Minimally invasive surgery for benign oesophageal disease

Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, in recent years, have gained increasing popul arity in the treatment of many benign oesophageal diseases in referral cent res. In some instances, as for example gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, m inimally invasive approach has become the surgical access of first choice. In fact, in experienced hands, postoperative complications are reduced comp ared to open surgery, the operated patients benefit from better comfort, an d the results are comparable to the traditional approach in terms of effect iveness. Keys for a successful outcome of this procedures are: thorough pre operative evaluation of patients, experience in open surgery of the oesopha gus, and skills in laparoscopy. Based on the literature and on our personal experience, we can conclude that minimally invasive treatment of benign di seases of the oesophagus is safe and effective. In some instances, further follow-up is necessary to confirm the favourable initial results.