Non-invasive thoracoabdominal mapping of post-oesophagectomy conduit function

IntroductionOesophagectomy is a complex procedure performed for malignant and benign conditions. Post-oesophagectomy conduit dysfunction is common, which can occur for several reasons including conduit dysmotility. However, reliable tools for evaluating conduit motility are lacking. A non-invasive device for gastric electrical mapping was recently developed to evaluate gastric electrical activity and function. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of BSGM in the post-oesophagectomy stomach. MethodsOesophagectomy patients from Auckland, New Zealand, were recruited. The Gastric Alimetry System(R) (New Zealand) was employed, comprising a stretchable array (8x8 electrodes), a wearable Reader, and validated iOS app for symptom logging. The protocol comprised a 30-minute baseline, a meal challenge, then 4 hours of post-prandial recordings. Analysis encompassed Principal Gastric Frequency, BMI-adjusted amplitude, Gastric Alimetry Rhythm Index (indicating rhythm stability), meal response, and symptoms. Adverse events were recorded. Results6 patients were recruited and gastric activity was successfully captured in all except one with the colonic interposition (negative control). Four patients showed abnormalities indicating post-operative gastric hypofunction: four with low or abnormal frequency (<2.65 cycles/min), three with low amplitude (<22V), two with low GA-RI (<0.25) and one with a reduced meal response. One patient had significant symptoms (nausea, early satiation) who demonstrated marked hypomotility in all four of these domains. No adverse events occurred. ConclusionGastric Alimetry is a safe and feasible technique to non-invasively assess gastric conduit motility following oesophagectomy. Parameters may need adjustment for post-surgical anatomy. Clinical studies assessing the role in diagnosis and therapy can be advanced.