Long-term symptom relief and patient satisfaction after Heller myotomy and Toupet fundoplication for achalasia

Am J Surg. 2012 Mar;203(3):339-42; discussion 342. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2011.10.003. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background: The goal of this study was to review the results, symptom relief, and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Toupet fundoplication.

Methods: A cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and a Toupet fundoplication was identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted and patients then were interviewed by telephone using a modified 5-point Likert scale.

Results: Long-term follow-up data were obtained for 51 patients with a mean of 5.9 years. Thirty-two (63%) patients reported infrequent or no dysphagia. Chest pain, heartburn, or regurgitation were reported in 6 of 51 (12%) patients, 14 of 51 (27%) patients, and 11 of 51 (22%) patients, respectively. Two patients (3.9%) had pneumatic dilation and 1 patient underwent completion esophagectomy (1.9%). Thirty-three (33 of 51; 65%) patients were on acid-suppression therapy. Forty-one (80%) patients reported their overall satisfaction with the procedure was either excellent or good, and 46 of 51 (90%) patients stated they would undergo surgery again.

Conclusions: Our data show acceptable long-term results.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal Achalasia / surgery*
  • Esophagus / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundoplication*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome