Objectives:
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of chronic opioid exposure on esophageal motility in patients undergoing manometric evaluation.
Methods:
Multiple databases were searched through October 2022 for original studies comparing the manometric results of patients who have used chronic opioids (for >90 days) to those who do not. The primary outcomes were esophageal dysmotility disorders. Three high-resolution manometry parameters were conducted as secondary outcomes. A random effects model was applied to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and means difference (MD) along with a 95% confidence interval.
Results:
Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Opioid use was associated with higher esophageal dysmotility disorders, including distal esophageal spasm (pooled OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.60–14.63, P = 0.005, I2=96%), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (pooled OR 5.13, 95% CI 2.11–12.43, P = 0.0003, I2=93%), and type III achalasia (pooled OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.15–8.03, P < 0.0001, I2=64%). No significant differences were observed for hypercontractile esophagus, type I achalasia, or type II achalasia. The basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (MD 3.02, 95% CI 1.55–4.50, P < 0.0001, I2=90%), integrated relaxation pressure (MD 2.51, 95%CI 1.56–3.46, P < 0.00001, I2=99%), and distal contractile integral (MD 640.29, 95% CI 469.56–811.03, P < 0.00001, I2=91%) significantly differed between the opioid use and nonopioid use group. However, opioid use was associated with a lower risk of ineffective esophageal motility (pooled OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.95, P = 0.02, I2=53%).
Conclusion:
Chronic opioid exposure is associated with an increased frequency esophageal dysmotility disorders. Our results revealed that opioid use is significantly associated with Type III achalasia but not with Type I and II achalasia. Therefore, opioid treatment should be taken into account as a potential underlying risk factors when diagnosing these major esophageal motor abnormalities.
