Morbid Obesity with Achalasia: A Surgical Challenge

Achalasia is a relatively rare medical condition that is classically not associated with obesity. The surgical treatment of a simultaneous occurrence of these two diseases requires careful consideration, and only a few reports can be found in the literature combining a Heller myotomy with gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or gastric banding. We report the case of a 69-year-old female patient with early achalasia and obesity who underwent simultaneous laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection and robotic Heller myotomy. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. A follow-up at 6 weeks showed a significant weight loss and resolved symptoms of achalasia. The case illustrates that a simultaneous gastric sleeve resection and robotic Heller myotomy might be an option for the treatment of concurrent obesity and achalasia.     

Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery minimizes esophageal perforation during Heller myotomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has emerged as the treatment of choice for achalasia. However, intraoperative esophageal perforation remains a significant complication. Computer-enhanced operative techniques have the potential to improve outcomes for certain operative procedures. Robotic, computer-enhanced laparoscopic telemanipulators using 3-dimensional magnified imaging and motion scaling are designed uniquely to facilitate certain operations requiring fine-tissue manipulation. We hypothesized that computer-enhanced robotic Heller myotomy would reduce intraoperative complications compared with laparoscopic techniques. METHODS: All patients undergoing an operation for achalasia at 3 institutions with a robotic surgery system (DaVinci; Intuitive Surgical Corporation, Sunnyvale, Calif) were followed-up prospectively. Demographics, perioperative course, complications, and hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluation was obtained via a standardized symptom survey, office visits, and medical records. Data were compared with preoperative symptoms using a Mann-Whitney U test, and operating times were compared using the ANOVA test. RESULTS: Between August 2000 and August 2004 there were 104 patients who underwent a robotic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplicaton. There were 53 women and 51 men. All patients were symptomatic. The operative time was 140.55 minutes overall, but improved from 162.63 minutes to 113.50 minutes from 2000-2002 to 2003-2004 (P = .0001). There were no esophageal perforations. There were 8 minor complications and 1 patient required conversion to an open operation. Sixty-six (62.3%) patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and the average hospital stay was 1.5 days. A symptom survey was completed in 79 of 104 patients (76%) at follow-up evaluation. Symptoms improved in all patients with an average follow-up symptom score of 0.48 compared with 5.0 before the operation (P = .0001). Forty-three of the 79 patients from whom follow-up data were collected had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. The follow-up period averaged 16 months. No patients required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-enhanced robotic laparoscopic techniques provide a clear advantage over standard laparoscopy for the operative treatment of achalasia. We have shown in this large series that Heller myotomy can be completed using this technology without esophageal perforation. The application of computer-enhanced operative techniques appears to provide superior outcomes in selected procedures.     

Technique and follow-up of minimally invasive Heller myotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has been proven effective. Reliable predictive factors for outcome and the true benefit of the da Vinci robotic system, however, remain unknown. METHODS: Seventy patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The number of intraoperative perforations and the symptom-predictive value of postoperative esophagogram width measurement at the gastroesophageal junction were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 11%. Four patients experienced intraoperative perforation during the laparoscopic technique. No perforations were experienced with the da Vinci robotic system (n = 19). Of the total, 82% of patients had resolution of dysphagia, 91% of regurgitation, 91% of heartburn and 82% of chest pain. Immediate postoperative esophagogram gastroesophageal junction width demonstrated a positive predictive trend from 0 to 10 mm for dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is an effective treatment for achalasia. Immediate postoperative esophagogram gastroesophageal junction width measurement as a predictor for symptom resolution requires further study.     

Computer-assisted robotic heller myotomy: initial case report

PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine the efficacy of computer-assisted robotic laparoscopic Heller myotomy. METHODS: A 76-year-old woman with a significant history of achalasia was evaluated for laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The daVinci surgical system was used throughout the procedure. RESULTS: Computer assistance allowed scaling of hand motions from a range of 2:1 to 5:1. Successful dissection of the esophageal musculature was accomplished, and a Toupet-type fundoplication was performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital the day after surgery with five port incisions, each <1 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Telemanipulator computer-assisted surgical devices may have applications in procedures that require advanced and finely tuned motions, such as Heller myotomy. The benefits of extra magnification and three-dimensional imaging can help prevent esophageal perforation and identify residual circular muscle fibers.     

Surgical treatment of achalasia: current status and controversies

OBJECTIVE: To review the current management of achalasia, and the controversies regarding the different treatment options. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed. The key words used were esophageal achalasia, Heller myotomy, endoscopic balloon dilatation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and fundoplication. RESULTS: Patients who fail medical therapy (e.g. pharmacologic therapy, botulinum toxin, balloon dilatation) should be considered for surgical therapy for the management of achalasia. Currently, numerous surgical procedures exist for the treatment of achalasia (transabdominal cardiomyotomy, thoracoscopic or open transthoracic cardiomyotomy, and laparoscopic Heller myotomy with an antireflux procedure). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is generally accepted as the operative procedure of choice for achalasia. However, controversy exists as to whether a concomitant antireflux procedure is necessary, and if so, what type should be performed. Given the deleterious effects of postoperative reflux, and the facility of including an antireflux procedure at the time of the myotomy, there is merit in undertaking an antireflux procedure at the time of the laparoscopic Heller myotomy.     

Treatment of esophageal achalasia with Heller myotomy: retrospective evaluation of patient satisfaction and disease-specific quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Prospective randomized studies have suggested that surgery palliates esophageal achalasia more effectively than pneumatic dilatation, but for some dilatation is still the procedure of choice for initial treatment. We decided to compare achalasia symptoms before and after Heller myotomy by means of postoperative questionnaires. METHODS: The study included 22 patients who underwent Heller myotomy for achalasia at the Hotel Dieu Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., since July 1990; 5 of them required repeat myotomy for symptom recurrence, for a total of 9 open and 18 laparoscopic procedures. Median follow-up was 43 (range 6-109) months. Preoperative and postoperative data regarding dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain and overall patient satisfaction were gathered. Symptom scores were calculated by adding severity (0 = none, 2 = mild, 4 = moderate, 6 = severe) to frequency (0 = never, 1 = occasionally, 2 = once a month, 3 = every week, 4 = twice a week, 5 = daily). Patients having a repeat procedure were instructed to evaluate symptoms with respect to their initial myotomy. RESULTS: Seventeen (77%) patients were successfully contacted, 4 of them had subsequent repeat myotomy for symptom recurrence. Initially, overall symptom scores decreased for all but 1 patient, with mean preoperative and postoperative values of 23.1 and 7.3 respectively (p < 0.001). The patient in whom symptoms did not improve is a candidate for a repeat procedure. Repeat myotomy was performed after a median of 38 (range 23-75) months, corresponding to an overall 3-year positive outcome in 13 (76%) of the 17 patients. Fifteen (88%) patients considered their myotomies a success and 16 (94%) would choose to have this procedure again given the outcome. CONCLUSION: Heller myotomy appears to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of achalasia. Repeat myotomy is occasionally required.     

Robotic Heller myotomy: a safe operation with higher postoperative quality-of-life indices

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus that is treated most effectively with operative myotomy. Excellent outcomes with laparoscopic myotomy and fundoplication are well known. Heller myotomy utilizing a computer-enhanced (robotic) laparoscopic platform allows for a more precise dissection by utilizing the superior optics of a 3-dimensional camera and greater degrees of freedom provided by robotic instrumentation. How this affects outcome and quality of life is unknown. METHODS: We assessed patients' health perceptions using a standardized, validated, health-related, disease-specific quality-of-life metric. Sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic myotomy over a 6-year period were evaluated prospectively. All operations were performed using intraoperative manometric and endoscopic guidance and all except 5 patients had a fundoplication. The effects of the operation on health-related quality of life were evaluated with the Short Form (SF-36) Health Status Questionnaire and a disease-specific gastroesophageal reflux disease activity (GERD) activity index (GRACI) preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients completed the questionnaire at both time points. Patient scores were compared using 2-way repeated measures analyses of variance followed by the Tukey test. Operative time, estimated blood loss, duration of stay, intraoperative complication, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients had laparoscopic and 24 patients had robotic Heller myotomy. There was an increase in SF-36 overall evaluation of health postoperatively compared with preoperatively in both groups (P < .05). The robotic myotomy patients had better SF-36 Role Functioning (emotional) and General Health Perceptions (P < .05) compared with the laparoscopic group. The GRACI showed an equivalent improvement in severity of symptoms in both groups (P < .05). Operative time was 287 +/- 9 minutes for laparoscopic cases and 355 +/- 23 minutes for robotic cases. Estimated blood loss and duration of stay were not different between groups. There were 3 operative esophageal perforations (8%) during laparoscopic myotomy and all were repaired immediately. There were no perforations or operative complications in the robotic group. Neither group had any additional complications. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive operative myotomy improves functional status and overall evaluation of health in patients with achalasia. Robotic myotomy had no intraoperative esophageal perforations compared with an 8% intraoperative rate during laparoscopic myotomy. Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication using a robotic platform appears to be a more precise and safer operation than laparoscopic myotomy with improved quality-of-life indices postoperatively compared with laparoscopic myotomy with fewer complications; this suggests that, in skilled hands, the robotic platform may be safer, with improved quality-of-life outcomes.     

Thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy. Initial experience with a new approach for the treatment of achalasia.

The authors treated 17 patients with achalasia by a thoracoscopic (15 patients) or laparoscopic (2 patients) Heller myotomy. All patients had dysphagia and an upper gastrointestinal series demonstrating a dilated esophagus with a bird-beak deformity at the cardia. Manometry showed a mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure of 32 +/- 4 mmHg, incomplete sphincter relaxation on swallowing, and no primary esophageal peristalsis. After operation, mean LES pressure was 10 +/- 2 mmHg. Fifteen patients were fed on the second postoperative day. The average hospital stay was 3 days, and there were no deaths or major complications. In three early patients, the myotomy was not carried far enough onto the stomach, and dysphagia persisted until a second myotomy was performed (laparoscopically in two patients). The authors found that having an endoscope in the esophagus during the operation facilitated exposure and was vital to determine the appropriate length of the myotomy. With regard to dysphagia, final results were excellent in 12 patients (70%), good in two patients (12%), fair in two patients (12%), and poor in one patient (6%). Heller myotomy can be safely and reliably performed with minimally invasive techniques. Dysphagia is relieved, postoperative pain is minimal, hospital stay is short, and the patient can return quickly to normal activity.     

A decision analysis of the optimal initial approach to achalasia: Laparoscopic heller myotomy with partial fundoplication, thoracoscopic heller myotomy, pneumatic dilatation, or botulinum toxin injection

In the absence of randomized controlled trials that directly compare all of the modern methods of managing achalasia, decision analysis may help determine the optimal treatment strategy. Four strategies for the initial management of achalasia were compared using the following decision model: (1) laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication; (2) pneumatic dilatation; (3) botulinum toxin injection; and (4) thoracoscopic Heller myotomy. Probabilities of clinical events and utilities of health states were estimated using review of the medical literature and patient interviews. A recursive decision tree (Markov model) was used to simulate all the important outcomes of each initial treatment option, allowing for complications, relapses over time, and transitions between strategies when appropriate. After 10 years, laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication was associated with the longest quality-adjusted survival (quality-adjusted life years [QALY] = 7.41). The difference between this strategy and either pneumatic dilatation or botulinum toxin injection was small. Thoracoscopic Heller myotomy was associated with the poorest quality-adjusted survival (QALY = 7.15). Pneumatic dilatation was the favored strategy when the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery at relieving dysphagia was less than 89.7%, the operative mortality risk was greater than 0.7%, or the probability of reflux after pneumatic dilatation was less than 19%. In a decision model, laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is at least as effective as endoscopic approaches for managing achalasia symptoms. However, the differences are small enough that patient preferences and local expertise should be taken into consideration when tailoring a treatment plan for an individual patient. Presented at the Forty-First Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, Calif., May 21–24, 2000.     

Laparoscopic heller myotomy and dor fundoplication combined with laparoscopic diverticular introversion suturing for achalasia complicated by epiphrenic diverticulum: Report of a case

A 41-year-old woman was admitted due to dysphagia and weight loss of 6 kg. An upper gastrointestinal radiographic contrast study demonstrated an S-shaped lower esophagus with a peak transverse diameter of 65 mm. Moreover, an epiphrenic diverticulum was also detected in the lower part of the esophagus (50 × 40 mm). The measurement of intraesophageal pressure showed a lower esophageal sphincter pressure of 80 mmHg and a lower esophageal sphincter length of 31 mm. Esophageal clearance assessment via a timed barium esophagogram demonstrated impaired contrast clearance, with a rate of 26% at 5 min. A laparoscopic Heller myotomy, Dor fundoplication, and diverticular introversion suturing were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on day 4. At the 2-year follow-up, no dysphagia was present. This is the first report of a laparoscopic diverticuloplasty using an introversion buried suture with a Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication for achalasia complicated by an epiphrenic diverticulum.     

Videoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia--results beyond short-term follow-up

BACKGROUND: Heller myotomy has long been utilized for patients failing nonoperative management of achalasia. Videoscopy has been advocated to decrease the morbidity of Heller myotomy; however, few reports document outcome beyond 1 year after videoscopic Heller myotomy. PURPOSE: To determine perioperative morbidity, relief of dysphagia, and the incidence of postoperative reflux symptoms following videoscopic Heller myotomy with follow-up to over 4 years. METHODS: Patients with achalasia documented by barium esophogram and esophageal manometry underwent videoscopic Heller myotomy beginning in 1992. Intraoperative peroral endoscopy was utilized to guide the cephalad and caudad extent of myotomy. A barium esophogram was undertaken in the immediate postoperative period to evaluate for subclinical leak and assess esophageal emptying. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients underwent videoscopic Heller myotomy. The mean age was 51 years +/- 19 (range 14 to 91). Most (62%) patients had undergone pneumatic dilation prior to surgical consultation and 54% had previous botox injections. All patients complained of dysphagia and 40% had symptoms of heartburn prior to myotomy. After myotomy, 91% of patients stated that their swallowing was improved with myotomy. Thirteen patients (18%) experience heartburn more than once per week after myotomy. The average length of stay was 2 +/- 2 days, with 72% of patients spending 2 days or fewer in the hospital. Six (7.7%) major complications occurred: five esophageal perforations and one enterotomy without long-term sequellae. Three procedures (3.8%) were converted to "open" procedures. No deaths occurred. We conclude that videoscopic Heller myotomy is safe and efficacious, with low morbidity and mortality. Videoscopic myotomy provides relief beyond the short term for dysphagia due to achalasia with minimal reflux symptoms. We advocate videoscopic Heller myotomy in the treatment of severe dysphagia due to achalasia not adequately palliated by or amenable to nonoperative management.     

Heller myotomy vs Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication

Background The addition of a Dor antireflux procedure reduces the risk of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by ninefold following laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia. It is not clear, however, how these benefits compare with the increased cost of the fundoplication. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication compared with Heller alone in patients with achalasia. Methods We conducted a cost–utility analysis using the Markov simulation model to examine the two treatment alternatives. The model estimated the total expected costs of each strategy over a 10-year time horizon. Data for the model were derived from our randomized clinical trial. The strategies were compared using the method of incremental cost-effectiveness analysis. Results The incidence of pathologic GER was 47.6% (10 of 21 patients) in the Heller group and 9.1% (2 of 22 patients) in the Heller plus Dor group using an intention-to-treat analysis (p = 0.005). Heller plus Dor was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of GERD (relative risk 0.11; 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.59; p = 0.01). The cost of surgery was significantly higher for Heller plus Dor than for Heller alone (mean difference $942; p = 0.04), secondary to a longer operating room time (mean difference 40 min; p = 0.01). At a time horizon of 10 years, when proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy costs are considered, the cost–utility analysis demonstrates that Heller plus Dor surgery is associated with a total cost of $6,861 per patient and a quality-adjusted life expectancy of 9.9 years, whereas Heller-alone surgery is associated with a cost of $9,541 per patient and a quality-adjusted life expectancy of 9.5 years. Conclusions In achalasia patients, Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication is preferred to Heller alone because it is both more effective in preventing postoperative GERD and more cost-effective at a time horizon of 10 years. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting, Hollywood, FL, USA, 13–16 April 2005     

Single-incision laparoscopic heller myotomy and dor fundoplication for achalasia: Report of a case

Our objective was to establish the efficiency of single-incision laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication (SILHD) as treatment for esophageal achalasia. A 58-year-old man underwent SILHD for achalasia. The left triangular ligament was retracted using a suture thread and fixed to the body surface, providing a good operative field at the cardia. We performed a 7-cm long myotomy, extending 2 cm into the gastric wall, using a tissue-sealing device or L-shaped electrocautery. Oral intake resumed on postoperative day 1, and hospital stay was 4 days. No morbidity was observed. Based on our experience, we believe that the SILHD can be performed safely and seems to offer at least short-term benefits for selected patients with esophageal achalasia, when performed by surgeons experienced in laparoscopic and esophageal surgery.     

How does the robot affect outcomes? A retrospective review of open,laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy for achalasia

Background  

Robotic techniques are routinely used in urological and gynecological procedures; however, their role in general surgical procedures is limited. A robotic technique has been successfully adopted for a minimally invasive Heller myotomy procedure for achalasia. This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes following open, laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy.     

经胸小切口食管肌层切开术治疗贲门失弛缓症

目的总结经胸小切口食管肌层切开术治疗贲门失弛缓症的临床经验. 方法 25例贲门失弛缓症患者中中度9例,重度16例 ,均接受了手术治疗.手术经左胸腋后线第7或第8肋间进胸,切口6～8cm,行食管肌层切开.全组均未行抗反流手术. 结果全部患者顺利完成手术,无死亡,平均手术时间50分钟,术后平均住院天数10天.1例患者因损伤食管黏膜,于术中予以修补,其余患者术后无并发症.随访全部患者,吞咽困难消失,无胃食管反流症状.8例术后行24小时食管pH监测无病理性反流. 结论经胸小切口行食管黏膜外肌层切开术,创伤小,恢复快,并发症少,住院时间短.合理掌握胃食管连接部的肌层切开范围可有效防止术后胃食管反流发生.     

Surgical treatment of achalasia in a general hospital

The authors report their experience with 43 patients treated for achalasia of the esophagus in a general hospital between 1971 and 1986. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery performed: group 1--29 patients treated by Heller myotomy, performed by nine general surgeons between 1971 and 1983; and group 2--14 patients treated by transthoracic Heller myotomy with the addition of a Belsey Mark-IV fundoplication. Dysphagia was reduced postoperatively in 82.6% of patients in group 1 and 92.8% of patients in group 2. Three patients in group 1 and one patient in group 2 had persistent dysphagia. Ten patients in group 1 had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (5 of them required a second antireflux procedure). In group 2, one patient had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, but was treated successfully medically. There was no difference in the degree of relief of dysphagia between the abdominal and thoracic approach, or in whether the operation was performed by a general surgeon without specific experience in the treatment of achalasia. The addition of a fundoplication to a Heller myotomy appeared to lessen the problem of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Since the Heller myotomy is technically difficult and may lead to obstruction of the poorly emptying esophagus the authors recommend that it be used selectively and only by the experienced esophageal surgeon.     

Achalasia: the case for primary laparoscopic treatment

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy offers the best-known surgical therapy for esophageal achalasia. Nevertheless, this procedure continues to compete with alternative endoscopic treatment and is often considered only as a secondary resort. In this study, the authors performed a review of the results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy and an evaluation of the impact of previous endoscopic treatment regarding perioperative complications and late results. Twenty-seven patients with achalasia confirmed by a manometry examination underwent a primary laparoscopic Heller myotomy (group 1, n = 14) or experienced endoscopic treatment failure (group 2, n = 13). A dysphagia score (0-4) was obtained before and after surgery. Clinical course was reviewed at 2 months and then every 6 months after surgery. In December 1999, patients answered a questionnaire regarding surgery satisfaction, postoperative reflux, and dysphagia for statistical analysis. There were no deaths. Mean hospital stay was 5.6 days. Three perforations occurred in group 2 (25%) versus one in group 1 (6%) (not statistically significant). At a mean 27-month follow-up, the dysphagia score was significantly (P < 0.001) improved in both groups but more significantly in group 1 versus group 2 (not statistically significant). Only one patient in group 2 reported heartburn. All patients in group 1 (100%) were satisfied with surgery as opposed to 10 of 13 patients (75%) in group 2 (P < 0.10). Primary laparoscopic Heller myotomy appears to be the treatment of choice for achalasia. Previous endoscopic treatment increases intraoperative complications and may affect long-term results.     

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy using hook electrocautery: a safe, simple, and inexpensive alternative

Background  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) currently is considered the standard surgical therapy for achalasia. Historically, LHM has been associated with an intraoperative esophageal perforation rate of 5% to 10%. Recent literature has suggested that robotically assisted Heller myotomy is safer due to a reported lower incidence of intraoperative esophageal perforation than with conventional techniques. This study evaluated the results of LHM in a large series using simple hook electrocautery. Methods  All patients undergoing LHM with Dor fundoplication (LHMDF) for achalasia by a single surgeon (A.D.P.) from 2003 through 2006 were reviewed retrospectively at a multicenter academic institution. Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data were collected. Results  A total of 54 patients (52% female and 48% male) underwent LHMDF for the treatment of achalasia. The average age of these patients was 50 years, although 6 patients were younger than 18 years. The average body mass index (BMI) was 26.7, although four patients had a BMI exceeding 35. The average operative time was 113 min, and the estimated blood loss was 23 ml. The average length of hospital stay was 34 h. Only one patient (1.9%) underwent conversion to an open procedure, because of inadequate exposure attributed to an enlarged liver. One intraoperative esophageal perforation (1.9%) occurred in the series, which was sutured during the original operation without sequelae. Preoperatively, Botox injection therapy was administered for 24% of the patients and endoscopic dilation for 43%. Despite evidence that preoperative Botox increases the risk of esophageal perforation, this was not demonstrated in the patient population of this study. No postoperative leaks occurred, and only 3.7% of the patients had persistent dysphagia during an average follow-up period of 5 months. Conclusions  According to the findings, LHMDF using simple hook electrocautery is safe, inexpensive, and effective for the treatment of achalasia. The current series demonstrates that with meticulous surgical technique, intraoperative esophageal perforation is a rare event with this procedure. Hook electrocautery provides safety comparable with that of robotically assisted Heller myotomy, avoiding the added expense and operative time of a robotic system.     

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication for esophageal achalasia in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In the past, surgical treatment in achalasia usually has been reserved for patients whose dysphagia does not respond to pneumatic dilatation. The success of minimally invasive myotomy, however, has resulted in a shift in practice in adult patients, whereby laparoscopic surgery is becoming preferred as primary treatment by most gastroenterologists and surgeons. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication for esophageal achalasia in children. METHODS: Thirteen patients with esophageal achalasia (median age, 15 years; 6 boys and 7 girls; median duration of symptoms, 24 months) underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication between 1996 and 1999. Two patients had been treated previously by pneumatic dilatation, and 1 patient had received intrasphincteric Botulinum toxin injections. RESULTS: Median duration of the operation was 130 minutes. The patients were fed after an average of 33 hours, and they all left the hospital within 2 days. At a median follow-up of 19 months, there was no residual dysphagia in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication were effective and safe for children with esophageal achalasia. Hospital stay and recovery time was short, and the functional results were excellent. These data support the notion that laparoscopic Heller myotomy should become the primary treatment of esophageal achalasia in children.     

Single incision laparoscopic approach for esophageal achalasia: A case report

INTRODUCTIONEsophageal achalasia is an uncommon, benign, neurodegenerative disease that induces a transit disorder characterized by incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 56-year-old woman with dysphagia was admitted to our hospital. An esophagography revealed flask-type achalasia. Endoscopy revealed a dilated esophagus and some resistance at the esophagogastric junction. We used a capped wound protector, common straight forceps, and hook-type electrocautery to perform transumbilical single incision laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (SILHD). The left liver lobe and cardia were pulled by a thread. A 6-cm Heller myotomy of the esophagus was performed with an additional 2-cm myotomy of the gastric wall. Dor fundoplication was performed to cover the exposed submucosa. Intraoperative endoscopy confirmed the adequacy of the myotomy and Dor fundoplication. There were no postoperative complications. An esophagography and an endoscopic examination did not reveal stenosis or reflux at 1-year follow-up, and the patient has been satisfactorily symptom free.DISCUSSIONLHD is the most accepted surgical treatment for achalasia and has low invasiveness and long-term efficacy. SILHD for achalasia is a new approach and may provide improved cosmetics and less invasiveness compared with those by conventional LHD. The 1-year follow-up results in the present case are the longest reported to date. The evaluation of long-term results in a large-scale study is necessary in future.CONCLUSIONSILHD can be safe, widely accepted, mid-term minimal invasive and cosmetically superior surgical procedure for achalasia.