Can intraoperative manometry influence the outcome of the surgical treatment of achalasia?

Abstract

Introduction. Achalasia is defined as incomplete or even absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter secondary to the chronic degeneration of unspecified etiology of the myenteric nerve plexus. Material and method. The retrospective study extended over 1 year. The collected variables were: age, sex, type of surgical intervention, intraoperative manometry results, and postoperative complications. Results. We identified 8 patients. The mean operative time was 100 minutes. The use of manometry determined an increase in time of 30 to 40 minutes. Manometry was successfully achieved in all cases, although in one case the sensor could not pass through the lower esophagus, so a prior pneumatic dilation was required. Manometry has proven useful during fundoplication as it offers a direct view of the pressure produced when knots set at 12 - 15 mmHg with a length of 4-5 cm were tightened. Of the 8 patients, 6 required an increase in the length of the resection of the esophagus after the results of the intraoperative manometry were reviewed. Conclusion. In our opinion, after reviewing our experience and the literature data, intraoperative manometry should become a standard procedure in the laparoscopic treatment of achalasia.