Laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and anterior partial fundoplication for the treatment of achalasia

Toward a Tailored Treatment of Achalasia: An Evidence-Based Approach

BACKGROUND

The treatment options in achalasia patients aim to improve symptoms by reducing the functional obstruction at the level of the gastroesophageal junction. Available treatment modalities are endoscopic botulinum toxin injection (EBTI), pneumatic dilatation (PD), laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We provide an evidence-based review of current indications, limitations, and future perspectives of these options for the treatment of achalasia.

METHODS

The PubMed/Medline electronic databases and the Cochrane Library were searched. Quality of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Functional outcomes after EBTI are significantly worse than those after PD or LHM. LHM with partial fundoplication is associated with low complication rates and provides excellent long-term results with lower need for additional treatment of recurrent dysphagia than PD. POEM is a new promising treatment option with good short-term outcomes and low morbidity in experienced hands.

CONCLUSIONS

LHM should be considered the procedure of choice for the treatment of achalasia in patients who are fit for surgery. Large randomized controlled trials with long follow-up are needed to validate the role of POEM.

Heller myotomy for achalasia. From the open to the laparoscopic approach

The last three decades have witnessed a progressive evolution in the surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia, with a shift from open to a minimally invasive Heller myotomy. The laparoscopic approach is currently the standard of care with better short-term outcomes and similar long-term functional results when compared to open surgery. More recently, the laparoscopic single-site approach and the use of the robot have been proposed to further improve the surgical outcome in achalasia patients.

Achalasia--if surgical treatment fails: analysis of remedial surgery

INTRODUCTION

Heller myotomy leads to good-excellent long-term results in 90% of patients with achalasia and thereby has evolved to the "first-line" therapy. Failure of surgical treatment, however, remains an urgent problem which has been discussed controversially recently.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to analyze the long-term results of failures after Heller's operation with emphasis on treatment by remedial myotomy.

DISCUSSION

Other reinterventions and their causes after failure of surgical treatment in patients with achalasia are discussed.

[Surgical management of primary esophageal motility disorders]

Primary esophageal motility disorders are rare, the most common diagnoses being achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm. Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and may be medical, endoscopic, or surgical. Achalasia is most commonly treated by pneumatic dilatation or by laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy. Pneumatic dilatation is effective in 60-80% of cases, but functional results deteriorate over time. Surgical treatment is indicated when endoscopic dilatation is contraindicated or has failed. Functional results after cardiomyotomy are satisfactory in 90% of cases and results appear to be stable over time. The need for an associated antireflux procedure and the type of fundoplication remain controversial. For diffuse esophageal spasm, extended esophageal myotomy has yielded satisfactory functional results, but surgical treatment should be reserved for selected patients with severe symptoms.

Practical Approaches to the Surgical Management of Achalasia

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus characterized by an abnormal hypertensive, nonrelaxing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and nonfunctioning, aperistaltic esophageal body resulting in significant regurgitation and dysphagia. The primary goal of treatment is palliation of symptoms. At present, all treatment techniques are directed at relieving the functional obstruction at the level of the LES by disruption or paralysis of the esophageal muscle constituting the LES. Destruction of the LES function also places the patient at risk for pathologic gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the treatment of patients with achalasia must strike a balance between the relief of dysphagia and potential creation of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. The advent of laparoscopic esophageal myotomy for the treatment of achalasia over the past decade has resulted in most patients with the disease being referred to surgeons for definitive treatment. At the time of consultation the patient may present with a myriad of symptoms, investigative results, and previous treatments. Based on our experience of over 300 patients treated with surgery at our institution between 1990 and 2007, this review will address the practical problems encountered in the surgical management of achalasia.

Long-term results of conventional myotomy in patients with achalasia: a prospective 20-year analysis

Myotomy has proved to be an efficient primary therapy in patients with achalasia, especially in younger patients (<40 years of age). The results of laparoscopic myotomy cannot be finally assessed, on account of the shorter postoperative follow-up. Thus, there are considerable data regarding intermediate-term outcomes after laparoscopic myotomy. The aim of our study was a 20-year analysis of the conventional cardiomyotomy as the underlying basis assessing the results of minimal-invasive surgery. Within 20 years (September 1985 through September 2005), 161 operations for achalasia were performed in our clinic. Enrolled in this study were 108 patients with a conventional, transabdominal myotomy in combination with an anterior semifundoplication (Dor procedure) and a minimal follow-up of 6 months. All patients were prospectively followed and, in addition to radiologic and manometric examinations of the esophagus, the patients were asked for their clinical symptoms by structured interviews in 2-year intervals. The median age at the time of surgery was 44.5 (range, 14-78) years, and 72.2% of the patients were males. The median length of the preoperative symptoms was 3 years (3 months to 50 years), and the postoperative follow-up was 55 (range, 6-206) months. In 70 (64.8%) patients, a pneumatic dilation had been performed. The preoperative Eckardt score of 6 (range, 2-12) could be reduced to 1 (range, 0-4) after myotomy (P<0.0001). Consequently, with 97.2% of all patients, a good-to-excellent result was achieved in the long-term follow-up, corresponding to a clinical stage I-II. Postoperatively, 69 patients (63.9%) gained weight. The radiologically measured maximum diameter of the esophagus decreased from preoperatively 45 (range, 20-75) mm to postoperatively 30 (range, 20-60) mm, while the minimum diameter of the cardia increased from 3.4 (range, 1-10) mm to 10 (range, 5-15) mm. The resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter could be reduced from 28.4 (range, 9.4-56.0) mm Hg to 8.6 (range, 3.0-22.5) mm Hg. Conventional myotomy leads in the long run with high efficiency to an improvement of the symptoms evident in achalasia. These results may be regarded as the basis for assessment of the minimal-invasive procedure.

Myotomy: follow-up study of 50 patients

Laparoscopic myotomy has become the standard treatment for definitive management of achalasia. This study was undertaken to assess the long-term results of the procedure. Perioperative data, including a symptom score questionnaire, were collected prospectively on all patients undergoing laparoscopic myotomy. The same questionnaire was readministered by phone to patients with follow-up greater than 3.75 years. The long-term success of myotomy was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in the dysphagia score and absence of further therapy (responders). Fifty of 95 patients (age = 57 years, 23 females) were successfully contacted. Average follow-up was 6.2 years. The overall long-term success rate was 64% (responders). Forty-two patients (84%) were able to gain or maintain their weight after the procedure. Five patients (10%) required one or more endoscopic dilations after the myotomy. The mean change in dysphagia score was higher in the responder group (7.8 +/- 1.9 vs. 1.9 +/- 2.1; P = 0.001). The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender distribution, and follow-up interval (P > .05). Dor fundoplication was performed in six patients (12%), and the outcome comparisons of these patients showed no significant differences from those patients undergoing Heller alone. Overall satisfaction was achieved in 94% of contacted patients. These results confirm that laparoscopic myotomy is an effective procedure with excellent long-term symptom resolution and overall satisfaction in patients with achalasia.

A total fundoplication is not an obstacle to esophageal emptying after heller myotomy for achalasia: results of a long-term follow up

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and efficacy of a total 360 degrees wrap, Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication, after esophagogastromyotomy in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Surgery actually achieves the best results in the treatment of esophageal achalasia; the options vary from a short extramucosal esophagomyotomy to an extended esophagogastromyotomy with an associated partial fundoplication to restore the main antireflux barrier. A total 360 degrees fundoplication is generally regarded as an obstacle to esophageal emptying.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 1992 to November 2003, a total of 195 patients (91 males, 104 females), mean age 45.2 years (range, 12-79 years), underwent laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia. Intervention consisted of Heller myotomy and Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with intraoperative endoscopy and manometry.

RESULTS

In 3 patients (1.5%), a conversion to laparotomy was necessary. Mean operative time was 75 +/- 15 minutes. No mortality was observed. Overall major morbidity rate was 2.1%. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.6 +/- 1.1 days (range, 1-12 days). At a mean clinical follow up of 83.2 +/- 7 months (range, 3-141 months) on 182 patients (93.3%), an excellent or good outcome was observed in 167 patients (91.8%) (dysphagia DeMeester score 0-1). No improvement of dysphagia was observed in 4 patients (2.2%). Gastroesophageal pathologic reflux was absent in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication after Heller myotomy is a safe and effective treatment of esophageal achalasia with excellent results in terms of dysphagia resolution, providing total protection from the onset of gastroesophageal reflux.

The laparoscopic Heller-Dor operation remains an effective treatment for esophageal achalasia at a minimum 6-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical outcome of the laparoscopic Heller Dor procedure for esophageal achalasia.

METHODS

A total of 71 consecutive patients with a minimum 6 year follow-up were evaluated. These patients were seen at 1 and 6 months after the operation (at which time barium swallow, endoscopy, manometry, and pH monitoring were performed), and annually thereafter. A dedicated symptom score, that combined severity and frequency of symptoms was used.

RESULTS

The median symptom score decreased from 22 (range, 9-29) preoperatively to 4 (range, 0-16) at last follow-up, (p < 0.01). During the follow-up period, 13 patients suffered symptom recurrence; seven of them (54%) had already been diagnosed at the 1-year follow-up. All of these patients were treated with complementary pneumatic dilations. Overall, at a minimum of 6- years after the operation, 81.7% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment and were able to eat normally.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcome of laparoscopic surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia is only slightly affected by the length of the follow-up and most of the symptomatic failures occur in the early period after the operation.

Long-term outcome of Heller myotomy in achalasic sigmoid esophagus

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the long-term outcome of Heller myotomy and anterior fundoplication in patients with achalasic sigmoid esophagus.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with achalasia and sigmoid esophagus (median age, 42.5 years) operated on by the same surgeon through a laparotomy (n = 8) or laparoscopic approach (n = 6) between 1985 and 2000 were evaluated. According to a 4-grade classification (1, no symptoms; 4, persistent symptoms), both dysphagia and regurgitation had a median score of 4.0. Five patients complained of respiratory symptoms. Six patients had undergone previous pneumatic dilation. Preoperative and postoperative workup included an esophagogram, esophagoscopy, manometry, and health-related quality-of-life assessment with the Short-Form 36-item questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 85 months. At 24 months, esophageal width decreased by 10 mm (P =.003), and the change correlated inversely with the age of the patients (R = -0.61; P =.02). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased by 17 mm Hg (P =.001), and both dysphagia and regurgitation scores decreased to 1.0 (P <.003). Comparison with the results of 37 patients with earlier-stage achalasia showed no difference in changes of esophageal width, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, dysphagia score, and regurgitation score. Quality-of-life Short-Form 36-item questionnaire domains, including general health, social functioning, and vitality, improved significantly. Overall results were classified as excellent or good in 10 patients and as satisfactory and unsatisfactory in 2 patients each. No patient required esophagectomy or had esophageal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study Heller myotomy proved effective in improving subjective, objective, and quality-of-life outcome measures in patients with achalasic sigmoid esophagus and should be considered as the first-choice treatment for this severe condition.

Functional results after laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia: A comparative study to open surgery

BACKGROUND

Prospective studies comparing laparoscopic to open Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcome after laparoscopic and open Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients who underwent Heller-Dor myotomy for achalasia, via laparoscopy (n=52) or open surgery (n=30) were recorded prospectively (1993-2002). Median follow-up was 51 (12-111) months. Perioperative functional data were assessed via dysphagia and overall clinical (dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, gastroesophageal reflux) scores.

RESULTS

In laparoscopy patients, the operative time was longer (145 [95-290] vs 120 [70-230] minutes, P <.0001); the postoperative hospital stay and feeding resumption time was shorter (4 [2-25] vs 7.5 [5-18] days, P <.0001 and 2 [1-15] vs 4 [1-14] days, P <.0001). Three mucosal tears necessitated conversion to open surgery (6%). The rates of " excellent" or " satisfactory" results after laparoscopic and open surgery were 92% (n=48/52) versus 93% (n=28/30), and 83% (n=43/52) versus 83% (n=25/30) on overall clinical score. In both groups, the overall clinical score indicated significant improvement during 12-month follow-up. The laparoscopy and open surgery symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux rates were 10% and 7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy favorably compares with open surgery regarding dysphagia relief and gastroesophageal reflux rate. Overall clinical score indicates gradual improvement in patient functional status during 12-month follow-up.

Thoracoscopy-assisted Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: results of a minimally invasive technique

BACKGROUND

Several surgical methods have been described to treat achalasia with a recent trend toward utilizing minimally invasive techniques to perform a myotomy. Since 1998 our institution has utilized a minimally invasive thoracoscopy-assisted technique (ThAM) that allows a myotomy to be performed under direct visualization.

METHODS

From 1992 to 2002, 57 patients underwent transthoracic Heller myotomy at our institution. Thirty-eight patients (67%) who underwent ThAM were reviewed and compared with 19 (33%) who previously underwent myotomy through a standard open left thoracotomy (OM).

RESULTS

There were no operative deaths in the ThAM group (n = 38) and 4 patients (11%) experienced minor morbidity. Four ThAM patients required conversion to open thoracotomy and 2 were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 32 patients, 29 have improved postoperative dysphagia scores after a mean follow-up of 17 months. Only 4 patients have required further endoscopic or surgical intervention. Compared with the OM group, ThAM patients experienced significantly shorter average surgery time (97 versus 139 minutes), less blood loss (80 versus 155 mL), less postoperative narcotic requirement (8 versus 20 days), and shorter recovery to normal activity (20 versus 73 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopy-assisted myotomy results in excellent relief of dysphagia in the short term and would be expected to have long-term results similar to OM. Shorter operating and recovery times as compared with OM without the need for an antireflux procedure makes ThAM an attractive minimally invasive technique.

Achalasia: a review of therapeutic options and outcomes

Advances in achalasia has led to the development of new therapeutic options. This review will focus on methodology and outcomes of two established techniques; pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy; and one new technique, LES injection of botulinum A toxin.

Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal achalasia

BACKGROUND

Esophageal achalasia is characterized by loss of peristaltic activity and failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The characteristic dysphagia may be alleviated by surgery, dilations, or botulinum toxin injections. Video-endoscopic surgery is used increasingly.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This paper reports our experience with 142 consecutive achalasia patients treated by laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor antireflux fundoplication and followed for a median 26 months.

RESULTS

Overall, the actuarial lifetable analysis showed a 90% probability of a patient's being symptom free over a 5-year period. Radiologic assessment showed a significant reduction in esophageal diameter and manometry a significant reduction in the resting tone and residual pressure of the LES. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring showed postoperative reflux in 6.7% of patients. Persistent dysphagia or chest pain (i.e., failure of treatment) were reported by 15 patients (10.6%): 14 of them were subsequently treated with multiple pneumatic dilations, which were successful in 12 cases.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication is a feasible and effective treatment for achalasia, with an actuarial success rate of 90% at 5 years. With additional dilation, a 98% success rate can be achieved.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy provides similar results to open Heller myotomy for the treatment of oesophageal achalasia with the advantage of quicker recovery. The present series examines the evolution of operative technique, postoperative outcome and the effect of the 'learning curve' in a group of 70 consecutive patients.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 1999, details of all patients undergoing oesophagogastric myotomy for achalasia were prospectively entered on a database. Patients were followed with a biannual postal symptom questionnaire and scores were obtained for dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and chest pain. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative symptom scores, and case number and operative complications was made using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U-test where appropriate.

RESULTS

The indication for surgery was as a primary procedure in 20 cases; after failed endoscopic treatment in 48 cases; and after a 'failed' fundoplication in two cases. Myotomy was combined with a 360 degrees fundoplication in 57 patients and with an anterior fundoplication in 13 patients. Mucosal perforation occurred intraoperatively in 11 cases. Conversion to an open procedure was required in seven patients. Seven patients required a second operation. At a mean follow up of 2.9 years, symptom scores were significantly improved from preoperative values for dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain (P < 0.001). There was no increase in the postoperative score for heartburn. The 'learning curve' contributed significantly to the length of the procedure, and the need for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is a technically challenging procedure that provides good early palliation of the symptoms associated with achalasia.

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 5-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.

Thoracoscopic versus laparoscopic modified Heller Myotomy for achalasia: efficacy and safety in 87 patients

BACKGROUND

The ideal treatment for achalasia permanently eliminates the dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, relieving dysphagia and regurgitation; prevents gastroesophageal reflux; and has an acceptable morbidity rate. Controversy exists concerning whether the thoracoscopic Heller Myotomy (THM) or laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) technique is the best approach to a modified Heller myotomy for achalasia.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective comparison of the patient characteristics, operative results, postoperative symptoms, and the learning curves for the procedures of 24 patients undergoing THM and 63 patients undergoing LHM between 1991 and 1998.

RESULTS

Preoperative patient variables in each group revealed similar distributions for age, gender, and prevalence of previous pneumatic dilation. Mean operating room (OR) times were 4.3 hours (range 2.9 to 5.6 hours) for THM and 3.0 hours (range 1.5 to 6.5 hours) for LHM (p = 0.01). Three esophageal perforations occurred in the THM group and two in the LHM group. Conversion to an open procedure took place in five THM operations (21%) and one LHM operation (2%) (p = 0.005). There were no postoperative esophageal leaks. Mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) for THM was 6.1 days (range 1 to 17 days) and for LHM was 4.0 days (range 1 to 12 days) (p = 0.03). Learning-curve analysis of the first 24 LHM patients compared with the most recent 24 revealed greater OR time in the first 24 mean 3.6 hours, (range 2.0 to 6.5 hours) versus mean 2.3 hours, (range 1.5 to 3.7 hours; p = 0.01), and greater LOS mean 5.5 days, (range 3 to 12 days) versus mean 3.1 days, (range 1 to 8 days; p < 0.01). One esophageal perforation occurred in each subgroup. A similar analysis in the first 12 THM patients compared with the most recent 12 revealed no significant improvement in OR times or LOS. Three esophageal perforations occurred in the latter subgroup only. All patients had preoperative daily dysphagia to solids. Followup data for LHM (n = 49) (median 17 months, range 1 to 39 months) and THM (n = 15) (median 42 months, range 1 to 69 months) revealed no or minimal dysphagia in 90% (44 of 49) after LHM and 31% (4 of 13) after THM (p < 0.01). No or minimal heartburn was present in 89% (41 of 46) after LHM and 67% (8 of 12) after THM (p < 0.05). Regurgitation was absent or minimal in 94% (46 of 49) after LHM and 86% (12 of 14) after THM (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

LHM was associated with decreased OR time, decreased rate of conversion to an open procedure, and shorter LOS compared with THM. LHM was superior to THM in relieving dysphagia and preventing heartburn. LHM may be the preferred surgical treatment of achalasia in some patients.

AGA technical review on treatment of patients with dysphagia caused by benign disorders of the distal esophagus

This literature review and the recommendations therein were prepared for the American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice and Practice Economics Committee. The paper was approved by the committee on September 27, 1998.

Treatment of achalasia: recent advances in surgery

Achalasia is an uncommon motility disorder of the esophagus with an uncertain etiology. Considerable debate exists regarding the most effective treatment for long-term relief of symptoms. For decades, pneumatic dilatation has been the primary treatment option, and surgery was reserved for patients who required repeated dilations or for those who were not willing to undergo the risk of perforation associated with dilatation. Recently botulinum toxin injection of the lower esophageal sphincter has been shown to provide substantial short-term relief from dysphagia; however, its effect only lasts for a short period of time. Recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed to perform a Heller myotomy effectively with an antireflux procedure. This has become a primary treatment option for many patients. We present a review of the outcome of different therapeutic options of achalasia with a special focus on laparoscopic procedures.