Upper Gastrointestinal Video-Endoscopy During Minimally Access Surgery For Benign Esophageal Disorders

Minimally access surgery is the approach of choice in patients with benign esophageal diseases. However, the bidimensional view and lack of tactile perception may increase the difficulty of the surgical procedure. Aim of this study was to evaluate the role of upper gastrointestinal video-endoscopy combined with laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. Between November 1992 and December 1999, 301 patients underwent minimally invasive surgery for benign esophageal disorders; of these, 159 had intraoperative video-endoscopy. Insufflation, transillumination and control of the surgical maneuvers from inside the esophageal lumen by means of video-endoscopy provided a valuable aid to the surgeon, especially in patients with esophageal achalasia, leiomyomas, or epiphrenic diverticula.