Surgical controversies in the treatment of recurrent achalasia of the esophagus.
OBJECTIVE
Surgery remains the first choice for achalasia of the esophagus with good results in 90% of cases.


METHODS
We studied the cause of failure for surgical treatment and the results of a second operation in 20 patients that were followed up for at least three years.


RESULTS
The results were good in 70% of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
To improve this procedure, according to the authors, it is essential for a careful presurgery evaluation, an early reoperation in case of failure and a careful surgical technique in order to avoid periesophageal sclerosis.
Bove
A
A
3rd Department of General Surgery, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Corbellini
L
L
Catania
A
A
Chiarini
S
S
Bongarzoni
G
G
Stella
S
S
De Antoni
E
E
De Matteo
G
G
D000328:Adult; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004944:Esophagoplasty; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D017211:Treatment Failure