
pmid: 12730729
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia has a 10-20% failure rate and may require reoperation to control persistent, or recurrent symptoms of dysphagia. We report our experience with laparoscopic reoperation for failed Heller myotomy.Between 1996 and 2001, 5 patients underwent reoperative laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The mean age was 39 years. The presenting symptoms were persistent dysphagia ( n = 3), recurrent dysphagia ( n = 1), and weight loss ( n = 1). The mean duration between 1st surgery and recurrence of symptoms was 2 months and the mean duration between surgeries was 27.5 months. All operations were completed laparoscopically.There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Incomplete gastric myotomy was the cause of all 5 primary surgical failures. The mean hospital stay was 2 days. Mean follow-up was 12.8 months. Results were excellent in 2 patients who reported no dysphagia postoperatively (dysphagia grade 0) and good in 3 patients (60%) who all reported improvement in swallowing (dysphagia grade I-II).Laparoscopic reoperation for failed Heller myotomy is feasible with encouraging preliminary results.
Adult, Esophageal Achalasia, Reoperation, Humans, Laparoscopy, Treatment Failure, Digestive System Surgical Procedures, Retrospective Studies
Adult, Esophageal Achalasia, Reoperation, Humans, Laparoscopy, Treatment Failure, Digestive System Surgical Procedures, Retrospective Studies
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