RT Book, Section A1 Levy, Ryan M. A1 Luketich, James D. A2 Zinner, Michael J. A2 Ashley, Stanley W. SR Print(0) ID 57010655 T1 Chapter 19. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery of the Esophagus T2 Maingot's Abdominal Operations, 12e YR 2013 FD 2013 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-163388-8 LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=57010655 RD 2024/03/28 AB Since the initial description of laparoscopic fundoplication in 1991,1 there has been continued interest in minimally invasive approaches to esophageal disease. While proponents of minimally invasive surgery claim decreases in perioperative pain and length of stay, critics often express concerns over compromised outcomes, prolonged operating times, and increased cost. However, numerous reports have documented that for both gastroesophageal (GE) reflux and achalasia,2,3 the laparoscopic approach offers equal efficacy and safety as well as decreased recovery times compared with traditional open surgery. These reports and the benefits of minimally invasive surgery perceived by the general public have increased referrals to surgeons who offer these approaches to esophageal disorders, even though alternative medical therapies are available.4,5