Surgical therapy of achalasia after prior pneumatic dilatation

Of 15 patients operated on for achalasia in the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery at the University of Mainz between September 1985 and April 1990, 14 were followed-up. All the patients had received an extramucous myotomy combined with Dor's semifundoplication; in twelve, one or more...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inMedizinische Klinik (München. 1983) Vol. 86; no. 11; p. 569
Main Authors Maurer, K P, Junginger, T, Eckardt, V, Zapf, S
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 15.11.1991
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Dilatation
Esophageal Achalasia - diagnostic imaging
Esophageal Achalasia - surgery
Esophagitis, Peptic - diagnostic imaging
Esophagitis, Peptic - surgery
Esophagoplasty - methods
Esophagoscopy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Manometry
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging
Radiography
Recurrence
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Of 15 patients operated on for achalasia in the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery at the University of Mainz between September 1985 and April 1990, 14 were followed-up. All the patients had received an extramucous myotomy combined with Dor's semifundoplication; in twelve, one or more preoperative balloon dilatations had been performed. The results are reported in this study. The average age of the patients was 55.3 years (18 to 76 years), and the average follow-up period 21 months (six to 53 months). No postoperative complications were seen in any of the case. All patients reported appreciable improvements in their symptoms, six being completely symptom-free. Occasional dysphagia was reported in six cases, one patient had occasional, another frequent, nocturnal heartburn, which however had already presented preoperatively. In all seven cases submitted to postoperative radiological examination, the diameter of the esophagogastric junction was increased, and the diameter of the middle-third of the esophagus decreased. No gastroesophageal reflux or signs of inflammation were seen in any of the cases. The low complication rate and the high success rate despite prior balloon dilatation or bougienage support the use of Heller's operation combined with Dor's semifundoplication for the surgical treatment of achalasia after failed balloon dilatation.
ISSN:0723-5003