Anterior semifundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: long-term results following conventional surgery]

INTRODUCTION: According to randomized studies, semifundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to lower postoperative dysphagia rates than with fundoplication in comparable reflux controls. However there is a lack of long-term results. The object of this study was therefore to determine the influence of partial anterior fundoplication on the long-term clinical outcome (>1 year) in patients with GERD. METHOD: From December 1986 until May 2000, 100 patients suffering from GERD were operated on. Seven of them were not evaluated, four because of revisional surgery, two because of preceding multiple abdominal operations (MEN, colitis ulcerosa), and one because of Nissen fundoplication. In all, the perioperative results of 93 patients (51 men and 42 women aged 21 to 86 years) were evaluated. Fourteen patients died during the follow-up period and two were lost because of changes in address. Thus, 77 patients with a median follow-up of 88 months (range 15-94) were interviewed with a list of standardized questions concerning reflux control and dysphagia. RESULTS: The median operation time was 110 m (range 55-270). In one patient, an esophageal mucosal tear was detected intraoperatively and promptly repaired. Postoperatively, 71.4% (55/77) had no reflux complaints, 85.7% (66/77) had dysphagia, 66.2% took no further medication, and 31.2% (24/77) continued taking medication. The median interval free of symptoms was 25.5 months, and in 40.9% of the patients, symptoms recurred within the first year after operation. Five patients were in need of reoperation. A total of 77.9% of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to reflux control, long-term results of anterior semifundoplication are comparable to those of fundoplication. However, considering postoperative dysphagia, the technically easier anterior semifundoplication is less eventful and therefore a good alternative which in the long run shows good results after laparoscopic intervention.     

Laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication in patients with intrathoracic stomach

The laparoscopic management of the intrathoracic stomach is still controversial. Laparoscopic semifundoplication in gastroesophageal reflux disease results in effective long-term reflux control and is, as compared with 360 degrees Nissen fundoplication, associated with less frequent side effects such as dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication in patients with intrathoracic stomach. Enrolled in this study are 19 patients (67.1 years of age; range, 37.5-83.7 years) with intrathoracic stomach undergoing laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication and a minimal follow up of 5 months postoperatively. The study covers the interval between August 1999 and March 2006. Including criterion was a minimum percentage of herniated intrathoracic stomach of 33 per cent. A standardized questionnaire was used for follow up and the modified symptomatic DeMeester score (0-9) was assessed. The median percentage of herniated stomach in the chest was 87.5 per cent (range, 33-100%). Seven patients revealed organo-axial volvulus of the stomach. Duration of preoperative symptoms was 24 months (range, 1-266 months) with a median follow up of 18 months (range, 5-76 months) postoperatively. The modified symptomatic DeMeester score was 0 (0-3). Thirteen of 19 patients were on no postoperative proton pump inhibitor medication. One patient had anatomic recurrence on late follow up at 27 months. The overall contentment with the surgical treatment on an analog scale from 0 to 10 was a median of 9. Although laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication yields satisfactory symptomatic results in patients with intrathoracic stomach, the incidence of failures and anatomical recurrences is higher than expected from subjective data. Prospective, randomized long-term studies are essential to gain further information about the "ideal" type of laparoscopic repair in large hiatal hernia with intrathoracic stomach.     

Langzeitergebnisse nach Myotomie und Semifundoplicatio bei Achalasie

The basic principle behind the treatment of achalasia consists of alleviating swallowing disorders by reducing resistance in the lower esophageal sphincter without inducing gastroesophageal reflux. Only a few studies are available on long-term results after operative treatment. Fifty-one patients were studied with regard to long-term results after open transabdominal extramucosal myotomy of the distal esophagus along with partial anterior fundoplication (Dor procedure). Clinical data were collected by standardized interviews, and symptoms were assigned a score ranging from 0 to 3 according to severity and frequency. The pre- and postoperative symptoms were comparable in 50 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 88 months (range: 12-160 months). Operative time was a median of 80 min. Two esophageal mucosal tears were recognized intraoperatively and promptly repaired. Postoperative morbidity occurred in two patients (3.9%). Very good or good long-term results after surgical therapy were achieved in 49 patients (96.1%). Forty-seven patients (92.2%) have no or rare dysphagia. The frequency of regurgitation as well as chest pain was also significantly reduced after surgery. Forty-nine patients (96.1%) either maintained or gained weight. Preoperative duration of symptoms, follow-up, age, and gender had no influence on the results (p > 0.05). Two patients (3.9%) mentioned occasional heartburn. Five patients (9.8%) took or still take proton pump inhibitors postoperatively. Severe stage IV symptoms due to peptic stricture and dolichomegaesophagus required reoperation in one patient (2%). The results show that myotomy and the antireflux procedure (semifundoplication) lead to long-term relief of dysphagia without inducing reflux at a low operative risk. Since long-term results are as yet not available for minimally invasive surgery, it remains to be seen if this operative technique will become the primary surgical procedure for this disease.     

Die anteriore Semifundoplicatio zur Behandlung der gastroösophagealen Refluxkrankheit

Introduction. According to randomized studies, semifundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to lower postoperative dysphagia rates than with fundoplication in comparable reflux controls. However there is a lack of long-term results. The object of this study was therefore to determine the influence of partial anterior fundoplication on the long-term clinical outcome (>1 year) in patients with GERD. Method. From December 1986 until May 2000, 100 patients suffering from GERD were operated on. Seven of them were not evaluated, four because of revisional surgery, two because of preceding multiple abdominal operations (MEN, colitis ulcerosa), and one because of Nissen fundoplication. In all, the perioperative results of 93 patients (51 men and 42 women aged 21 to 86 years) were evaluated. Fourteen patients died during the follow-up period and two were lost because of changes in address. Thus, 77 patients with a median follow-up of 88 months (range 15–94) were interviewed with a list of standardized questions concerning reflux control and dysphagia. Results. The median operation time was 110 m (range 55–270). In one patient, an esophageal mucosal tear was detected intraoperatively and promptly repaired. Postoperatively, 71.4% (55/77) had no reflux complaints, 85.7% (66/77) had dysphagia, 66.2% took no further medication, and 31.2% (24/77) continued taking medication. The median interval free of symptoms was 25.5 months, and in 40.9% of the patients, symptoms recurred within the first year after operation. Five patients were in need of reoperation. A total of 77.9% of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. Conclusions. With regard to reflux control, long-term results of anterior semifundoplication are comparable to those of fundoplication. However, considering postoperative dysphagia, the technically easier anterior semifundoplication is less eventful and therefore a good alternative which in the long run shows good results after laparoscopic intervention.     

Long-term results after Heller–Dor operation for oesophageal achalasia

Objective: In the literature, reports on the definitive rate of cure of the surgical treatment of oesophageal achalasia are not numerous. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical–instrumental-based patient's outcome related to long-term follow-up. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four patients (80 men, median age 57 years, range 7–83) consecutively submitted to first instance transabdominal Heller–Dor in the period 1978–2002 were considered. Follow-up consisted of clinical interview, endoscopy, barium-swallow and oesophageal manometry if required. Twenty-six cases (15%) were sigmoid achalasias. Results: One patient died post-operatively (severe haemorrhage in a patient previously operated upon for a cardiovascular malformation and suffering for portal hypertension), 173 were followed-up (mean 109 months, range 12–288, median 93 months) of whom 68 for more than 15 years. On the whole 151 patients (87.3%) had satisfactory and 22 (12.7%) had poor long-term results. Seven out of 173 patients (4%), 6 of whom were pre-operatively classified as sigmoid achalasia, subsequently underwent oesophagectomy, 3 for epidermoid cancer, 1 for Barrett's adenocarcinoma, 2 for stasis oesophagitis and recurrent sepsis, 1 for severe dysphagia. Fifteen patients (8.7%) had an insufficient result due to reflux oesophagitis which appeared in 2 (one erosion) after 184 and 252 months. All 22 patients, whether surgically or medically retreated, achieved satisfactory control of dysphagia and reflux symptoms. Conclusions: In the long term, insufficient results strictly related to Heller–Dor failure, always due to reflux oesophagitis, were recorded in 15/173 patients (8.7%) although it is questionable whether reflux oesophagitis appearing after more than 15 years is due to the Dor incompetence or to ageing. In sigmoid achalasia, oesophagectomy rather than myotomy should be taken into consideration in the first instance. In the long-term, surgery is the best definitive treatment for oesophageal achalasia.     

Improving the surgery for sigmoid achalasia: long-term results of a technical detail

Objective: Heller myotomy results for the treatment of sigmoid achalasia are worse than those achieved for fusiform achalasia. We retrospectively examined two groups of sigmoid achalasia patients, in which we performed (1) the standard Heller–Dor procedure (no pull-down) and (2) the Heller–Dor plus a technique apt to obtain the verticality of the oesophageal axis (pull-down). We verified whether the latter technique improved long-term results. Materials and methods: We considered 33 patients affected by primitive oesophageal sigmoid achalasia operated upon consecutively (1979–2005). Diagnosis was based on symptoms, manometry, radiology and endoscopy. After 1987, we routinely isolated 360° of the gastro-oesophageal junction and the lower oesophagus and applied U stitches at the right side of the lower oesophagus to pull down and rotate the gastro-oesophageal junction toward the right. Fifteen patients underwent the no pull-down and 18 patients underwent the pull-down technique. Postoperative follow-up included objective clinical and instrumental evaluation (questionnaire filled by a surgeon including the assessment of symptoms and endoscopic reflux oesophagitis according to a semi-quantitative scale) and subjective evaluation (self-evaluation SF-36 questionnaire). Results: The mean follow-up period was 89 months (range 12–261 months). The postoperative dysphagia score was significantly improved in the entire group. Excellent results were present in 12 patients (36.4%), good in 11 (33.3%), fair in 3 (9.1%) and insufficient in 7 patients (21.2%). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to the postoperative symptoms and oesophagitis. Postoperative radiological measurements of oesophageal diameter and residual barium column were significantly improved in the whole group and within each group with respect to the radiological variables measured preoperatively (p = 0.000). In the comparison of the two groups, statistically significant differences were observed with regard to mean oesophageal diameter (p = 0.030) (pull-down, 4 ± 0.9 cm; no pull-down, 4.7 ± 0.6 cm) and residual barium column (p = 0.048) (pull-down, 6.2 ± 3.4 cm; no pull-down, 9.6 ± 5.8 cm). Conclusions: The Heller–Dor operation is effective in the presence of sigmoid achalasia. The clinical objective and subjective evaluations show a trend toward the improvement of results with the pull-down technique. Stronger statistical significance would probably be obtained from a larger case series.     

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The initial teaching and learning experience of four surgeons performing a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is reported. A total of 33 patients underwent the laparoscopic approach for Nissen fundoplication. Two patients also underwent concomitant cholecystectomy. A loose 360 degrees fundoplication secured by three or four sutures was performed, with 29 patients also undergoing posterior crural repair. Three operations were converted to open procedures. Two patients required subsequent surgery, one when the fundoplication and proximal stomach slipped into the chest and one for oesophageal obstruction. No other complications occurred. All patients are well and free of reflux symptoms at follow-up ranging up to 10 months (median 5 months). Operating time ranged from 47 min to 154 min (median 81 min) for fundoplication alone. The laparoscopic fundoplications with cholecystectomy required 145 and 170 min. Postoperative stay ranged from 3 to 12 days (median 3 days). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is feasible in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. These early results demonstrate that this new technique may reduce some of the morbidity associated with open antireflux surgery. A prospective randomised study has been started to assess efficacy and benefits more thoroughly.     

Functional results of laparoscopic antireflux surgery and causes of postoperative dysphagia]

Results of functional examination of 176 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease are presented. 94 patients were were followed up from 1 month to 4 years after laparoscopic antireflux operation (82--by Nissen and Nissen--Rossetty, 6--by Dor, 6--by Toupet). After Nissen operation the pressure in the region of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) increased more than after partial fundoplication and remained the same during 4 years of follow-up (p < 0.05). Postoperative dysphagia in the majority of cases was associated with excessive increase of pressure and length of LES region, decrease of it capacity to relaxation during swallowing (p < 0.05). 360 degrees-fundoplication can not be recommended only in complete loss of contractile capacity of the esophagus.     

机器人辅助多脏器切除在治疗结直肠癌中的应用

目的探讨机器人辅助多脏器切除治疗结直肠癌的安全性及可行性。 方法回顾分析2014年11月至2017年12月吉林省肿瘤医院收治的13例结直肠患者的临床资料,选择机器人辅助联合多脏器切除术作为治疗策略。分析患者的一般资料、手术结果及肿瘤学结果。 结果全组患者中男7例、女6例,中位年龄60岁,其中直肠癌5例、乙状结肠癌8例;行整块切除7例,联合肝部分切除2例、小肠部分切除3例、子宫切除3例、卵巢切除4例、膀胱及输尿管部分切除1例、右半结肠切除1例。全组中位手术时间为225 min(90～360 min)、中位出血量50 ml(15～600 ml),无术中输血。全组共中转手术5例,其中计划性中转手术3例、非计划性中转手术2例。所有患者均达到R0切除,无围手术期死亡,发生术后并发症2例。 结论机器人辅助多脏器切除治疗结直肠癌是安全、可行的。     

Laparoscopic heller cardiomyotomy either combined with a Dor or Toupet procedure in the treatment of achalasia

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of achalasia has undergone a dramatic evolution over the past ten years with the introduction of advanced laparoscopic techniques beside the use of balloon dilatation and injections of botulinumtoxin. With the introduction of the laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy the question was raised again whether and if so which antireflux measures are meaningful in combination with the cardiomyotomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Since 1998, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic cardiomyotomy in the surgical department of the Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr University Bochum. To prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux we performed a Dor fundoplication in 13 patients and a Toupet fundoplication in 38 patients. The mean period of observations was 17 months (3-45 months). All patients were evaluated through a symptoms score. 16 patients could be clinically and objectively followed-up. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 170 min. (80-290 min). The intraoperative complications were 8 mucosal disruptions without further morbidity and 1 pneumothorax. Postoperative complications were 1 scarring restenosis and 1 wrap dislocation. Improvement of symptoms was reported in 94.2 % of patients with good or excellent results. In 5.8 % of patients symptoms of reflux were claimed. There was no significant difference in results between Dor- and Toupet-fundoplication. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy with either a Dor or Toupet fundoplication are equivalent with respect to short- and middle-term outcome and efficient procedures with low rate of morbidity and mortality in the treatment of achalasia. A long-term observation period is necessary for determining which type of fundoplication has to be performed particularly regarding restenosis and reflux rate.     

Effect of semifundoplication with subtotal gastrectomy for prevention of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND: Postgastrectomy patients often experience reflux esophagitis and a compromised quality of life. We hypothesized that reconstructive methods with antireflux procedures at operation should prevent reflux esophagitis and improve the likelihood of a better quality of life in patients after distal gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. Our antireflux procedure was a subdiaphragmatic semifundoplication. We aim to substantiate, with objective arguments, potential advantages of Billroth I simple reconstruction versus Billroth I with semifundoplication. STUDY DESIGN: This study evaluated 60 patients who had Billroth I reconstruction with semifundoplication (30 patients; F group) and simple Billroth I reconstruction (30 patients; B group) after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Assessments were made preoperatively and 6 months or later after surgical intervention. Results of the procedure, clinical evaluation (reflux symptoms), and esophageal alkaline reflux by ambulatory 24-hour pH memory were satisfactory. RESULTS: Operative evaluation time and procedural complications did not differ significantly between the two gastrectomy groups. Reflux symptoms only occurred in 12 patients in the B group. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure of patients in the B group was significantly lower than that of patients in the F group and in preoperative states (p < 0.05). The mean appearance of alkaline esophageal reflux in the F group and the B group were 2.6% and 13.6%, respectively (p < 0.01). Patients with semifundoplication had a significantly better quality of life and less physiologic regurgitation than patients with simple Billroth I. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that Billroth I reconstruction with semifundoplication for gastric cancer is not only effective for patients with a postoperative life expectancy, but also prevents reflux esophagitis after gastrectomy. We believe that our method is an effective and simple surgical option for many patients with gastric cancer.     

Treatment of esophageal achalasia with laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor partial anterior fundoplication: Prospective evaluation of 100 consecutive patients

In this article we report our experience in 100 consecutive achalasia patients who were treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor antireflux fundoplication, with particular regard to the technical problems encountered, the learning curve, and the long-term follow-up. The operation was completed laparoscopically in 94 patients, with a median operative duration of 150 minutes, and a continuous steady reduction in the operating time from the first patients to the last. In six patients the operation was completed through “open” access. Postoperative complications were recorded in six cases. Follow-up was completed in all 100 patients, with a median follow-up of 24 months. Overall, actuarial life-table analysis showed a probability of 90% that patients would be symptom free over a S-year period. Radiologic assessment showed a significant reduction in the esophageal diameter, and manometry showed a significant reduction in the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure and residual pressure. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring showed postoperative reflux in 6.9% of the patients. Persistent dysphagia or chest pain was reported by eight patients, which constituted treatment failures. Seven of these eight patients were eventually treated with multiple pneumatic dilatations, which were successful in six cases. It was concluded that laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication is a feasible and effective treatment for achalasia, with an actuarial success rate of 90% at 5 years.     

Laparoscopy in the management of closed loop sigmoid volvulus

Objective To investigate the feasibility and surgical outcome of elective laparoscopic surgery for acute closed loop sigmoid volvulus. Method A prospectively electronic database of colorectal laparoscopic procedures identified nine consecutive patients with sigmoid volvulus managed by colonoscopic decompression followed by same admission laparoscopic recto‐sigmoidectomy. Results Between January 2001 and February 2007, nine patients, ASA I (one), II (four), III (four) with sigmoid volvulus were treated: seven were women. Their age distribution was 37–87 years (median 64). The volvulus was the first episode in one patient, the second episode for four and the third (or more) for the remainder. The median operation time was 115 min (45–145). No anastomosis was de‐functioned. Postoperative analgesia was parenteral paracetamol (eight) supplemented by 10 mg oral morphine in one case; a ninth patient received patient controlled parenteral morphine for 36 h. Complications included: ileus (one), myocardial infarct (one) and wound infection (one). There was one death on day 32 from a brainstem infarct. Seven had an uncomplicated recovery. The median postoperative stay was 4 days (2–32). Conclusion Laparoscopic recto‐sigmoidectomy postcolonoscopic decompression is a good option for patients with sigmoid volvulus. Surgical complications are minimal and recovery is quick.     

Nichterosive und erosive gastroösohageale Refluxerkrankung

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results of laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication in patients with nonerosive (NERD) and erosive (ERD) gastroesophageal reflux disease.PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study includes the period from May 1997 to July 2005. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all 190 patients. The severity of reflux esophagitis was classified according to Savary and Miller (grades I-IV). A standardized questionnaire was used for follow-up, and the modified symptomatic DeMeester score was assessed.RESULTS: 58.5 years of age (range 27-80), patients with nonerosive reflux disease (n=83) were significantly older than those with erosive reflux disease (n=107) (48 years range 15-84) (p=0.0001). Patients with NERD had a lower modified symptomatic DeMeester score postoperatively of 0 (range 0-4) than patients with ERD, of 1 (range 0-5), though without statistical significance (p=0.151).CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic anterior semifundoplication leads to comparable symptomatic long-term results in both NERD and ERD. Anterior semifundoplication is a good therapeutic option for selected patients with persistent reflux-associated symptoms and endoscopically negative esophagitis.     

腹腔镜乙状结肠、直肠癌根治术133例报告

目的探讨腹腔镜乙状结肠、直肠癌根治术的适应证与技巧。方法 2003年4月～2011年12月对133例腹腔镜结、直肠癌根据病变部位分别实施乙状结肠或直肠低位前切除术（Dixon术）、会阴联合直肠癌根治术（Miles）、直肠癌切除、近端造口、远端封闭术（Hartmann术）。结果完成腹腔镜结、直肠癌根治术129例,其中结、直肠吻合术51例,Dixon术40例,Miles术34例,Hartmann术与中转开腹各4例。手术时间110～230 min,平均155 min,其中结、直肠吻合术（135±65）min,Dixon术（155±55）min,Miles术（185±60）min,Hartmann术（145±45）min。2例术后第7、10天发生下肢深静脉血栓,其中1例急性肺动脉栓塞死亡,1例抗凝与活血化瘀治愈。1例Hartmann术后半个月发生盆腔脓肿,经肛门行直肠残端穿刺引流治愈。结肠造口坏死、造口狭窄、造口旁疝各1例,分别在术后8 d、6个月、2年手术治疗。截止2011年7月,随访满1年119例,死亡8例;随访满3年85例,死亡16例;随访满5年40例,死亡13例;trocar和辅助切口未发生肿瘤种植。结论腹腔镜乙状结肠、直肠癌根治术适用Dukes A、B期及无肠道梗阻和不保留肛门C期患者,具有解剖清晰、创伤小、恢复快等优点。     

经脐单孔腹腔镜乙状结肠癌根治术安全性及近期疗效分析

目的:评价经脐单孔腹腔镜乙状结肠癌根治术的可行性及安全性。方法:回顾分析2010年3月至2010年7月7例经脐单切口腹腔镜乙状结肠癌根治术与17例常规腹腔镜根治术的临床资料,对比分析两组患者手术安全性、术后恢复情况、并发症及术后近期随访结果。结果:7例单孔手术均获成功,无一例中转手术。手术时间平均(64.2±26.3)min,术中出血量平均(20.1±3.4)ml,切口长度平均(2.2±1.3)cm,平均清扫淋巴结(13.2±3.3)枚,术后患者无需镇痛,肛门排气时间平均(1.2±0.6)d,下床活动时间平均(1.5±0.4)d,术后平均住院(5.8±3.2)d。1例患者术后4 d出现切口感染,予以换药治愈。术后随访7～12个月,平均8.8个月,无复发、转移。与常规腹腔镜结肠癌根治术相比,单孔组切口小(P<0.05),手术时间较长(P<0.05)。结论:经脐单切口多通道腹腔镜结肠癌根治术安全、可行,具有患者创伤小、瘢痕小等优点,但技术要求较高。     

Floppy Dor fundoplication after esophagocardiomyotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND: When esophagocardiomyotomy (ECM) is performed for achalasia, a complementary antireflux procedure of the surgeon's choice is usually performed to minimize postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. This retrospective analysis describes patients after laparoscopic ECM, most of whom had a modified Dor fundoplication. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2001, 81 patients with achalasia of the esophagus had laparoscopic ECM. We have previously described the use of intraoperative endoscopy to verify completion of ECM in a cohort of 48 patients who had either Toupet fundoplication (n = 25) or floppy Dor fundoplication (n = 23). Since then floppy Dor fundoplication has been the preferred antireflux procedure for ease of performance and safety reasons. This article describes the floppy Dor fundoplication as we have performed it since 1997, anchoring the wrap to both crura of the hiatus. In addition, the anterior gastric wall is sutured to the anterior rim of the esophageal hiatus, avoiding creation of the paraesophageal hernia that occurs if the gastric wall abuts the entire the length of a long ECM. RESULTS: During the 1- to 70-month follow up period (mean 45 months), patients who were symptomatic were evaluated by radiographic, manometric, or endoscopic methods; pH studies were not done systematically. The 70% of patients who could be evaluated had postoperative quality of life and symptom assessment interviews that revealed willingness to repeat the operation. Overall satisfaction was high (8.4/10 where 10 is perfect); moderate dysphagia was seen in 11 (16%) 3 to 16 months postoperatively, but patients reverted to a satisfaction score of 8.2 after endoscopic dilation. Occasional heartburn was present in 15 (26%) patients with regular, 5-use proton pump inhibitors (PPI), including 1 with Barrett's esophagus. Others use these medications for gastric disorders. No patient has had cancer of the esophagus develop, but endoscopic surveillance has been inconstant. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing was improved in patients without sigmoid esophagus and overall satisfaction was high. New-onset heartburn is an unpredictable problem that can be treated in most patients. Endoscopic dilatation may be required at intervals after ECM-fundoplication for bridging fibrosis at the cardia, but has not required reoperation, as a rule. Laparoscopic ECM is an attractive operation for achalasia.     

Carcinoma of the rectum: a 10-year experience

A consecutive series of 303 patients with carcinoma of the rectum and distal sigmoid colon treated by a single surgeon over a 10-year period are reported. Of these, 202 underwent an anterior resection, 85 an abdominoperineal excision of the rectum and 16 a coloanal anastomosis. Surgery was considered palliative in 52 patients undergoing anterior resection and 24 undergoing abdominoperineal resection. The 30-day hospital mortality rate was six patients (3 per cent) for anterior resection and two patients (2 per cent) for abdominoperineal resection. Peroperative anastomotic testing demonstrated leakage in five stapled anastomoses; these were rectified and no clinical sequelae occurred. Two patients (1 per cent) developed a clinical anastomotic leak, one of which proved fatal; in each case the intraoperative test was negative. The overall 5-year survival rate was 64 per cent after anterior resection and 52 per cent after abdominoperineal resection; the median follow-up was 64 months. The incidence of local pelvic recurrence was 6.4 per cent after anterior resection and 14 per cent after abdominoperineal (not significant). These results confirm the success of sphincter-saving anterior resection combined with total mesorectal excision, routine full mobilization of the splenic flexure and cancercidal lavage of the distal rectum in the treatment of low rectal carcinomas; morbidity, local recurrence and survival are not compromised.     

中间入路腹腔镜辅助直肠癌高位前切除术26例报告

目的:探讨中间入路在腹腔镜辅助直肠癌高位前切除术中的操作技巧、应用价值及并发症。方法:回顾分析术中使用中间入路进行显露和操作的26例直肠上段癌和乙状结肠下段癌的临床资料。结果:手术均获成功,手术时间平均(110.3±43.8)min,术中出血平均(71.7±88.8)ml,术中无严重并发症发生。术后发生并发症2例(7.7%),1例切口感染,1例肠梗阻。平均住院(13.53±9.23)d。平均切除淋巴结(13±3.4)枚。经病理检查证实,除1例绒毛管状腺瘤、1例类癌外,余24例均为腺癌。按TNM分期,Ⅰ期8例,Ⅱ期11例,Ⅲ期7例。随访所有病例1~11个月,1例局部复发,无远处转移及肿瘤相关死亡病例。结论:中间入路腹腔镜辅助直肠癌高位前切除术是安全有效的手术径路。应用此径路能否达到与传统手术效果相同的肿瘤根治尚待进一步验证。     

Epiphrenisches Divertikel

INTRODUCTION: In the majority of patients suffering from epiphrenic diverticula, functional disorders of the esophagus are evident. The significance of surgical therapy is unclear, especially in case of nonspecific esophageal motility disorders. Besides "triple therapy" with diverticulectomy, myotomy, and semifundoplication, myotomy alone is also applied. Based on our own long-term results, we intended to prove if a treatment concept modeled on the motility disorder is justified. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1989 and December 2002, 12 patients with symptomatic epiphrenic diverticula underwent surgery at our clinic. Myotomy was carried out with diverticulectomy (and semifundoplication) only if achalasia had been proven, and an antireflux procedure was done only in case of gastroesophageal reflux. Surgery was performed openly in ten patients, and laparoscopically in two. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 46 months (range 9-169), all patients regarded the operative results as good to very good (11 follow-up investigations). CONCLUSION: To alleviate symptoms in patients with epiphrenic diverticula, myotomy is only rarely indicated. As with diverticulectomy, it is only necessary, if achalasia has been proven. Our long-term results do not suggest performing myotomy as a rule for underlying unspecific motility disorders of the esophagus.