Achalasia is a rare motor disorder of the esophagus and its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Its clinical presentation typically includes various degrees of dysphagia, regurgitation, aspiration, chest pain and weight loss. The main therapy purpose for achalasia is to reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) so as to alleviate clinical symptoms. There are a variety of treatment methods for achalasia, such as pharmacotherapy, intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection, endoscopic pneumatic dilatation and surgical intervention. At present, most scholars prefer laparoscopic or thorascopic surgery to achieve satisfactory long-term results including alleviated symptoms and prevention of acid reflux. However, great controversy still exists among scholars regarding the choice of conservative therapy or surgery, transthoracic or transabdominal surgery, optimal distal extent of myotomy, the need and choice of additional antireflux procedures. In this review, we focus on current therapy and progress of achalasia.
Objective To compare effectiveness between laparoscopic Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in treatment of achalasia of cardia (AC) in order to provide a basis for clinical choose. Method The literatures about the treatment of AC by laparoscopic Heller myotomy or POEM were retrieved from CNKI, Embase, PubMed databases, etc., and then the contents about curative effect and complications were summarized. Results The treatment models of AC included surgical treatment such as laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopy such as POEM, but there was still lack of comparing data in these two treatment models, its selection remained controversial. There was a better short-term curative effect and slighter complications for POEM as compared with the laparoscopic Heller myotomy from the trend of published literatures. However, it’s long-term effects for these two treatment models were not clarified. Conclusions Both laparoscopic Heller myotomy and POEM are medicable for AC. POEM as a new treatment of AC shows some advantages of minimal invasion and exact efficacy, but it needs to be followed-up for a long-term. Treatment model for AC is chosen on basis of typing under endoscope, physical fitness, anatomy of easophagus, previous history, tolerance of surgery and other factors.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effect of laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) combined with Dor fundoplication and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in treatment of patients with achalasia.MethodsThe clinical data of 67 patients with achalasia from January 2014 to December 2018 in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 19 patients received the LHM combined with Dor fundoplication (LHM group), 48 patients received the POEM (POEM group). The clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the baseline data such as the gender, age, course of disease, body mass index, preoperative Eckardt score, preoperative maximum diameter of esophagus, and previous treatment history between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time, bleeding volume, the Eckardt points at 3 and 12 months after operation, the decrease degree of maximum diameter of esophagus, complications (except for gastroesophageal reflux, P=0.029), and recurrence rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The total hospitalization time, postoperative hospitalization time, and total hospitalization costs of the POEM group were lower than those of the LHM group (P<0.05).ConclusionsBoth LHM and POEM could effectively relieve clinical symptoms, short-term efficacy and safety of the two kinds of operations are similar. Postoperative recovery of POEM is fast and hospitalization cost is less, but incidence of gastroesophageal reflux is higher.
Objective To investigate short-term outcomes of robot-assisted Heller-Dor myotomy (RAHM-Dor) for achalasia of cardia and our learning curve experience. Methods The clinical data and recent follow-up results of 42 patients who received RAHM-Dor from November 2015 to January 2020 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 22 females with a mean age of 40.8±18.4 years. ResultsDysphagia was the most common symptom, followed by heartburn and regurgitation. The mean operation time was 122.8±23.9 min. The mean blood loss was 47.5±32.7 mL. Two patients suffered mucosal injury, and successfully repaired by suturing during surgery. There was no esophageal fistula, conversion to an open operation or perioperative death in this series. The median length of hospital stay was 8 (6, 9) d. In all patients, the Stooler and Eckardt scores of postoperative 1, 6 and 12 months decreased compared to those of pre-operation (P<0.001). Conclusion RAHM-Dor is a safe and feasible avenue for the treatment of achalasia of cardia, and can achieve a satisfying short-term results. The learning curve shows a transition to the standard stage from the learning stage after 16-18 operations.