Current management of esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for a
chalasia is thoracotomy and repair with myotomy. This study aims to assess
the outcome of patients managed by laparotomy, and the role of laparoscopic
repair. The study was carried out by means of retrospective case review an
d prospective follow-up with a symptom questionnaire. Results were compared
with results in patients undergoing elective Heller myotomy Over a 20-year
period, 445 dilations for achalasia were performed in 371 patients. There
were 10 esophageal perforations, Nine patients were referred for surgery an
d were successfully managed with a transabdominal repair. Laparoscopic repa
ir was attempted in four patients but was successful in only one because of
the perforation site. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, grade 1 or 2 Vi
sick scores were recorded in all patients. Residual symptoms of dysphagia o
ccurred in 67% in the emergency group and 88% in the elective group. There
was an increased incidence of heartburn compared to elective myotomy. Early
operation after perforation provides good results for treatment of achalas
ia. Mild dysphagia persists and there is an increasing sensation of heartbu
rn. The site of perforation is typically posterolateral, which makes laparo
scopic repair difficult.