Is there a Proper Way to Treat Shortened Oesophagus ? About a Series of 67 Patients

Abstract

Introduction and objective: During the work-up of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients, barium swallow may show a shortened oesophagus with a non-reducible gastro-oesophageal junction. In our department, in such cases, a Collis-Nissen operation is usually planned. But, the proper reducibility of the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) in the abdomen is difficult to assess peroperatively.

The aim of this study is to compare retrospectively the follow-up of an oesophageal lengthening procedure (CollisNissen gastroplasty) versus a standard Nissen in the management of patients with primary short oesophagus or secondary to previous Nissen fundoplication.

Patients and methods : Between 01/2000 and 12/2009, 67 patients with a short oesophagus on X-Ray were operated on for proven GORD : 27 (Group A) underwent a Collis-Nissen fundoplication. In 40 patients (Group B), the GOJ was reduced easily and a standard Nissen fundoplication was judged sufficient by the experimented surgeon.

Follow up included Quality of Life evaluation using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and a barium swallow.

Results : 64 patients agreed to participate. Mean follow up was 46 months (4-122). Mean postoperative GIQLI score was 108 in group A, 97 in group B.

Barium swallow was performed in 61 patients. In group A, seven patients out of 25 (28%) presented a intrathoracic migration on X-Ray while in group B, it was noted in 20 patients (55%).

Conclusion : According literature, Collis gastroplasty allows a tension-free fundoplication to be performed to correct a shortened oesophagus. Though our series of brachy-oesophagus is small, it confirms a better outcome after a CollisNissen gastroplasty, compared to the classical Nissen fundoplication.

Key words:

• Brachy-oesophagus ;
• gastro-oesophageal reflux ;
• Nissen fundoplication ;
• Collis-Nissen gastroplasty ;
• Barrett oesophagus.