Robotic stapled cardioplasty, an alternative before esophagectomy.

Abstract

Robotic stapled cardioplasty offers a novel, minimally invasive alternative for treating end-stage achalasia, a rare esophageal motor disorder. Achalasia is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and reduced peristalsis, with about 5% of patients progressing to a stage where esophagectomy is often the only treatment option. This study introduces robotic stapled cardioplasty as a less aggressive, organ-preserving approach. Using a robotic platform, the procedure improves visibility, precision, and careful dissection, making it especially useful in complex revision cases. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of robotic stapled cardioplasty for end-stage achalasia. It appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to esophagectomy and may also serve as a rescue procedure for patients who have exhausted other treatment options before considering organ resection.