Achalasia Treatment with Heller Myotomy
Achalasia is an inherited condition where the esophagus loses its ability to squeeze and propel food into the stomach, and the lower esophageal sphincter loses its ability to relax and allow food to enter the stomach. These two things – a nonfunctional esophagus and a tight lower esophageal sphincter – cause profound difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) that worsens with time. Achalasia usually begins as difficulty swallowing solid foods, then progresses to include difficulty with liquids, and can even progress to such a severe degree as to require an esophagectomy.
The goal of surgery for achalasia is to restore the ability to swallow without difficulty, while minimizing the risk of severe GERD. There is no cure for achalasia, but the outcomes after surgery are fantastic. There are currently several endoscopic options for the treatment of achalasia as well, and these are typically performed by a gastroenterologist. While endoscopic options are less invasive, they are associated with a higher risk of severe GERD and cannot fix any associated hiatal hernia. Therefore, surgery is the option of choice for most patients.