Assessment of pyloric sphincter physiology after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy using an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe

Objective of the study The most common functional complication after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is the delayed emptying of the gastric conduit (DGCE) for which several diagnostic tools are available, e.g. chest X-ray, upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and water-soluble contrast radiogram. However, none of these diagnostic tools evaluate the pylorus itself. Our study demonstrates the successful measurement of pyloric distensibility in patients with DGCE after esophagectomy and in those without it. Methods and procedures Between May 2021 and October 2021, we performed a retrospective single-centre study of all patients who had an oncological Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy and underwent our post-surgery follow-up programme with surveillance endoscopies and computed tomography scans. EndoFlip (TM) was used to perform measurements of the pylorus under endoscopic control, and distensibility was measured at 40 ml, 45 ml and 50 ml balloon filling. Results We included 70 patients, and EndoFlip (TM) measurement was feasible in all patients. Successful application of EndoFlip (TM) was achieved in all interventions (n = 70, 100%). 51 patients showed a normal postoperative course, whereas 19 patients suffered from DGCE. Distensibility proved to be smaller in patients with symptoms of DGCE compared to asymptomatic patients. For 40 ml, 45 ml and 50 ml, the mean distensibility was 6.4 vs 10.1, 5.7 vs 7.9 and 4.5 vs 6.3 mm(2)/mmHg. The differences were significant for all three balloon fillings. No severe EndoFlip (TM) treatment-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion Measurement with EndoFlip (TM) is a safe and technically feasible endoscopic option for measuring the distensibility of the pylorus. Our study shows that the distensibility in asymptomatic patients after esophagectomy is significantly higher than that in patients suffering from DGCE. However, more studies need to be conducted to demonstrate the general use of EndoFlip (TM) measurement of the pylorus after esophagectomy