. The overall mean preoperative dysphagia score was 4.8+/-0.8 and mean preoperative reflux score was 3.3+/-2.1. Groups of patients undergoing preoperative interventions were similar to those patients not undergoing preoperative interventions in terms of preoperative symptoms, dysphagia scores, and reflux scores. Postoperative complications (13%) and perforations (8%) were slightly more common in patients who had undergone preoperative botox or dilation (P = not significant). Subjectively, operative myotomy was more difficult in patients who had preoperative botox or dilation. Patients had significant improvement in dysphagia, dysphagia score, reflux score, emesis/ regurgitation, and chest pain (P < 0.05) regardless of preoperative intervention. After myotomy patients who had never undergone botox or pneumatic dilation were less likely to have mild dysphagia compared with those with previous botox injections (30% vs 53%; P = 0.09), previous dilations (30% vs 54%; P = 0.09), or both (30% vs 59%; P = 0.04). As well, dysphagia scores were better if no preoperative therapy had been undertaken: botox 0.8+/-1.3, dilation 1.0+/-1.4, botox and dilation 1.0+/-1.3, and no therapy 0.3+/-0.7 (P < 0.05). Overall 97 per cent of patients stated that their symptoms were improved although more patients tended to have excellent or good outcomes if no preoperative intervention was undertaken (91%) compared with patients undergoing preoperative botox (86%), dilation (83%), or both (82%) (P = not significant). We conclude that videoscopic Heller myotomy is safe and efficacious particularly in patients who have not undergone previous endoscopic interventions. The difference in patients' outcomes based on preoperative therapy may be related to a less difficult operation in patients who forgo endoscopic therapy and elect to undergo early myotomy. Although videoscopic Heller myotomy provides good outcomes as a salvage procedure after failed dilations and/or botox injections for achalasia we advocate it as first-line therapy in reasonable operative candidates.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Spontaneous retropharyngeal and cervical subcutaneous emphysema in adults.

The presence of air in the retropharyngeal and cervical subcutaneous spaces of the neck in association with the acute onset of severe odynophagia and dysphagia is an uncommonly recognized initial feature of pneumomediastinum. Free air in the mediastinum extends into the neck via fascial planes. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a self-limited disorder that can be confused with Boerhaave's syndrome (spontaneous esophageal perforation), which is potentially fatal. The diagnosis is established radiologically.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Corrosive esophagitis in children. Assessment by the esophagogram.

The roentgenograms of 27 children aged 10 months to 13 years with endoscopically confirmed corrosive esophagitis were reviewed. The initial barium esophagogram showed 19 to have strictures. The length and irregularity of the strictures were recorded and related to the severity of the illness and the treatment required. In the remaining eight patients, the initial study gave normal results, but two were later shown to have developed strictures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Endoscopic laser therapy of malignant esophageal obstruction.

Malignant esophageal obstruction in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus usually indicates far-advanced disease. Palliative therapy with the neodymium-yttrium, aluminum, garnet laser has been proposed as an alternative to more invasive procedures that do little to improve the quality of life or prolong survival. Fifteen patients were treated with endoscopic laser therapy. A previously described technique was used to treat the first ten patients; the remaining five were treated with a single-session therapy method. This new technique allowed more rapid completion of therapy (1.4 treatments over 2.2 days vs 2.9 treatments over 7.8 days) without sacrificing safety. Single session therapy using this laser is recommended as the treatment of choice in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus with obstruction that is surgically or radiotherapeutically incurable.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Hiatus/paraesophageal hernias in neonatal Marfan syndrome.

We report on an infant with neonatal Marfan syndrome (NMS) and hiatus/paraesophageal hernia who presented to a university hospital with an unusual early complication of this connective tissue disorder. An abnormal course of the nasogastric tube was noted on the first day of life by a radiograph of the chest and abdomen performed for bloody gastric drainage. The question of esophageal perforation was raised. Subsequent contrast study demonstrated a large hiatus/paraesophageal hernia with pronounced gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A part of the hernia was positioned posterior and to the right of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), presumably the location of the nasogastric tube as noted on the initial films. Although characterized by cardiac/aortic abnormalities, NMS can be a difficult diagnosis and should be considered in any infant with hiatus/ paraesophageal hernia with or without GER.

Gastroesophageal Reflux↗