Copyright
©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 7, 2006; 12(37): 5921-5925
Published online Oct 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i37.5921
Published online Oct 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i37.5921
Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal achalasia
Luigi Bonavina, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of General Surgery, University of Milano, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, Italy
Correspondence to: Professor Luigi Bonavina, UO Chirurgia Generale, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese (Milano) 20097, Italy. luigi.bonavina@unimi.it
Telephone: +39-2-52774621 Fax: +39-2-52774622
Received: June 18, 2006
Revised: June 25, 2006
Accepted: July 7, 2006
Published online: October 7, 2006
Revised: June 25, 2006
Accepted: July 7, 2006
Published online: October 7, 2006
Abstract
Esophageal achalasia is the most commonly diagnosed primary esophageal motor disorder and the second most common functional esophageal disorder. Current therapy of achalasia is directed toward elimination of the outflow resistance caused by failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax completely upon swallowing. The advent of minimally invasive surgery has nearly replaced endoscopic pneumatic dilation as the first-line therapeutic approach. In this editorial, the rationale and the evidence supporting the use of laparoscopic Heller myotomy combined with fundoplication as a primary treatment of achalasia are reviewed.
Keywords: Esophagus, Achalasia, Laparoscopy, Heller myotomy, Gastroesophageal reflux