Clinic study of laparoscopic surgery of the gastroesophageal junction

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery of gastroesophgeal junction. Methods Twenty eight patients underwent laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair, 24 laparoscopic vagotomy for treatment of duodenal ulcer, and 3 laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia from Nov. 1995 to April 2006. Results Laparoscopy was completed in all patients, no conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was necessary. The operation time averaged 2.5h(range1.0～4.5h), postoperative oral feedings were resumed after 24～72h of surgery, and no postoperative complication occurred. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6d (range 4～7d ). Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery is a effective and safe surgical procedure, and has the merit of minimal invasive surgery for correction of gastroesophageal junction pathology.