Heller myotomy vs Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication: cost-utility analysis of a randomized trial

Optimizing the Management Algorithm for Esophageal Dysphagia After Index Endoscopy: Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Minimization Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines advise esophageal motility testing for dysphagia when structural disorders are ruled out, but cost concerns impede adoption. We evaluated cost-effective positioning of esophageal motility testing in the algorithm to evaluate esophageal dysphagia.

METHODS

We developed a decision analytic model comparing 3 strategies: (i) esophageal manometry, (ii) screening impedance planimetry followed by esophageal manometry if needed, or (iii) nonalgorithmic usual care. Diagnostic test accuracy was adapted to expected rates of esophageal motility disorders in general gastroenterology populations. We modeled routine testing for all patients with nonstructural/mechanical dysphagia compared with selective testing with strong suspicion for achalasia. Cost outcomes were defined on national commercial and Medicare datasets stratified on age and sex. Health outcomes were modeled on populations with achalasia. The time horizon was 1 year.

RESULTS

Motility testing was preferred over nonalgorithmic usual care due to cost savings rather than health gains. To commercial insurers, routine esophageal manometry for nonstructural/mechanical dysphagia would be cost-saving below a reimbursed cost of $2,415. Screening impedance planimetry would be cost saving below a reimbursed cost of $1,130. The limit for reimbursed costs would be lower for patients older than 65 years to achieve cost savings mainly due to insurance. Sex did not significantly influence cost-effectiveness. Patients and insurers preferred routine screening impedance planimetry before manometry when the index of suspicion for achalasia was below 6%.

DISCUSSION

Aligning with practice guidelines, routine esophageal motility testing seems cost saving to patients and insurers compared with nonalgorithmic usual care to evaluate nonstructural/mechanical dysphagia. Choice of testing should be guided by index of suspicion.

Fundoplication in laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy (LHC) is the preferred treatment of achalasia. It improves dysphagia by dividing muscles of the lower oesophageal sphincter, but this intervention can result in debilitating gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in some patients. To prevent these reflux symptoms, most surgeons add a fundoplication to Heller's cardiomyotomy, but there is no consensus regarding this or the type of fundoplication which is best suited for the purpose.

OBJECTIVES

To assess how the addition of a fundoplication affects postoperative reflux and dysphagia in people undergoing LHC and compare the different types of fundoplications used in combination with LHC to determine which is better at controlling reflux without worsening the dysphagia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched three databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase) on 31 October 2021 and trial registers to identify all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in any language, comparing different fundoplications used in combination with LHC to treat achalasia. We also included RCTs where LHC with a fundoplication is compared with LHC without any fundoplication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We only included RCTs which recruited adult participants with achalasia undergoing LHC with minimal hiatal dissection. We excluded non-randomised studies or studies involving paediatric participants. We also excluded studies where the procedure was done by open surgery and where circumferential hiatal dissection of the oesophagus was carried out, unless it was necessary to reduce a hiatus hernia or to facilitate a Toupet or Nissen fundoplication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified studies to be included, assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool, and extracted the data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using both fixed-effect and random-effect models with Review Manager (RevMan) software.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight studies in this review, with a total of 571 participants with an average age of 45 years (range 33.5 to 50). LHC without any fundoplication was performed in 65 (11.3%) participants, 298 (52.1%) had Dor fundoplication, 81 (14.1%) had Toupet fundoplication, 72 (12.6%) had Nissen's fundoplication, and 55 (9.6%) participants had angle of His accentuation. Three studies with a total of 143 participants compared LHC + Dor to LHC without fundoplication. We found that the evidence is very uncertain as to whether the addition of a Dor fundoplication made any difference to the outcome of postoperative pathological acid reflux (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.89; I² = 56%; 2 studies, 97 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and uncertain for severe postoperative dysphagia (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.34 to 26.33; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 142 participants; low-certainty evidence). Three studies with 174 participants compared LHC + Dor to LHC + Toupet. The evidence suggests that there may be little to no difference in the outcomes of postoperative pathological acid reflux (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.43; I² = 60%; 3 studies, 105 participants; low-certainty evidence) and severe postoperative dysphagia (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.15; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 123 participants; low-certainty evidence) between the two interventions, but the certainty of the evidence is low. One study with 138 participants compared LHC + Dor to LHC + Nissen. Nissen fundoplication caused increased severe postoperative dysphagia (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.83; 1 study, 138 participants; high-certainty evidence) when compared to Dor fundoplication. This study did not show a difference in postoperative pathological acid reflux (RR 4.72, 95% CI 0.23 to 96.59; 1 study, 138 participants; low-certainty evidence), but the certainty of evidence is low. One study with 110 participants compared LHC + Dor with LCH + angle of His accentuation, and reported that severe postoperative dysphagia was similar between the two interventions (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.27 to 8.95; 1 study, 110 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), with moderate certainty of evidence. This study did not report on postoperative pathological acid reflux.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When LHC was performed with minimal hiatal dissection, we were very uncertain whether the addition of a Dor fundoplication made a difference in controlling postoperative reflux, and we were uncertain if it increased the risk of severe postoperative dysphagia. There may be little to no difference in the outcomes of postoperative pathological acid reflux or severe dysphagia between Dor and Toupet fundoplications when used in combination with LHC, but the certainty of the evidence is low. Nissen (total) fundoplication used in combination with LHC for achalasia increased the risk of severe postoperative dysphagia. The angle of His accentuation and Dor fundoplication had a similar effect on severe postoperative dysphagia when combined with LHC, but their effect on postoperative pathological acid reflux was not reported.

Gastroesophageal Reflux after Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: Myth or Reality?

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an accepted treatment for achalasia cardia (AC), and results are comparable to those of laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). In recent years, several reports have confirmed higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following POEM. This review evaluates the current evidence regarding post-POEM GER, critically examines the potential contributing factors responsible for GER, limitations of the current available functional testing, and precautions and preventive measures, and provides future directions for research. Factors conclusively contributing to increased post-POEM GER include injury to the sling fibers of the lower esophageal sphincter, length of gastric myotomy > 2 cm, and others. Historically, these same factors have been implicated for development of GER after surgical (laparoscopic) myotomy. Although less invasive, optimal technique of POEM may be important to control post-POEM GER. Most post-POEM GER occurs during the immediate post-POEM period, is mild, and is easily treatable using proton-pump inhibitors. GER incidence plateaus at 2 years and is comparable to that after LHM. Patients should therefore be prescribed proton-pump inhibitors for at least 2 years. Antireflux procedures (ARPs) are infrequently required in these patients as the incidence of refractory GER is low. Novel ARPs have been recently described and are currently under evaluation. Conclusive diagnosis of GER is a clinical challenge. Most patients are asymptomatic, and GER is diagnosed only on abnormal esophageal acid exposure (EAE). Studies have demonstrated that current measures to diagnose GER are inadequate, inaccurate, and cannot differentiate between true GER and abnormal EAE due to food fermentation in the distal esophagus. The Lyon Consensus criteria should be implemented for confirmation of diagnosis of GER. Finally, the review recommends an evidence-based clinical algorithm for evaluation and management of post-POEM GER and provides guidelines for future research in this field.

Valuing innovative endoscopic techniques: per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the management of achalasia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Unclear reimbursement for new and innovative endoscopic procedures can limit adoption in clinical practice despite effectiveness in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to determine maximum cost-effective reimbursement for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in treating achalasia.

METHODS

We constructed a decision-analytic model assessing POEM versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHM) in managing achalasia from a payer perspective over a 1-year time horizon. Reimbursement data were derived from 2017 Medicare data. Responder rates were based on clinically meaningful improvement in validated Eckardt scores. Validated health utility values were assigned to terminal health states based on data previously derived with a standard gamble technique. Contemporary willingness-to-pay (WTP) levels per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were used to estimate maximum reimbursement for POEM using threshold analysis.

RESULTS

Effectiveness of POEM and LHM was similar at 1 year of follow-up (0.91 QALY). Maximum cost-effective reimbursement for POEM was $8033.37 to $8223.14, including all professional and facility fees. This compares favorably with contemporary total reimbursement of 10 to 15 total relative value units for advanced endoscopic procedures. Rates of postprocedural GERD did not affect the preference for POEM compared with LHM, assuming at least 10% cost savings with POEM compared with LHM in cost-minimization analysis, or at least 44% cost savings in cost-effectiveness analysis (WTP = $100,000/QALY). LHM was only preferred over POEM if both procedures were reimbursed similarly, and these findings were primarily driven by lower rates of postprocedural GERD. The rate of conversion to open laparotomy due to perforation or bleeding was infrequent in published clinical practice experience, thus did not significantly affect reimbursement.

DISCUSSION

POEM is an example of an innovative and potentially disruptive endoscopic technique offering greater cost-effective value and similar outcomes to the established surgical standard at contemporary reimbursement levels.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Fundoplication: What Is the Evidence?

There is no agreement about the best type of fundoplication to add in patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) for achalasia to reduce the risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. This article reviews the current evidence about the outcomes in achalasia patients undergoing LHM with a partial anterior, a partial posterior, or a total fundoplication. We performed a review of the literature in PubMed/Medline electronic databases, which was evaluated according to the GRADE system. The results of the published randomized controlled trials show with a high level of evidence that the addition of a fundoplication reduces the risk of postoperative abnormal reflux, without impairing the food emptying of the esophagus. LHM with partial fundoplication is considered in most centers worldwide the standard of care for the treatment of patients with achalasia. The current evidence fails to show any significant difference between partial anterior and posterior fundoplication. In the absence of further large randomized controlled trial, the decision of performing an anterior or a posterior wrap is based on the surgeon's experience and preference. The addition of a partial fundoplication to LHM leads to a significantly lower rate of postoperative pathological reflux without impairing the esophageal emptying.

Limited Hiatal Dissection Without Fundoplication Results in Comparable Symptomatic Outcomes to Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy with Anterior Fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Previous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that partial fundoplication following Heller myotomy results in less pathologic acid exposure to the esophagus when compared to myotomy without fundoplication. Recent studies have questioned the necessity of a fundoplication, especially when a limited hiatal dissection (LHD) is performed and the angle of His is preserved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively maintained data. All patients underwent primary Heller myotomy for achalasia over a 30-month period. In select patients, an LHD was performed anteriorly. Symptomatic outcomes were assessed up to 2 years postoperation using the Achalasia Severity Questionnaire (ASQ), Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL).

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients underwent Heller myotomy during the study interval. The majority of patients underwent Heller myotomy with full hiatal dissection (FHD) (21, 68%). Intraoperative mucosal perforations occurred in 3 (14%) patients undergoing FHD. Patient demographics, surgery details, and baseline symptomatic outcomes did not differ significantly preoperatively. At greater than 1 year postoperation, there was no significant difference between the groups for ASQ, GERD-HRQL, and GIGLI (P = .76, .78, and .33, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Heller myotomy with LHD and no fundoplication and Heller myotomy with FHD and partial fundoplication result in similar GERD-related quality of life outcomes. Further studies (including pH studies) are necessary to determine if fundoplication is a necessary step in selected patients in whom an LHD is possible.

Surgical treatment for nonspecific esophageal motility disorders

PURPOSE

Nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD) is a vague category that includes patients with poorly defined contraction abnormalities observed during esophageal manometry. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach using long myotomy and fundopexy for NEMD.

METHODS

The VATS approach using myotomy and fundopexy was performed for 4 patients of NEMD between 2005 and 2008. A total of 4 patients with NEMD that underwent treatment at our institution were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The patients included 2 males and 2 females with a median age of 48 years (range 21-74 years). The median duration of NEMD symptoms was 58 months (range 4-108 months). Dysphagia was a primary symptom in all patients. Chest pain was a primary symptom in 3 of 4 patients (75 %). Treatment with medication was attempted before the operation. The median operative time was 344.5 min (range 210-476 min). The median time before starting oral feeding was 2.5 days (range 2-22 days). All patients achieved a significant improvement of their previous condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The VATS approach using myotomy and fundopexy for NEMD is a good treatment in cases resistant to medication and balloon dilation.

Impact of minimally invasive surgery in the spectrum of current achalasia treatment options

Minimally invasive Heller myotomy has evolved the "gold standard" procedure for achalasia in the spectrum of current treatment options. The laparoscopic technique has proved superior to the thoracoscopic approach due to improved visualization of the esophagogastric junction. Operative controversies most recently include the length of the myotomy, especially of its fun-dic part, with respect to the balance between postoperative persistent dysphagia and development of gastroesophageal reflux, as well as the type of the added antireflux procedure. Peri-operative mortality should approach 0%, and favorable long-term results can be achieved in > 90%.

[Role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of achalasia: an analysis of 50 cases]

Achalasia is an uncommon oesophageal motor disorder, with a controversial therapeutic management.

AIM

The aim of our study was to analyse our experience in the management of achalasia, assessing the impact of minimally invasive surgery, its complications and its outcomes in the short and medium term.

METHODS

A retrospective and descriptive study was designed, including all patients operated on between 1999 and 2010 with the diagnosis of achalasia. Previous diagnostic tests, duration of symptoms, previous non-surgical treatment, surgical approach, associated antireflux intervention, surgical time and perioperative complications were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients, 24 males and 26 females, with a mean age of 47 years underwent laparoscopic surgery. The mean duration of the disease was 2 years. Eleven (22%) patients had received endoscopic treatment (1-4 sessions) prior to the surgery, with 100% of symptomatic recurrence. The surgery was accompanied by a Dor fundoplication in 48 patients, and Toupet fundoplication in the remaining two. The mean surgical time was 123 minutes. There were 9 intraoperative complications (5 gastric mucosal perforations, 2 bleeding, 1 liver injury and 1 aspiration); 4 postoperative complications (3 scapular pain and 1 sub-phrenic collection) were reported. The long-term subjective symptomatic response was excellent/good in 84% of patients, intermediate in 12% and a poor response in 4%. The mean follow-up was 28 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Heller cardiomyotomy should be the treatment of choice in selected Achalasia patients, because of its short and long term outcomes, and its low morbidity.

Treatment and surveillance strategies in achalasia: an update

Controversy exists with regard to the optimal treatment for achalasia and whether surveillance for early recognition of late complications is indicated. Currently, surgical myotomy and pneumatic dilation are the most effective treatments for patients with idiopathic achalasia, and a multicenter, randomized, international trial has confirmed similar efficacy of these treatments, at least in the short term. Clinical predictors of outcome, patient preferences and local expertise should be considered when making a decision on the most appropriate treatment option. Owing to a lack of long-term benefit, endoscopic botulinum toxin injection and medical therapies are reserved for patients of advanced age and those with clinically significant comorbidites. The value of new endoscopic, radiologic or surgical treatments, such as peroral endoscopic myotomy, esophageal stenting and robotic-assisted myotomy has not been fully established. Finally, long-term follow-up data in patients with achalasia support the notion that surveillance strategies might be beneficial after a disease duration of more than 10-15 years.

Laparoendoscopic single-site Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication for achalasia

BACKGROUND

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is beginning to include advanced laparoscopic operations such as Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication. However, the efficacy of LESS Heller myotomy has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the authors' initial experience with LESS Heller myotomy for achalasia.

METHODS

Transumbilical LESS Heller myotomy with concomitant anterior fundoplication for achalasia was undertaken for 66 patients after October 2007. Outcomes including operative time, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded and compared with those for an earlier contiguous group of 66 consecutive patients undergoing conventional multi-incision laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication. Symptoms before and after myotomy were scored by the patients using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (never/not severe) to 10 (always/very severe). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, and Fisher's exact test where appropriate.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing LESS Heller myotomy were similar to those undergoing conventional laparoscopic Heller myotomy in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), blood loss, and length of hospital stay. However, the patients undergoing LESS Heller myotomies had operations of significantly longer duration (median, 117 vs. 93 min with the conventional laparoscopic approach) (p<0.003). For 11 patients (16%) undergoing LESS Heller myotomy, additional ports/incisions were required. No patients were converted to "open" operations, and no patients had procedure-specific complications. Symptom reduction was dramatic and satisfying after both LESS and conventional laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication. The symptom reduction was similar with the two procedures. The LESS approach left no apparent umbilical scar.

CONCLUSION

Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication effectively treats achalasia. The findings showed LESS Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication to be feasible, safe, and efficacious. Although the LESS approach increases operative time, it does not increase procedure-related morbidity or hospital length of stay and avoids apparent umbilical scarring. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery represents a paradigm shift to more minimally invasive surgery and is applicable to advanced laparoscopic operations such as Heller myotomy and anterior fundoplication.

24-h pH monitoring patterns and clinical response after achalasia treatment with pneumatic dilation or laparoscopic Heller myotomy

BACKGROUND

The most effective treatment for achalasia is pneumatic dilation or myotomy. The best option is still controversial and incidence of complications could help choosing. Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is the most frequent complication after treatment for achalasia. The 24-h pH monitoring (24-h pH) is the best method to evaluate true GER.

AIM

To analyse the 24-h pH patterns after treatment, correlating with therapeutic success.

METHODS

Untreated patients with achalasia were randomized to pneumatic dilation or laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication (LHM+Fp) and evaluated with clinical/manometric results and 24-h pH.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients were analysed pre-treatment and 85 post-treatment. Clinical success was 73.8% in pneumatic dilation group and 88.3% in LHM+Fp group (P = 0.08). The incidence of GER was 31% in pneumatic dilation, and 4.7% in LHM+Fp (P = 0.001). The occurrence of hypotensive lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) was 53.3% in patients who developed GER and 28.6% in patients with 24-h pH suggesting fermentation (P = 0.019). The rates of dysphagia resolution in patients with 24-h pH of GER and fermentation were respectively 86.7% and 85.7% (P = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

True GER 24-h pH is more frequent after pneumatic dilation for achalasia, and it is associated with a hypotensive LES. A 24-h pH suggestive of fermentation or true GER is not associated with worse clinical/manometric results.

Meta-analysis of randomized and controlled treatment trials for achalasia

Pharmacological therapy, botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilatation, and surgical myotomy are the primary therapeutic modalities for achalasia, for which laparoscopic myotomy is recommended as state-of-the-art therapy. However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear compared with other approaches in the treatment of achalasia. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, LILACS-Latin American, Caribbean health science literature, and Science Citation Index Expanded) for randomized controlled trials to evaluate which therapeutic measures are temporary and reversible and which measures are definitive and effective by pooling data including remission rate, relapse rate, complications, and adverse effects. Seventeen studies with 761 patients met our inclusion criteria. There was better remission rate in pneumatic dilation than in botulinum toxin injection for initial intervention [relative risk (RR) 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51-3.20], Pneumatic dilation had lower relapse rate than did botulinum toxin injection (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04-0.32). Compared with pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic myotomy further increased remission rate (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.48-1.87), and reduced clinical relapse rate (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.58), and there was no difference in complication rate (RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.37-5.99). Based on limited randomized and controlled trials, laparoscopic myotomy is the preferred method for patients with achalasia. Future trials should investigate whether laparoscopic myotomy combined with different modalities of fundoplication is superior to isolated laparoscopic myotomy.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia: results after 10 years

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy was first undertaken in the early 1990s, and appreciable numbers of patients with 10-year follow-up periods are now available. This study was undertaken to determine long-term outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy used to treat achalasia.

METHODS

Of 337 patients who have undergone laparoscopic Heller myotomy since 1992, 47 who underwent myotomy more than 10 years ago have been followed through a prospectively maintained registry. Among many symptoms, patients scored dysphagia, chest pain, vomiting, regurgitation, choking, and heartburn before and after myotomy using a Likert scale with choices ranging from 0 (never/not bothersome) to 10 (always/very bothersome). Symptom scores before and after myotomy were compared using a Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. Data are reported as median (mean ± standard deviation).

RESULTS

The median length of the hospital stay was 2 days (mean, 3 ± 8.6 days; range, 1-60 days). Notable complications were infrequent after myotomy. There were no perioperative deaths. One patient required a redo myotomy after 5 years due to recurrence of symptoms. At this writing, 33 patients (70%) are still alive. The causes of death after discharge were unrelated to myotomy. The frequency and severity scores for dysphagia, chest pain, vomiting, regurgitation, choking, and heartburn all decreased significantly after laparoscopic Heller myotomy (p < 0.0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be undertaken with few complications. This procedure significantly decreases the frequency and severity of achalasia symptoms without promoting heartburn. The symptoms of achalasia are durably ameliorated by laparoscopic Heller myotomy during long-term follow-up evaluation, thereby promoting application of this procedure.

Prevention of post-operative leak following laparoscopic Heller myotomy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the preferred treatment for achalasia. Post-operative leaks cause significant morbidity and impair functional outcome. This study assesses the efficacy of intra-operative leak testing on post-operative leak rate.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy by a single surgeon between November 2001 and August 2006 was undertaken. Intra-operative leak testing was performed in all patients. Variables associated with intra-operative mucosotomy were assessed by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Intra-operative mucosotomy occurred in 25% of patients. All mucosotomies were repaired primarily and tested with methylene-blue-stained saline. Dor fundoplication was performed in 74% of the patients. There were no post-operative leaks and patients were started on diet day of surgery. Mean LOS was 1.4(+/-0.7) days. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that prior myotomy was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of mucosotomy (p = 0.033), while previous botox injection (p = 0.193), pneumatic dilation (p = 0.599) or concomitant hiatal hernia (p = 0.874) were not significantly associated with mucosotomy.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia is a safe procedure. Intra-operative leak testing minimizes the risk of post-operative leaks and expedites post-operative management. Prior endoscopic treatment does not impair operative results.

Laparoscopic Collis gastroplasty and Dor fundoplication for reflux esophagitis complicated by a penetrating ulcer and shortened esophagus: a case report

The patient was a 72-year-old man, who was referred to us at the beginning of July 2005 with a chief complaint of difficulty with swallowing. After a thorough medical examination, the patient was diagnosed with a penetrating ulcer due to reflux esophagitis, lower esophageal stricture, Barrett esophagus, and shortened esophagus. After administration of a proton pump inhibitor and 2 sessions of endoscopic dilatation, esophagitis was cured and the stricture was eliminated. Subsequently, Collis gastroplasty and Dor fundoplication, which seemed appropriate to certainly avoid injuring communication with the mediastinum created by the penetrating ulcer and provide radical cure, were performed laparoscopically. The patient made a good postoperative progress, was discharged on the 11th hospital day, and is now being followed up on an outpatient basis. There have been no signs of recurrence of esophagitis, and the penetrating ulcer was cured. To our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous laparoscopic Collis gastroplasty and Dor fundoplication in the English literature.