Recurrent symptoms after Heller myotomy for achalasia: evaluation and treatment

Abstract

A laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is considered today in most centers in the United States and abroad the treatment of choice for patients with esophageal achalasia. Even though the operation has initially a very high success rate, dysphagia eventually recurs in some patients. In these cases, it is important to perform a careful work-up to identify the cause of the failure and to design a tailored treatment plan by either endoscopic means or revisional surgery. The best results are obtained by a team approach, in Centers where radiologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.