Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors and outcomes of mucosal perforation (MP) during laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) in patients with achalasia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LHM for achalasia at a single facility. RESULTS: Among 412 patients who underwent LHM for achalasia, MP was identified in 52 (12.6%). Old age, long disease duration, low albumin level, an esophageal transverse diameter > 6 cm, and a sigmoid-shaped esophagus were found to be independent predictors of MP. These factors were assigned a pre-operative score to predict the perforation risk. MP had a significant impact on intra and post-operative outcomes. Gastric side perforation was associated with a higher incidence of reflux symptoms, whereas esophageal-side perforation had a higher incidence of residual dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Many risk factors for MP have been identified. Correctable parameters like low serum albumin should be resolved prior to surgery, while uncorrectable parameters like old age and a sigmoid-shaped esophagus should be managed by experienced surgeons in high-volume centers. Implementing these recommendations will help decrease the incidence and consequences of this serious complication.