title: Laparoscopic anatomy of the region of the esophageal hiatus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The wide patient acceptance of hiatal and gastroesophageal surgery performed by laparoscopy has suddenly generated a large volume of procedures frequently done by surgeons with limited experience in this area. This has resulted in an excessive number of complications. Knowledge of the normal and pathologic laparoscopic anatomy is essential for safe dissection around the esophageal hiatus.
  
  
  METHODS
  This description is based on the experience gained during 850 open and 150 laparoscopic surgeries in and around the hiatus and on the review of the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic approach, dissection, and accessibility of the hiatus and surrounding organs are different than those experienced through cadaveric dissection and open surgeries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clear understanding of the normal and pathologic anatomy and its variations facilitates laparoscopic dissection of the hiatus and neighboring structures and should help the surgeon avoid complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Surgery, MS213, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Kuster
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Innocenti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D004947:Esophagus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D018662:Fundoplication; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors