Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Fundoplication in Patients with End-Stage Achalasia

• Published in: World journal of surgery Vol. 39; no. 7; pp. 1631 - 1633
• Main Authors: Herbella, Fernando A. M., Patti, Marco G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-07-2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Achalasia; Botulinum Toxin Injection; Cardiac Surgery; Esophageal Achalasia - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal Achalasia - surgery; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower - surgery; Esophagectomy; Fundoplication; General Surgery; Heller Myotomy; Humans; Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy; Laparoscopy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pneumatic Dilatation; Radiography; Severity of Illness Index; Surgery; Surgical Symposium Contribution; Thoracic Surgery; Vascular Surgery; Heller Myotomy; Achalasia; Pneumatic Dilatation; Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy; Botulinum Toxin Injection
• ISSN: 0364-2313; 1432-2323
• DOI: 10.1007/s00268-014-2940-1

Achalasia may present in a non-advanced or advanced (end stage) stage. The latter is characterized by massive esophageal dilatation and/or the loss of the esophageal straight axis (sigmoid-shaped esophagus). The treatment for non-advanced cases of achalasia is well defined while the therapy for end-stage disease is still debatable. Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy is an option in patients with end-stage achalasia. Dysphagia is relieved in a significant number of patients, it is a simpler operation to be used in frail patients, and it does not preclude a latter esophagectomy if necessary.