Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy in pediatric population.

INTRODUCTION

Functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is a diagnostic technology that assesses esophageal cross-sectional area via impedance planimetry during controlled volumetric distention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of EndoFLIP intraoperatively during laparoscopic esophagomyotomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study reviewing all patients undergoing EndoFLIP assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia between January and December 2021 (n = 10). Twenty-two patients with achalasia that underwent traditional laparoscopic esophagomyotomy between July 2014 and September 2019 served as a comparison. Primary outcome evaluated was resolution of symptoms at discharge. Secondary outcomes included change in distensibility index (DI), operative time, length of stay, time to regular diet, and reinterventions.

RESULTS

All patients managed with EndoFLIP assistance had resolution of dysphagia and postprandial vomiting following intervention. Mean change in DI was 5.32 mm2/mmHg with a myotomy length of 3.6 cm. Operative time was shorter in the EndoFLIP cohort (97 min versus 185 min, p = <0.001). Study patients did not undergo an antireflux operation. There was no difference in length of stay or time to soft diet between groups. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 tolerating a mechanical soft diet. No acid suppressive medications were prescribed during the observation period. One patient required dilation for recurrent symptoms and one required reoperation for mucosal leak.

CONCLUSION

EndoFLIP assisted laparoscopic esophagomyotomy results in similar short-term outcomes to traditional surgical technique. EndoFLIP allows for focused myotomy length and a shorter operative time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.