[Preliminary results of laparoscopic video esophagomyotomy in patients with esophageal achalasia].
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy is becoming a good alternative to pneumatic dilatation, injection of botulinic toxin or classical surgery in the treatment of achalasia.


OBJECTIVE
To report the results of laparoscopic esophagomyotomy in patients with achalasia.


METHODS
Nineteen patients with achalasia, nine women, aged 9 to 66 years old, operated between 1996 and 2001 are reported.


RESULTS
There was no surgical mortality. One patient had a subphrenic abscess due to an unnoticed tear of the esophageal mucosa. During surgery, esophageal mucosa was perforated in 4 patients, that was sutured in three. One patient with an extensive tear of the mucosa required conversion to classical surgery. Patients were followed for 2 to 48 months. Radiological controls showed a significant increase in the diameter of gastroesophageal junction and a diameter reduction of the mid third esophageal segment. Lower esophageal pressure was significantly reduced. All patients experienced a weight increase and reduction of dysphagia.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy is a safe an effective therapeutic alternative for achalasia.
Csendes
A
A
Departamento Cirugía Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 999, Santiago, Chile. acsendes@machi.med.uchile.cl
Burdiles
P
P
Korn
O
O
Braghetto
I
I
Díaz
J C
JC
Henríquez
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery
Resultados preliminares de la esofagomiotomía por video laparoscopia en pacientes con acalasia esofágica.