Laparoscopic limited Heller myotomy without anti-reflux procedure does not induce significant long-term gastroesophageal reflux.

Background: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is the gold standard treatment for achalasia. Laparoscopic limited Heller myotomy (LLHM) with no anti-reflux procedure is another possible option.

Methods: A review of prospectively collected data was performed on patients who underwent LLHM from January 1998 to December 2012.

Novel hands-free pointer improves instruction efficiency in laparoscopic surgery.

To improve instruction efficiency during advanced laparoscopic surgery, a hands-free, head-controlled, multimonitor pointer was developed. One instructor guided 20 trainees to locate critical points on a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy model. Twenty points, visible to the instructor only, were selected on a photo of a partially dissected gallbladder placed within a laparoscopic trainer box.