Esposito C, Mendoza-Sagaon M, Roblot-Maigret B, Amici G, Desruelle P, Montupet P. Complications of laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia in children.
J Pediatr Surg 2000;
35:680-3. [PMID:
10813322 DOI:
10.1053/jpsu.2000.5942]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and management of the complications that occurred in some children who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in the authors' institutions.
METHODS
Between March 1993 and October 1998, the files of all the children with achalasia who underwent laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in a community hospital in Naples, Italy, and a private hospital in Paris, France, were reviewed. A 5-port technique was used associating Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy to an antireflux surgical mechanism (Dor's or Toupet's) in all cases. Intra- and postoperative complications, as well as the postoperative outcome, were evaluated.
RESULTS
Ten laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomies were performed in 5 girls and 5 boys with achalasia. Age ranged between 2 and 13 years. Mean operating time was 120 minutes. Hospital stay ranged between 3 and 41 days. Complications were recorded in 3 patients: in 2 an esophageal mucosal perforation and in 1 a prolonged dysphagia. Two of these complications occurred in the last patients operated on. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 6 years. All children were free of symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
The results show that laparoscopic Heller's esophagocardiomyotomy in children is a feasible procedure. Assessment of mucosal integrity immediately after the myotomy must be performed. Complications can happen even if the operation is performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons.
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