Intraoperative manometry during laparoscopic Heller myotomy improves outcome in pediatric achalasia.
BACKGROUND
Achalasia is a rare disorder with less than 5% of patients diagnosed in childhood. Although Heller esophagocardiomyotomy is a proven intervention, incomplete myotomy can lead to clinical failure. Intraoperative esophageal manometry has been used to ensure adequacy of myotomies in adults. The purpose of the present study was to review our experience in the management of children with achalasia.


METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of patients with achalasia diagnosed between November 1999 and March 2007. Patient demographics and interventions were recorded. Outcomes after surgical intervention and esophageal dilation were assessed. Mean follow-up was 3.5 +/- 0.6 years. Intraoperative manometry was used over the past 3 years.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients were treated for achalasia. The average age at diagnosis was 13.8 +/- 0.8 years. Most patients underwent esophageal dilation (14/19), receiving on average 2.1 +/- 0.3 dilations. One patient experienced a contained perforation that was treated conservatively. Eleven patients underwent myotomy, as primary therapy (n = 5) or after recurrence of symptoms after dilation (n = 6). Six patients underwent intraoperative manometry. More patients who underwent Heller myotomy without intraoperative manometry had recurrence of symptoms (80% vs 0%, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Inadequate myotomy is a potential cause for recurrent symptoms after esophagocardiomyotomy in childhood achalasia. Intraoperative esophageal manometry is a safe technique that may improve the success rate of surgery by confirming the adequacy of myotomy thereby decreasing recurrence of symptoms.
Jafri
Mubeen
M
Department of Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Alonso
Maria
M
Kaul
Ajay
A
Dierig
Jackie
J
Racadio
John
J
Inge
Thomas
T
Brown
Rebeccah
R
Ryckman
Frederick
F
Tiao
Greg
G
D000293:Adolescent; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000601:surgery; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents