Browsing by Author "Gerzic, Z. (7004115293)"

49 patients who underwent transabdominal oesophagocardiomyotomy and an anterior partial fundoplication for achalasia have been followed for at least 5 years (range 5-13 years). The clinical results were good to excellent in all patients. Mild and occasional symptoms of reflux were present in a subset of patients (< 10%). Endoscopy revealed a high incidence of oesophagitis 1 year after surgery (28.6%). Oesophagitis was, however, mild (grade I) in all cases but one (grade II). These patients were instructed to follow an anti-reflux programme. At endoscopy 2 and 3 years after surgery the incidence of oesophagitis declined to 18.4 and 16.3% respectively with no changes in findings afterwards. No cases of progressive reflux damage or Barrett's oesophagus were detected. At 24-h pH studies performed 5 or more years after surgery pathological reflux was detected in one of 27 patients studied. Providing excellent relief of dysphagia with mild, easily controlled reflux without any tendency to progress in a subset of patients, anterior partial fundoplication deserves consideration for reflux protection of the transabdominally myotomized oesophagus for achalasia.