Endoscopic surgery for esophagus-disorders

Patients with severe heartburn (“acid reflux”) who don’t get enough relief from medicines have to undergo surgery. In the long term, endoscopic surgery gives these patients the same results as when using the open technique and a large incision. Patients have fewer complications and less pain following the operation, and recover more quickly. However, endoscopic surgery is not yet cost effective. But this will change when patients can go back to work sooner – something that is now only possible after about two months. These are the recommendations made by Werner Draaisma in his PhD dissertation.
Draaisma also describes two studies into treatment of a large diaphragmatic (hiatal) hernia using endoscopic surgery with a surgical robot. This technique provides good results, and the condition does not usually return. It has also been shown that patients with a large diaphragmatic hernia without acid reflux need no additional surgical therapy after recovery from the diaphragmatic hernia.

Werner Draaisma

Current status of surgery for benign disorders of the esophagus

PhD advisor: Prof. H.G. Gooszen
Co-advisor: Dr. I.A.M.J. Broeders