title: Prevention of post-operative leak following laparoscopic Heller myotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the preferred treatment for achalasia. Post-operative leaks cause significant morbidity and impair functional outcome. This study assesses the efficacy of intra-operative leak testing on post-operative leak rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy by a single surgeon between November 2001 and August 2006 was undertaken. Intra-operative leak testing was performed in all patients. Variables associated with intra-operative mucosotomy were assessed by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intra-operative mucosotomy occurred in 25% of patients. All mucosotomies were repaired primarily and tested with methylene-blue-stained saline. Dor fundoplication was performed in 74% of the patients. There were no post-operative leaks and patients were started on diet day of surgery. Mean LOS was 1.4(+/-0.7) days. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that prior myotomy was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of mucosotomy (p = 0.033), while previous botox injection (p = 0.193), pneumatic dilation (p = 0.599) or concomitant hiatal hernia (p = 0.874) were not significantly associated with mucosotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia is a safe procedure. Intra-operative leak testing minimizes the risk of post-operative leaks and expedites post-operative management. Prior endoscopic treatment does not impair operative results.
authors.affiliation: Section of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, KB 417 1530 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
authors.forename: Kelly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Finan
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Renton
authors.forename: Catherine C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Vick
authors.forename: Mary T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Hawn
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
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