Kala Z, Weber P, Marek F, Procházka V, Meluzínová H, Dolina J, Kroupa R, Hep A. Achalasia--which method of treatment to choose for senior patients?
Z Gerontol Geriatr 2009;
42:408-11. [PMID:
19543683 DOI:
10.1007/s00391-008-0013-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Achalasia is an uncommon illness affecting 1 per 100,000 patients a year. It encompasses a rare, primary motor disorder of the distal esophagus.
METHODS
Over the period 1998-2006, 115 patients underwent various treatments for achalasia; the subgroup of seniors consisted of 26 patients. Six patients of these (age 69.7 y) underwent a modified Heller cardiomyotomy due to failure of previous endoscopic interventions. Standard esophageal manometry and 24 hour pH metry were performed pre- and postoperatively.
RESULTS
Six senior patients with achalasia underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Average preoperative tonus of the LES was 55 mmHg, postoperative tonus of the LES decreased to 11 mmHg. We performed Toupet partial fundoplication in all patients; no microperforation of the esophagus was found in the preoperative esophagoscopy. We recorded minimal pathological gastroesophageal reflux in pH metry - the average preoperative DeMeester score was 8, postoperatively 10.5. Prolonged dysphagia was not present in any patient--preoperative GIQLI score was 94, postoperative score was 106. There was no mortality or morbidity in the group of the operated patients.
CONCLUSION
Our operational results and postoperative follow-up show that laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Toupet partial fundoplication is a safe and effective treatment and can be recommended as the method of first choice for senior patients with no contraindication for laparoscopic operation.
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