Effects of laparoscopic myotomy on the esophageal motility pattern of esophageal achalasia as measured by high-resolution manometry.

Background: Esophageal achalasia can be classified on the grounds of three distinct manometric patterns that correlate well with final outcome after laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy (LHM). No analytical data are available, however, on the postoperative picture and its possible correlation with final outcome. The aims of this study were: (a) to investigate whether manometric patterns change after LHM for achalasia; (b) to ascertain whether postoperative patterns and/or changes can predict final outcome; and (c) to test the hypothesis that the three known patterns represent different stages in the evolution of the disease.

Mucosal Perforation During Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy Has No Influence on Final Treatment Outcome.

Background: The aims of the study were (a) to examine the final outcome in patients experiencing accidental mucosal perforation during laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHD) and (b) to evaluate whether perforation episodes might influence the way in which surgeons subsequently approached the LHD procedure.

Methods: We studied all consecutive patients that underwent LHD between 1992 and 2015. Patients were divided into two main groups: those who experienced an intraoperative mucosal perforation (group P) and those whose LHD was uneventful (group NP).

Postoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux After Laparoscopic Heller-Dor for Achalasia: True Incidence with an Objective Evaluation.

Introduction: The most common complication after laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed (a) to analyze the true incidence of postoperative reflux by objectively assessing a large group of LHD patients and (b) to see whether the presence of typical GERD symptoms correlates with the real incidence of postoperative reflux.

Methods: After LHD, patients were assessed by means of a symptom score, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring.

The Impact of Heller Myotomy on Integrated Relaxation Pressure in Esophageal Achalasia.

Background: A new high-resolution manometry (HRM) parameter, the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), has been proposed for the assessment of esophageal-gastric junction (EGJ) relaxation. Our aim was to assess the effect of Heller myotomy on IRP in achalasia patients.

Methods: We prospectively collected data on achalasia patients who underwent HRM between 2009-2014.