High-resolution manometric guidance during laparoscopic Heller myotomy: Impact on quality of life and symptom severity for children with achalasia
jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Feb 2019 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Study demonstrates that intraoperative high-resolution manometry during laparoscopic Heller myotomy allows precise tailoring of myotomy length and fundoplication tightness in pediatric achalasia patients. Long-term follow-up shows sustained symptom improvement and quality of life scores comparable to healthy controls, validating this technique's effectiveness.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) during laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) with fundoplication for achalasia allows tailoring of myotomy length and wrap tightness. The purpose of this study is to quantify long-term postoperative symptom severity and quality of life using validated questionnaires.
Methods
Children ≤18 years with achalasia who previously underwent LHM with intraoperative HREM from 2010 to 2017 were prospectively surveyed. Eckardt Symptom Score (ESS), Achalasia Severity Questionnaire (ASQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Pediatric GERD Symptom and Quality of Life (PGSQ) questionnaires were administered. Scores for historical controls were obtained from prior survey instrument validation studies as comparison.
Results
Of 30 eligible patients, 12 (40%) completed the surveys. Mean age at time of surgery was 13 ± 3 years. Assessment was performed at least 10 months after surgery with mean time elapsed of 3.6 ± 2 years. Average premyotomy lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, postmyotomy LES pressure, and postfundoplication LES pressure were 30 ± 10 mmHg, 14 ± 6 mmHg, and 18 ± 9, respectively. ESS (2.3/12), ASQ (39/100 ± 16), PGSQ (symptom: 0.6/4 ± 0.4, school: 0.4/4 ± 0.4), and overall PedsQL (82/100 ± 15) were similar to those of healthy historical controls.
Conclusion
Children with achalasia undergoing LHM with intraoperative HREM had sustained long-term symptom improvement and quality of life scores comparable to healthy patients.
Study and level of evidence
Retrospective, II.