Thoracoscopic long oesophageal myotomy for nutcracker oesophagus: initial experience of a new surgical approach.

A thoracoscopic technique is described for the execution of long oesophageal myotomy for nutcracker oesophagus causing odynophagia and non-cardiac chest pain. The technique is based on a multipuncture method and a left thoracoscopic approach. It has been performed on three patients with complete symptomatic relief in the short term, although the follow-up period is short (maximum 12 months). No complications were encountered and discharge from hospital occurred by the fifth day after operation.