What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a disorder affecting the esophagus, the tube between the mouth and the stomach that food passes through. In Achalasia, the muscular ring called the lower esophageal Sphincter (LESZ) which separates the esophagus and the stomach, is unable to relax and allow food to move through it.
Achalasia also affects the rhythmic contractions of the muscular wall of the esophagus responsible for assisting the movement of food from one end to the other.
The result is increasing difficulty swallowing food and liquids as well as heartburn, regurgitation and inhalation of stomach and esophageal content which can lead to lung infections such as pneumonia.
Achalasia can occur at any age but is most common in adulthood. It has a slow onset and may take months or years to develop. It is frequently confused with Gastroesohageal Reflux Disease (GERD) because the symptoms are very similar.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Achalasia
The surgery for severe cases of Achalasia is called a Heller Myotomy. The surgeons at Surgical Consultants of Hollywood are experienced in performing this procedure using minimally invasive laparaoscopic techniques. During the procedure, which is performed with the patient under general anesthesia, a lengthwise cut is made in the muscular ring surrounding the lower esophageal sphincter. With this cut, the LES is able to open more easily.
In some cases it is necessary to perform an additional surgery known as a low-resistance fundoplication to relieve symptoms of severe gastroesophageal reflux that may also be present.
The Heller Myotomy has a success rate approaching 95%