Long-term results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication for the treatment of achalasia

Abstract

Background: Treatment options for achalasia include medications, endoscopic balloon dilation, injection of botulinum toxin, or surgery.

Methods: The clinical course of 75 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia between 1991 and 2001 was reviewed by means of a questionnaire.

Results: Mean follow-up was 5.3 (range .8 to 10.9) years. Sixty-four percent of questionnaires were returned. Thirty-seven patients (84%) felt much better and 6 (14%) slightly better; 1 (2%) rated the result as unchanged. Twenty-six patients (59%) experienced weight gain. Seven patients (16%) had persistent swallowing problems and 5 (11%) reported frequent reflux. Twenty-five percent underwent additional therapy, including dilation (n = 8, 18%), repeat surgery (n = 2, 5%), and botulinum toxin injection (n = 2, 5%). Eighteen patients (41%) were using a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker, three were on a calcium channel blocker (7%), and 1 was using nitroglycerine (2%).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can achieve short- and long-term results comparable to open surgery and should be considered the treatment of choice for patients suffering from achalasia. Despite the frequent need for further therapy, patient satisfaction is good.