Treating the Sigmoid Esophagus ...

[Guest guest]

My esophagus was pronounced " sigmoid-shaped " and " tortuous " several years ago.

For the past few years, I have been managing my achalasia via balloon

dilatation. This provided me with mildly improved swallowing.

Four months ago, my swallowing ability declined a notch and I once again sought

treatment. My doc refused to dilate and offered that additional dilatations

would offer no improvement.

I met with another doc (surgeon) who presented me with three options: (1) do

nothing, (2) esophagectomy, or (3) esophageal re-section (basically shortening

the esophagus and straightening its path so as to remove the 'S-curve'). I

believe Heller myotomy is part of the picture, too, with the 2nd & 3rd options.

I would like to know:

1. If any of you have been in the same situation - and how you handled your

decision. Was re-sectioning offered as an option?

2. Specific recommendations or cautions regarding (US) surgeons/hospitals

bearing in mind that treating a 'sigmoid/tortuous' esophagus is extremely rare.

By my estimate, there are approx. 30 new cases per year in the ENTIRE USA. (So I

would be surprised if ANY surgeon does a significant volume of esophageal

re-sections.)

I am strongly leaning toward option (3) which can be done laparoscopically with

good results.

Thanks in advance for your response!

--Rich