Simple solution to the short oesophagus encountered at abdominal fundoplication

Abstract

Aberdeen and *Raigrnore Hospital, Inverness, UK Correspondence to: M r A. Munro, 4th Floor, Raigmore Hospital, lnverness IV2 3UJ, UK Fundoplication is performed by most general surgeons using an abdominal approach, except in patients who are suspected before operation of having a shortened oesophagus. Occasionally after commencing the procedure through the abdomen, the surgeon finds that despite mobilizing the lower oesophagus, insufficient length of intra-abdominal oesophagus is available to perform an adequate fundoplication. The Collis gastroplasty provides a means of effectively lengthening the oesophagus by creating a lesser curve gastric tube', but this modification usually requires extension of the wound into the left chest, which adds appreciably to the magnitude of the procedure. We report a simple technique which allows the Collis gastroplasty to be performed without recourse to thoracotomy, using a linear cutter stapling instrument.