Esophagectomy for End-Stage Achalasia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Indications for surgery and clinical outcomes of esophagectomy in the management of end-stage achalasia are not clearly defined. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide evidence-based information to help in the decision-making and in the choice of surgical technique.

An extensive literature search was conducted to identify all reports on esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia patients over the past three decades. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were thoroughly consulted matching the terms “achalasia,” “end-stage achalasia,” “esophagectomy” and “esophageal resection” with “AND” and “OR.” Short- and long-term outcome data were extracted. Pooled prevalence of pneumonia, anastomotic leakage and mortality were calculated using Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation and DerSimonian–Laird estimator in random effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using I ²-index and Cochrane Q test. Meta-regression was used to address the effect of potential confounders.

Eight papers published between 1989 and 2014 matched the inclusion criteria. In total, 1307 patients were included. Esophagectomy was performed through a transthoracic (78.7%) or a transhiatal (21.3%) approach. The stomach was used as an esophageal substitute in 95% of patients. Pooled prevalence of pneumonia, anastomotic leakage and mortality were 10% (95% CI 4–18%), 7% (95% CI 4–10%) and 2% (95% CI 1–3%), respectively.

Esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia is safe and effective. Based on the results of this study, esophagectomy should be performed without hesitation in patients who are fit for major surgery and present with disabling symptoms, poor quality of life and dolichomegaesophagus recalcitrant to multiple endoscopic dilatations and/or surgical myotomies.