[Technical aspects of esophagocardiomyotomy with divulsion for the surgical treatment of non advanced chagasic megaesophagus].

BACKGROUND

The authors describe a Heller's technique alteration used for treatment of early Chagasic megaesphagus (ECM): esophagocardiomyotomy with divulsion plus esophagocardiopexy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between June 1988 and March 1996, fifty patients were operated on at Surgery Department of FAMEMA. All had chagasic megaesophagus degrees I, II and III.

RESULTS

The results were excellent in 86% (43/50) and good in 14% (7/50), for 6 months to 7.6 years of follow up. The radiological and endoscopic studies showed neither esophagic stasis nor food residues and esophagitis.

CONCLUSION

The authors concluded that esophagocardiomyotomy with divulsion plus esophagocardiogastropexy is efficient in ECM degrees I, II e III and emphasize both technical facility and security.