Abstract
Abstract Background Routine timed barium esophagram (TBE), before and after Heller myotomy and Dor funduplication for achalasia, could offer the unique opportunity to objectively measure the outcome of the surgical procedure. In an initial single center experience we aimed at comparing pre-operative and post-operative TBE to objectively measure esophageal emptying and dilation, and to look for possible factors related to surgery results. Methods From 2016 to 2017, 11 patients underwent Heller myotomy and Dor funduplication for achalasia at a single center; all had a pre-operative and post-operative TBE after one month of surgery. TBE measured height and width of barium column at 1 and 5 minutes. All patients were staged according to radiological achalasia staging system: 1 patient was stage 1 (pre-operative esophageal width between 2 and 3 cm), 4 stage 2 (4–6 cm) and 6 stage 3 (> 6 cm). TBE height and width at 1 and 5 minutes were compared between pre-operative and post-operative TBE by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Moreover the association between surgery results and possible risk factors was evaluated by Spearman's rho. Results TBE height and width at 1 minute decreased in median by 79% (range 17–100%) and 57% (37–100%), respectively, from pre-operative to post-operative TBE. The decrease was more pronounced at 5 minutes, where it was 85% (40–100%) and 71% (40–100%), respectively. Although all patients reported a significant subjective improvement in symptoms, radiological stage was associated to esophageal emptying: the 4 subjects in stage 2 and the subject in stage 1 had complete or near complete emptying at 5 minutes, while the 6 patients in stage 3 had a median percent decrease at 5 min in height of 75% (40–86%) and in width of 50% (40–71%) (Spearman's rho for height = -0.87, P < 0.001; Spearman's rho for width = -0.88, P < 0.001). Conclusion TBE is essential post myotomy, particularly if a substantial esophageal dilatation occurs pre-operatively (stage 3). Initial stage is associated with surgical outcomes, advanced stages being related to poorer emptying and more dilated esophagus after surgery. TBE is a reliable system to objectively define surgical outcomes and preserved esophageal function after Heller-Dor procedure. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Published Version
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