75 LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF LAPAROSCOPIC HELLER–DOR OPERATION: RESULTS AT A MEDIAN 20-YEAR FOLLOW UP. (14th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costantini, A; Salvador, R; Provenzano, L; Capovilla, G; Nicoletti, L; Pierobon, E; Moletta, L; Valmasoni, M; Merigliano, S; Costantini, M
• Is Part Of: Diseases of the esophagus. Volume 33(2020)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2020-09-14
• Subjects: Esophagus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.32
• DOI: 10.1093/dote/doaa087.11
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-8694

Abstract

Abstract: : Since its introduction in 1993, Laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) operation has been the gold standard treatment for esophageal achalasia. Little is known, however, of the natural story of the operated patients in the long run. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients who underwent LHD more than 20 years ago, in order to provide benchmark data to which new techniques should compare. Methods: All the patients who underwent LHD from 1992 to 1999 at our Institution were evaluated. Patients with previous endoscopic treatment with pneumatic dilations (PD) or Botox were included, whereas patients with previous myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were prospectively collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire. Barium swallow, endoscopy and manometry were performed before and 6–12 months after the operation, when also pH-metry was performed. Endoscopy was then suggested every 2 years. Treatment failure was defined as a postoperative symptom score > 10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e. > 8) or the need for further treatment. Results: Eighty-seven patients with a minimum 10-year follow-up were evaluated (median f/u 20 years). One patient died for esophageal cancer 11.5 years after LHD; 8 patients died 11–24 years after LHD for unrelated causes. All were highly satisfied with the results of the operation. Symptoms recurred in 23 patients (26.4%) 1 month to 13.5 years after LHD: all received 1 to 6 PD, effective in 16: 3 required revisional myotomy and 3 need periodic PD. Good long-term outcome was recorded in 73.6% of patients, and in 92% with combined treatment. Post-operative reflux (pH and/or endoscopy-proven) developed in 10 patients only (11.5%). Conclusion: LHD can durably relieve symptoms in the majority of patients, though some of them may require complementary PD to maintain effective symptom control. LHD confirms to be an excellent long-term treatment for achalasia and these results represent the reference point for all other treatments.