BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is characterized by fibrotic increases in connective tissue. Eshophageal involvement occurs in 75 to 90% of patients. Concern about adding an antireflux valve in a hypotonic esophagus brought up resection surgeries and their morbidity. Later, papers on antireflux techniques showed symptomatic improvements in 69 to 75% of patients. METHODS: Seven female patients (32 to 59 years-old, followed for 6 to 48 months) with scleroderma presented heartburn and six had dysphagia. Four patients with strictures required dilations. Four patients underwent a modified Nissen technique and three underwent Lind technique, by laparoscopy. There was one conversion to open surgery. RESULTS: All patients had some clinical improvement, except for one which had a valve migration. Four patients were classified as Visick I (58%), one as Visick II (14%), one as Visick III (14%), and one as Visick IV (14%). There was no major delay in esophageal clearance on transit studies, and follow-up exams showed no strictures. CONCLUSION: Antireflux operations are efficient to improve reflux symptoms in scleroderma, without worsening esophageal function. Resections are indicated for failure in the first surgery, severe strictures or malignant neoplasms.
Scleroderma; Reflux esophagitis; Laparoscopic fundoplication
