MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY OF THE ESOPHAGUS AND STOMACH

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has assumed an ever-expanding r ole in gastrointestinal surgery since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This review describes some of the more common minima lly invasive procedures of the esophagus and stomach, with particular attention to technique. DATA SOURCES: A literature review of minimally invasive surgery of the esophagus and stomach was conducted. CONCLUSI ONS: Laparoscopic (and thoracoscopic) approaches for gastroesophageal reflux disease appear to have excellent operative and shortterm follow -up results. Long-term follow-up data, however, remain unobtainable fo r several more years. Limited reports of esophageal cardiomyotomy, par aesophageal hernia repair, and gastric surgery for peptic ulcer diseas e performed through a minimally invasive approach are encouraging. Exp erience with resection of esophageal and gastric neoplasia is limited to a few specialized centers. Results should be scrutinized and compar ed with open operation before proclaiming the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. (C) 1997 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.