[The Collis-Nissen operation in the treatment of reflux due to esophageal stenoses associated with brachioesophagus].

Eight patients with esophageal reflux strictures and brachioesophagus were treated by endoscopic dilatation and the Collis-Nissen procedure between 1986 and 1990 at the Institute of Digestive Diseases, Belgrade University Clinical Center. Dilatation of the esophageal stricture was performed by the Eder-Puestow system. All strictures were dilated preoperatively to in average 45 Fr without any complications recorded. The average duration of the Collis-Nissen operation was 3.5 hours and it was hastened by the usage of GIA surgical stapler for construction of the Collis gastroplasty tube. Postoperative course was uneventrful in all eight patients and by dismissal all of them had satisfactory relief of dysphagia and barium esophagogram. Postoperative hospital stay averaged 13.0 days. Satisfactory symptomatic control of gastroesophageal reflux (no symptoms, no treatment) was achieved in 5 patients at a long-term follow-up. Two patients required periodic dilatations and antireflux therapy during the first postoperative year to achieve resolution of the dysphagia and no need for medical therapy. One patient had objective failure of reflux control and progression of stricture formation requiring reoperation. This patient underwent esophagectomy and esophagocoloplasty with a subsequent good result. The combined Collis gastroplasty-Nissen funduplication has become the operation of choice in patients with dilatable reflux stricture and esophageal shortening and a reasonable alternative to a formidable resectional procedures. This report evaluates the first experiences with a Collis-Nissen procedure in our country.