A combined laparoscopic-endoscopic method of assessment to prevent the complications of short esophagus

As antireflux surgery has been used increasingly for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a need has arisen for an accurate method to assess esophageal length. There are a number of preoperative tests that can help surgeons to establish the presence of a short esophagus, but intraoperative assessment after esophageal mobilization is the standard method. In this era of laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon mobilizes the esophagus extensively from the abdomen and then determines if mobilization is sufficient. We report an intraoperative technique that combines laparoscopic with endoscopic methods to determine the position of the gastroesophageal junction. Because two physicians are required, there is additional operating room time, resulting in increased costs. However, these costs are offset by the assurance that the complications of the short esophagus can be avoided. With experience, modifications were made, resulting in the technique described herein. Received: 15 September 1998/Accepted: 15 January 1999