TY - JOUR
T1 - The minimally invasive surgical approach to Achalasia
T2 - A new standard of care?
AU - Adrales, Gina L.
AU - Mastrangelo, Michael J.
AU - Schwartz, Richard W.
PY - 2002/11/12
Y1 - 2002/11/12
N2 - In summary, the minimally invasive approach in the treatment of achalasia is feasible, cost-effective, and efficacious. Although long-term prospective data are still needed, laparoscopic cardiomyotomy offers equivalent to superior results compared with traditional open Heller myotomy and other nonsurgical treatments. Success in relieving dysphagia lies in adequate preoperative analysis of diagnostic studies to identify the true achalasia patient, and then the performance of a sufficiently long myotomy. It also appears that the problem of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux after cardiomyotomy can be circumvented by the prudent addition of a partial fundoplication procedure. As experience in laparoscopic cardiomyotomy evolves and long-term data emerge, this minimally invasive approach will likely become the standard treatment for achalasia patients.
AB - In summary, the minimally invasive approach in the treatment of achalasia is feasible, cost-effective, and efficacious. Although long-term prospective data are still needed, laparoscopic cardiomyotomy offers equivalent to superior results compared with traditional open Heller myotomy and other nonsurgical treatments. Success in relieving dysphagia lies in adequate preoperative analysis of diagnostic studies to identify the true achalasia patient, and then the performance of a sufficiently long myotomy. It also appears that the problem of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux after cardiomyotomy can be circumvented by the prudent addition of a partial fundoplication procedure. As experience in laparoscopic cardiomyotomy evolves and long-term data emerge, this minimally invasive approach will likely become the standard treatment for achalasia patients.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0037069617&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/S0149-7944(02)00673-6
DO - 10.1016/S0149-7944(02)00673-6
M3 - Comment/debate
C2 - 16093193
AN - SCOPUS:0037069617
SN - 0149-7944
VL - 59
SP - 554
EP - 562
JO - Current surgery
JF - Current surgery
IS - 6
ER -