Esophagectomy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Failed control of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux leads to irreversible esophageal damage and progressive loss of function. Patients develop severe intractable symptoms, incapacitating dysphagia, and, with end-stage disease, stricture formation or Barrett's esophagus. When medical management and repeated antireflux operations have failed, resection of the diseased esophagus may become the only valid alternative. Careful preoperative evaluation and patient selection are essential to obtain satisfactory long-term functional results with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.