The short esophagus: Pathophysiology, incidence, presentation, and treatment in the era of laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Objective To discuss the pathophysiology and incidence of the short esophagus, to rev iew the history of treatment, and to describe diagnosis and possible treatm ents in the era of laparoscopic surgery. Summary Background Data The entity of the short esophagus in antireflux surgery is seldom discussed in the laparoscopic literature, despite its emphasis in the open literatur e for more than 40 years. This may imply that many laparoscopic patients wi th short esophagi are unrecognized and perhaps treated inappropriately. Int rinsic shortening of the esophagus most commonly occurs in patients with ch ronic gastroesophageal reflux disease that involves recurring cycles of inf lammation and healing,with subsequent fibrosis. The actual incidence of the short esophagus is estimated to be approximately 10% of patients undergoin g antireflux surgery. Of this group, 7% can be appropriately managed with e xtensive mediastinal mobilization of the esophagus to achieve the required esophageal length. The remaining 3% require an aggressive surgical approach , including the use of gastroplasty procedures, to create an adequate lengt h of intraabdominal esophagus to perform a wrap. Several effective minimall y invasive techniques have been developed to deal with the short esophagus. Conclusions Because a Short esophagus is uncommon, there is a natural concern that many surgeons will not perform enough antireflux procedures to become familiar with its diagnosis and management. A complete understanding of the short es ophagus and methods for surgical correction are critical to avoid "slipped" wraps and mediastinal herniation and to achieve the best patient outcome.