Abstract

BORRAEZ, Bernardo A.  and  PATTI, Marco G.. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy: a safe procedure. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.3, pp.182-187. ISSN 2011-7582.

Background: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is standard of treatment in achalasia with excellent short and long term, results but even in experienced hands intraoperative complication could be present. Aims:The aims of this study were to determine: (a) how often the esophageal mucosal perforation occurs during laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia (b) the preoperative characteristics of patients with this complication and (c) the postoperative outcome. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively set database. We evaluated the incidence of esophageal mucosal perforation of 116 patients in whom a laparoscopic Heller myotomy was performed at the Center of esophageal diseases of the University of Chicago. In addition we describe the proper treatment for this complication. Results: Esophageal mucosal perforation during laparoscopic Heller myotomy was present in 4 of 116 patients, the incidence was 3.4%.In all the patients a primary repair was done. The average hospital stay was 2 days and the postoperative Eckardt score was 0. Conclusions: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy in experienced hands is a safe and effective procedure with a low rate of intraoperative complications. The early detection and treatment of the esophageal mucosal perforation offer excellent results.

Keywords : esophageal motility disorders; esophageal achalasia; esophageal perforation; Heller myotomy; complications.

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