Abraham Botha | Kings College London (original) (raw)

Papers by Abraham Botha

Diseases of the Esophagus

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for achalasia. Efficacy is equival... more Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for achalasia. Efficacy is equivalent to Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy with the advantage of minimal access and shorter length of stay. Post-operative reflux rates are higher in POEM. The Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) allows the measurement of lower oesophageal distensibility during per-oral endoscopic myotomy. In theory, this enables the operator to tailor the myotomy to ensure adequate distensibility whilst minimising post-operative reflux risk. Methods Two prospectively collected POEM databases were analysed from 2 UK tertiary upper GI centres. The operators in each centre used intraoperative FLIP measurements to ensure adequate myotomy. Outcome measures included Eckardt score (where ≤3 indicated clinical success) and proton pump inhibitor use (PPI), collected at the first post-operative appointment. Length of stay was recorded, as were complications. Results 142 patients underwent POEM between 2015 and 2019...

Surgical Endoscopy

Background Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important r... more Background Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS). Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. Results Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 p...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Aim Assessment of the clinical outcomes, resolution of dysphagia, incidence of postoperative gast... more Aim Assessment of the clinical outcomes, resolution of dysphagia, incidence of postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and quality of life (QoL) of patients after POEM. Background&Methods POEM is increasingly performed worldwide for treatment of achalasia proving itself effective and safe. From a prospective database of all POEM’s performed in our institution from 2015 to 2018, we extracted data for patients with a minimum follow up period of 6 months. All patients underwent a standardized diagnostic work-up including gastroscopy, barium study and high-resolution manometry (HRM). Postoperatively, they had a surveillance gastroscopy in the 1st postoperative year. Standardized questionnaires evaluating Eckardt, GERD and achalasia QoL (Urbach) scores were completed before and after POEM. HRM and pH studies were offered to all patients after 6 months. Results Demographic data and procedure details can be seen in Table1. The preoperative Eckardt, GERD and Urbach scores ch...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Background In the UK, national directives have resulted in centralisation of oesophago-gastric ca... more Background In the UK, national directives have resulted in centralisation of oesophago-gastric cancer in large National Health Service (NHS) centres. NHS cancer centres have treatment pathway targets of 30 and 60 days to complete staging and start treatment. We have treated patients with oesophago-gastric cancer both in the NHS and private sector. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the treatment and outcome was different for patients treated in the private sector. Methods Data was collected prospectively of consecutive oesophago-gastrectomies for OGJ cancer performed by a single surgeon from 2003–2013. After diagnosis all cases were discussed in a multi-disciplinary meeting. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was offered to all patients deemed to have N1 or T3 disease according to MAGIC and OEO5 study protocols. Patients in these stage groups who declined neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were offered adjuvant chemotherapy or chemo-radiation. During the first 2 years oesophago-gastrecto...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Background Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has gained ground for achalasia tratment. Although l... more Background Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has gained ground for achalasia tratment. Although laparoscopic Heller's-Dor (LHD) is a proven intervention, the cut of the inner muscular layer during POEM offers a goal-directed procedure. However, concerns regarding post-procedure reflux had been raised. As during POEM long myotomy is generally adviced, we decreased the length to reduce reflux after treatment. Methods 19 patients with type 1 or 2 achalasia underwent POEM guided intraoperatively by Endoflip® (Crospon Ltd., Galway, Ireland) to target the myotomy where the major point of tightness was. We aimed for an increase of compliance and distensibility of three times of the lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) via a short myotomy. We compared these patients with a historic control LHD group of 15 patients in terms of Eckardt's score, GERD-HRQL questionnaire, high-resolution manometry to check pressure of the LOS 24h pH-impedence to measure acid exposure with minimum follow-up o...

The Journal of trauma

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multip... more Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multiple organ failure (MOF). In a rat model of MOF, PMNs become primed for enhanced superoxide anion (O2-) release and CD11b expression, sequester in end organs, and produce organ failure. Therefore, we hypothesized that circulating PMNs harvested in the first 24 hours after injury from trauma patients at risk for MOF would (1) exhibit a primed O2- release, (2) upregulate CD11b expression, and (3) show evidence of sequestration in tissues. Extracellular PMN O2- release and CD11b receptor expression were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury in 33 torso trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores > 15; eight patients (24%) developed MOF. Healthy adults served as controls. PMNs after injury were primed for enhanced in vitro O2- release at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury, indicating prior in vivo priming. CD11b expression was also increased at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury. Circulating PMN numbers increased sharply at 3 hours after injury, before decreasing dramatically at 6 and 12 hours, suggesting end organ sequestration. At 12 hours after injury, declines in circulating PMNs were significantly greater in MOF than in non-MOF patients (p < 0.05). These data indicate that PMNs are quickly mobilized into the circulation after injury and then primed for enhanced O2- release and CD11b expression. PMN priming appears to be a necessary preamble to PMN sequestration in patients with major torso trauma. Upregulation of PMN function, accompanied by subsequent end organ sequestration, may represent an important early event in the pathogenesis of MOF after injury.

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England

A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has been introduced to improve trauma care in the S... more A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has been introduced to improve trauma care in the Southeast of England. The majority of the workload comes from the area bounded by the M25 ring road. In 1989 a Dauphin 365N helicopter equipped for pre-hospital primary rescue and emergency inter-hospital secondary transfer was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority. The helicopter commenced carrying patients with a paramedic and a doctor on board early in 1990. In September 1990 this service was further improved by the opening of a helipad at the Royal London Hospital and a designated HEMS desk at London Ambulance Service central control. Eighty-four patients were transported in primary rescue missions and 107 as emergency transfers in 1990.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2010

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2007

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1995

Minimally invasive surgery is rapidly becoming an integral part of general surgery. Many general ... more Minimally invasive surgery is rapidly becoming an integral part of general surgery. Many general surgeons have been trained to undertake laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It has been recommended that laparoscopic appendicectomy should be the training operation for junior surgeons. The aim of our study was to assess whether laparoscopic appendicectomy training can safely be introduced to junior surgeons in a district general hospital. During the 11 month study period, 27 laparoscopic and 38 open appendicectomies were performed. The median anaesthetic time was 80 min for laparoscopic and 52.5 min for open appendicectomies. Laparoscopic appendicectomies cost, on average, 618 pounds and open appendicectomies 770 pounds per case. The complication rate between the two procedures was equal. We therefore showed that laparoscopic appendicectomy by junior surgeons is both safe and cost-effective. Although the registrar did most of the laparoscopic appendicectomies, with resultant less operating f...

QJM, 2002

Background: Helicobacter pylori is thought to be a cause of duodenal ulceration, but there is som... more Background: Helicobacter pylori is thought to be a cause of duodenal ulceration, but there is some evidence that it is found less often in early than in later disease. Aim: To assess the presence of H. pylori in patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia, with respect to their duration of symptoms. Design: Retrospective case note review. Methods: Patients were categorized as having a history greater or less than 6 months, and as H. pylori-positive or-negative, using biopsy rapid urease, culture and PCR tests. Results: Thirty-two duodenal ulcer patients with a history)6 months were all H. pylori-positive according to the PCR test; the five with a shorter history were H. pylori-negative. No patient H. pylori-negative by PCR was positive by the other tests. Discussion: H. pylori was (at least) less commonly present before 6 months. It is possible that H. pylori, although nearly always present after 6 months, is not present at the onset of the disease. Confirmation of this finding would imply that infection with the organism is not the cause of duodenal ulceration, but a factor producing recurrence and chronicity.

Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques, 2005

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with gallstone disease... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with gallstone disease. Nowadays more than ever before, patients present with more comorbidities and entities that make the laparoscopic approach composite. One of these is the presence of lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts. Herein, we describe a case of successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with an LP shunt and an occipital nerve stimulator in the anterior abdominal wall. We describe alterations in technique, aiming at surgeons that perform laparoscopic cholecystectomies with useful tips in order to successfully deliver the operation. A brief review of the literature in the current subject is also given.

The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, 1995

ABSTRACT Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that preced... more ABSTRACT Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multiple organ failure (MOF). In a rat model of MOF, PMNs become primed for enhanced superoxide anion (Osub 2 sup - ) release and CD11b expression, sequester in end organs, and produce organ failure. Therefore, we hypothesized that circulating PMNs harvested in the first 24 hours after injury from trauma patients at risk for MOF would (1) exhibit a primed Osub 2 sup - release, (2) upregulate CD11b expression, and (3) show evidence of sequestration in tissues. Extracellular PMN Osub 2 sup - release and CD11b receptor expression were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury in 33 torso trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores > 15; eight patients (24%) developed MOF. Healthy adults served as controls. PMNs after injury were primed for enhanced in vitro Osub 2 sup - release at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury, indicating prior in vivo priming. CD11b expression was also increased at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury. Circulating PMN numbers increased sharply at 3 hours after injury, before decreasing dramatically at 6 and 12 hours, suggesting end organ sequestration. At 12 hours after injury, declines in circulating PMNs were significantly greater in MOF than in non-MOF patients (p < 0.05). These data indicate that PMNs are quickly mobilized into the circulation after injury and then primed for enhanced Osub 2 sup - release and CD11b expression. PMN priming appears to be a necessary preamble to PMN sequestration in patients with major torso trauma. Upregulation of PMN function, accompanied by subsequent end organ sequestration, may represent an important early event in the pathogenesis of MOF after injury.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2006

Fundamentals of Surgical Practice, 2006

Diseases of the Esophagus

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for achalasia. Efficacy is equival... more Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for achalasia. Efficacy is equivalent to Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy with the advantage of minimal access and shorter length of stay. Post-operative reflux rates are higher in POEM. The Functional Luminal Imaging Probe (FLIP) allows the measurement of lower oesophageal distensibility during per-oral endoscopic myotomy. In theory, this enables the operator to tailor the myotomy to ensure adequate distensibility whilst minimising post-operative reflux risk. Methods Two prospectively collected POEM databases were analysed from 2 UK tertiary upper GI centres. The operators in each centre used intraoperative FLIP measurements to ensure adequate myotomy. Outcome measures included Eckardt score (where ≤3 indicated clinical success) and proton pump inhibitor use (PPI), collected at the first post-operative appointment. Length of stay was recorded, as were complications. Results 142 patients underwent POEM between 2015 and 2019...

Surgical Endoscopy

Background Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important r... more Background Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS). Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. Results Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 p...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Aim Assessment of the clinical outcomes, resolution of dysphagia, incidence of postoperative gast... more Aim Assessment of the clinical outcomes, resolution of dysphagia, incidence of postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and quality of life (QoL) of patients after POEM. Background&Methods POEM is increasingly performed worldwide for treatment of achalasia proving itself effective and safe. From a prospective database of all POEM’s performed in our institution from 2015 to 2018, we extracted data for patients with a minimum follow up period of 6 months. All patients underwent a standardized diagnostic work-up including gastroscopy, barium study and high-resolution manometry (HRM). Postoperatively, they had a surveillance gastroscopy in the 1st postoperative year. Standardized questionnaires evaluating Eckardt, GERD and achalasia QoL (Urbach) scores were completed before and after POEM. HRM and pH studies were offered to all patients after 6 months. Results Demographic data and procedure details can be seen in Table1. The preoperative Eckardt, GERD and Urbach scores ch...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Background In the UK, national directives have resulted in centralisation of oesophago-gastric ca... more Background In the UK, national directives have resulted in centralisation of oesophago-gastric cancer in large National Health Service (NHS) centres. NHS cancer centres have treatment pathway targets of 30 and 60 days to complete staging and start treatment. We have treated patients with oesophago-gastric cancer both in the NHS and private sector. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the treatment and outcome was different for patients treated in the private sector. Methods Data was collected prospectively of consecutive oesophago-gastrectomies for OGJ cancer performed by a single surgeon from 2003–2013. After diagnosis all cases were discussed in a multi-disciplinary meeting. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was offered to all patients deemed to have N1 or T3 disease according to MAGIC and OEO5 study protocols. Patients in these stage groups who declined neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were offered adjuvant chemotherapy or chemo-radiation. During the first 2 years oesophago-gastrecto...

Diseases of the Esophagus

Background Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has gained ground for achalasia tratment. Although l... more Background Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has gained ground for achalasia tratment. Although laparoscopic Heller's-Dor (LHD) is a proven intervention, the cut of the inner muscular layer during POEM offers a goal-directed procedure. However, concerns regarding post-procedure reflux had been raised. As during POEM long myotomy is generally adviced, we decreased the length to reduce reflux after treatment. Methods 19 patients with type 1 or 2 achalasia underwent POEM guided intraoperatively by Endoflip® (Crospon Ltd., Galway, Ireland) to target the myotomy where the major point of tightness was. We aimed for an increase of compliance and distensibility of three times of the lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) via a short myotomy. We compared these patients with a historic control LHD group of 15 patients in terms of Eckardt's score, GERD-HRQL questionnaire, high-resolution manometry to check pressure of the LOS 24h pH-impedence to measure acid exposure with minimum follow-up o...

The Journal of trauma

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multip... more Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multiple organ failure (MOF). In a rat model of MOF, PMNs become primed for enhanced superoxide anion (O2-) release and CD11b expression, sequester in end organs, and produce organ failure. Therefore, we hypothesized that circulating PMNs harvested in the first 24 hours after injury from trauma patients at risk for MOF would (1) exhibit a primed O2- release, (2) upregulate CD11b expression, and (3) show evidence of sequestration in tissues. Extracellular PMN O2- release and CD11b receptor expression were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury in 33 torso trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores > 15; eight patients (24%) developed MOF. Healthy adults served as controls. PMNs after injury were primed for enhanced in vitro O2- release at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury, indicating prior in vivo priming. CD11b expression was also increased at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury. Circulating PMN numbers increased sharply at 3 hours after injury, before decreasing dramatically at 6 and 12 hours, suggesting end organ sequestration. At 12 hours after injury, declines in circulating PMNs were significantly greater in MOF than in non-MOF patients (p < 0.05). These data indicate that PMNs are quickly mobilized into the circulation after injury and then primed for enhanced O2- release and CD11b expression. PMN priming appears to be a necessary preamble to PMN sequestration in patients with major torso trauma. Upregulation of PMN function, accompanied by subsequent end organ sequestration, may represent an important early event in the pathogenesis of MOF after injury.

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England

A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has been introduced to improve trauma care in the S... more A Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has been introduced to improve trauma care in the Southeast of England. The majority of the workload comes from the area bounded by the M25 ring road. In 1989 a Dauphin 365N helicopter equipped for pre-hospital primary rescue and emergency inter-hospital secondary transfer was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority. The helicopter commenced carrying patients with a paramedic and a doctor on board early in 1990. In September 1990 this service was further improved by the opening of a helipad at the Royal London Hospital and a designated HEMS desk at London Ambulance Service central control. Eighty-four patients were transported in primary rescue missions and 107 as emergency transfers in 1990.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2010

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2007

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1995

Minimally invasive surgery is rapidly becoming an integral part of general surgery. Many general ... more Minimally invasive surgery is rapidly becoming an integral part of general surgery. Many general surgeons have been trained to undertake laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It has been recommended that laparoscopic appendicectomy should be the training operation for junior surgeons. The aim of our study was to assess whether laparoscopic appendicectomy training can safely be introduced to junior surgeons in a district general hospital. During the 11 month study period, 27 laparoscopic and 38 open appendicectomies were performed. The median anaesthetic time was 80 min for laparoscopic and 52.5 min for open appendicectomies. Laparoscopic appendicectomies cost, on average, 618 pounds and open appendicectomies 770 pounds per case. The complication rate between the two procedures was equal. We therefore showed that laparoscopic appendicectomy by junior surgeons is both safe and cost-effective. Although the registrar did most of the laparoscopic appendicectomies, with resultant less operating f...

QJM, 2002

Background: Helicobacter pylori is thought to be a cause of duodenal ulceration, but there is som... more Background: Helicobacter pylori is thought to be a cause of duodenal ulceration, but there is some evidence that it is found less often in early than in later disease. Aim: To assess the presence of H. pylori in patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia, with respect to their duration of symptoms. Design: Retrospective case note review. Methods: Patients were categorized as having a history greater or less than 6 months, and as H. pylori-positive or-negative, using biopsy rapid urease, culture and PCR tests. Results: Thirty-two duodenal ulcer patients with a history)6 months were all H. pylori-positive according to the PCR test; the five with a shorter history were H. pylori-negative. No patient H. pylori-negative by PCR was positive by the other tests. Discussion: H. pylori was (at least) less commonly present before 6 months. It is possible that H. pylori, although nearly always present after 6 months, is not present at the onset of the disease. Confirmation of this finding would imply that infection with the organism is not the cause of duodenal ulceration, but a factor producing recurrence and chronicity.

Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques, 2005

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with gallstone disease... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with gallstone disease. Nowadays more than ever before, patients present with more comorbidities and entities that make the laparoscopic approach composite. One of these is the presence of lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts. Herein, we describe a case of successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with an LP shunt and an occipital nerve stimulator in the anterior abdominal wall. We describe alterations in technique, aiming at surgeons that perform laparoscopic cholecystectomies with useful tips in order to successfully deliver the operation. A brief review of the literature in the current subject is also given.

The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, 1995

ABSTRACT Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that preced... more ABSTRACT Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the inflammation that precedes multiple organ failure (MOF). In a rat model of MOF, PMNs become primed for enhanced superoxide anion (Osub 2 sup - ) release and CD11b expression, sequester in end organs, and produce organ failure. Therefore, we hypothesized that circulating PMNs harvested in the first 24 hours after injury from trauma patients at risk for MOF would (1) exhibit a primed Osub 2 sup - release, (2) upregulate CD11b expression, and (3) show evidence of sequestration in tissues. Extracellular PMN Osub 2 sup - release and CD11b receptor expression were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury in 33 torso trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores > 15; eight patients (24%) developed MOF. Healthy adults served as controls. PMNs after injury were primed for enhanced in vitro Osub 2 sup - release at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury, indicating prior in vivo priming. CD11b expression was also increased at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury. Circulating PMN numbers increased sharply at 3 hours after injury, before decreasing dramatically at 6 and 12 hours, suggesting end organ sequestration. At 12 hours after injury, declines in circulating PMNs were significantly greater in MOF than in non-MOF patients (p < 0.05). These data indicate that PMNs are quickly mobilized into the circulation after injury and then primed for enhanced Osub 2 sup - release and CD11b expression. PMN priming appears to be a necessary preamble to PMN sequestration in patients with major torso trauma. Upregulation of PMN function, accompanied by subsequent end organ sequestration, may represent an important early event in the pathogenesis of MOF after injury.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2006

Fundamentals of Surgical Practice, 2006