In these paper we are presenting a technical alternative to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. From January 1999 to April 2000, 60 patients with mean body mass index (BMI) of 40,7 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The new technique is performed in two steps. In the first step, an isolation instrument (laparoscopic finger) is inserted through the lesser sac, next to the junction of diaphragmatic crura, including the lesser omentum in order to pull the band catheter. The second step separates the lesser omentum from the right side of the stomach.There was no mortality and the morbidity was 11,6% (1 slippage of the band and 6 trocar port seroma). The new technique was performed in all patients with no conversion to open procedure. We didn't have respiratory complications. This technical alternative is safe and easily performed, helping to prevent transoperative perforations.

Laparoscopic techniques have provided a new dimension to correct functional disorders of the esophagus, which has stimulated some investigators to recently report the use of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy in the treatment of esophageal achalasia. Now, a new instrument has been added to the current laparoscopic technique to offer a safer and easier method to proceed complete myotomy. After the dissection of the esophagogastric junction, a special catheter is introduced reaching the stomach. lt has an illuminated 10 cm extremity connected to a light source. lts withdrawal allows to visualize every muscle circular fiber by transillumination withan improved view provide by the laparoscopic optic system lens. This condition modifies the operative surgeon s attitude offering a better controlled situation over the procedure. The use of transillumination o fthe esophagogastric junction provides a good identification of the mucosa e submucosa avoiding the risk of esophageal perforation. It also helps to perform a complete myotomy preventing the ocurrence of persistent disphagia in the postoperative period. Cardiomyotomy with parcial fundoplication is possible by videolaparoscopic approach, now made easier with transillumination. This technique is safe and the functional results are similar to those observed in the literature for conventional open procedures, with the obvious advantages of the minimally invasive approach.

As técnicas laparoscópicas e toracoscópicas proporcionaram uma nova dimensão para a correção dos distúrbios funcionais do esôfago. O sucesso terapêutico, entretanto, depende da confirmação da doença esofágica como causa dos sintomas, da compreensão da causa básica da disfunção e da identificação do paciente cirúrgico. O presente trabalho é um estudo retrospectivo em pacientes operados pela técnica de Lind para doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). Tem por objetivo estabelecer o valor do uso sistemático da esofagomanometria e da pHmetria de 24 horas na seleção de pacientes e na avaliação funcional pré e pós-operatória. Quarenta e um pacientes (68,3%) tinham hipotonia do esfíncter inferior do esôfago. A pressão foi em média de 9,2 mmHg no pré-operatório e de 15,2mmHg no pós-operatório, com um aumento de 6,0 mmHg. Este aumento foi de 8,8mmHg nos hipotônicos e 4,3 mmHg nos normotônicos. Houve algum grau de hipomotilidade do corpo do esôfago em 14 pacientes (23,3%), sendo que, deste grupo, quatro (28,5%) obtiveram melhora pós-operatória. Refluxo ácido patológico foi constatado em 51 casos (85,0%) pela pHmetria. A média do score de DeMeester pré-operatório foi de 31,4, baixando depois para 3,2. A esofagomanometria e a pHmetria de 24 horas são métodos eficazes em revelar o nível de modificação funcional estabelecido pela cirurgia anti-refluxo e ajudam objetivamente na seleção.

The recent introduction and widespread use of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques has given a new dimension to esophageal functional surgery. A successful result depends on the documentation of esophageal disease as the cause of symptoms, the understanding of the cause of esophageal dysfunction, and the identification of patients who should have surgical treatment. This paper is a retrospective study developed in patients underwent Lind operation for gastroesophageal reflux. The study wants to establish the value of rotine use of esophageal manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring for selection and evaluation. Forty-one patients (68.3%) had mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter. The preoperative pressure was 9.2 mmHg and postoperative 15.2 mmHg. The general increase was 6.0 mmHg, the increase in defective sphincters was 8.8 mmHg and in normal sphincters was 4.3. We found some diminished peristalsis of esophageal body in 14 patients (23.3%), and this group had four patients (28.5%) with improved peristalsis after surgery. Abnormal acid reflux was detected in 51 cases (85.0%) by pH monitoring. The preoperative DeMeester score was 31.4, decreasing to 3.2 at postoperative period. Esophageal manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring are efficient methods to detect and measure the functional modifications established with an antireflux procedure.