Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for end-stage achalasia

The Evolution of the Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia: From the Open to the Minimally Invasive Approach

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by lack of esophageal peristalsis and partial or absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing. This study aimed to provide an overview of the evolution of the surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia, from the open to the minimally invasive approach.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

No curative treatment exists for this disorder. At the beginning of the 20th century, surgical esophagoplasties and cardioplasties were mostly done to treat achalasia. The description of the esophageal myotomy by Heller changed the treatment paradigm and rapidly became the treatment of choice. For many years the esophagomyotomy was done with either an open transthoracic or transabdominal approach. With the advancements of minimally invasive surgery, thoracoscopic and laparoscopic operations became available. The ability to add a fundoplication for the prevention of reflux made the laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication the operation of choice.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management of esophageal achalasia has significantly evolved in the last century. Currently, minimally invasive Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is the standard surgical treatment of achalasia.

[Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases: results of a two-center study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of thoracoscopic esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 78 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. Peptic and burn strictures of the esophagus were diagnosed in 53 patients, achalasia - in 24 patients. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and esophagoplasty with isoperistaltic gastric tube and esophagogastrostomy on the neck was performed in 68 patients, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy - in 1 patient, coloesophagoplasty - in 9 patients. We used manual technique of anastomosis in 58 patients, stapling device - in 19 patients. In 1 case, surgery was finished with esophagostomy and gastrostomy.

RESULTS

Mean blood loss was 200 ml (10-1200), surgery time - 450 min (265-765 min). Early postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients including anastomotic leakage in 24 cases. In long-term period, anastomotic strictures developed in 9 patients. No mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases ensures favorable clinical outcomes. However, no consensus in the choice of surgical approach and indications, as well as small number of these patients cause challenges in implementation of this technique. There are different opinions regarding technique of anastomosis on the neck and surgical access in thoracoscopic esophagectomy.