Minimally invasive surgery for benign oesophageal disease

Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in recent years, have gained increasing popularity in the treatment of many benign oesophageal diseases in referral centres. In some instances, as for example gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, minimally invasive approach has become the surgical access of first choice. In fact, in experienced hands, postoperative complications are reduced compared to open surgery, the operated patients benefit from better comfort, and the results are comparable to the traditional approach in terms of effectiveness. Keys for a successful outcome of this procedures are: thorough preoperative evaluation of patients, experience in open surgery of the oesophagus, and skills in laparoscopy. Based on the literature and on our personal experience, we can conclude that minimally invasive treatment of benign diseases of the oesophagus is safe and effective. In some instances, further follow-up is necessary to confirm the favourable initial results.