Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia: Feasibility, technique, and short-term outcomes

Carlos A. Galvani, Alberto S. Gallo, Mark R. Dylewski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the standard surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia. The incidence of esophageal perforation is about 5-10%. Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy (RAHM) offers results at least as good as those from laparoscopic procedures, additionally yielding fewer intraoperative complications. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of RAHM and its value in the treatment of esophageal achalasia. We analyzed demographics, preoperative symptoms, esophagograms, esophageal manometry, intraoperative and postoperative data of all the patients who underwent RAHM for achalasia at three institutions: 36 women and 37 men, mean age 45 ± 16 (13-87) years. Dysphagia was present in 100% of patients. Thirty-three patients (45%) had had previous endoscopic treatment: 23 patients had pneumatic dilation, four patients had Botox injections, and six patients had both. Surgical time averaged 119 min (range of 62-211); blood loss averaged 23 ml; no mucosal perforations were observed; length of hospitalization was 1.5 days; there were no deaths. At 12 months, 96% of patients had relief of their dysphagia. In conclusion, RAHM is safe and effective since there were no intraoperative esophageal perforations and relief of symptoms was achieved in 96% of the patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)163-166
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Robotic Surgery
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Achalasia
  • Complications
  • Heller myotomy
  • Robotic-assisted surgery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Health Informatics

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