Enduring Effects of Thoracoscopic Heller Myotomy for Treating Achalasia
Journal
World Journal of Surgery
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
1
Pages
55-58
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
Minimal invasive surgery using a laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach for cardiomyotomy (Heller myotomy) has become a widely accepted procedure to treat achalasia of the esophagus. In this study, we evaluated the long-term results of Heller myotomy achieved by performing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). We recruited patients with achalasia who had undergone VATS for Heller myotomy from 1991 to 2000 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The myotomy was performed 6 cm above and 1 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. No fundoplication was performed during the procedure. The symptom score, which included dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain, was evaluated before and after surgery. Body weight was also recorded before and after surgery. The cases of 14 patients (4 men, 10 women) were studied. The mean patient age was 41.8 ± 4.9 years. No postoperative mortality or morbidity was found in these patients. The follow-up duration was 56 ± 7.17 months. The dysphasia score improved from 3.0 preoperatively to 0.79 ± 0.30 postoperatively (p = 0.001). The reflux score improved from 2.64 ± 0.17 preoperatively to 0.50 ± 0.20 postoperatively (p = 0.001). All the improvements were still in place at the time of the most recent follow-up examinations. Heller myotomy to treat achalasia using a thoracoscopic approach can provide satisfactory long-term results.
Other Subjects
adult; article; body weight; cardioesophagomyotomy; clinical article; clinical feature; dysphagia; esophagus achalasia; female; human; long term care; lower esophagus sphincter; male; minimally invasive surgery; postoperative complication; reflux esophagitis; scoring system; surgical mortality; surgical technique; Taiwan; thoracoscopy; thorax pain; treatment outcome; videorecorder; Adult; Child; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Esophageal Achalasia; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Time Factors
Type
journal article