Nissen fundoplication

Hernia Repair

Colectomy

Cardiomyotomy
(Heller Myotomy)

Splenectomy

Cholecystectomy

Adrenalectomy

Gastric Bypass

Glossary

Members of
SAGES

The Society
of American
Gastrointestinal
Endoscopic
Surgeons

Laparoscopic Cardiomyotomy
(Heller Myotomy)

Heller Myotomy, also known as Laparoscopic Cardiomyotomy, is an ideal alternative to o pen surgery for reducing the swallowing troubles that accompany achalasia. It requires very small incisions rather than a single, slow-to-heal large incision, and it allows the patient to return to normal activities quickly.

In this laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon limits the action of the muscles that close the lower esopheageal sphincter (LES). This allows food to pass more easily into the stomach from the esophagus.

Magnification of the operative field during laparoscopic surgery allows for a precise division of the muscle fibers with excellent results. Because the LES can no longer close completely after surgery, the surgeon may also decide to complete a Dor or a Toupet fundoplication to limit the possibility of the patient’s developing gastroesophegeal reflux, which occurs when the contents of the stomach can splash into the esophagus, causing what is commonly known as heartburn.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a digestive tract disease that is diagnosed when two conditions occur. One is a progressive loss of peristalsis -- the muscular contractions that move solid and liquid food down the esophagus. The second is the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax.

This surgery can relieve the obstruction so you can swallow more easily and allow gravity to take food to the stomach. Medical management in the form of pneumatic dialatation is usually the most appropriate initial step in the treatment of achalasia.

Please contact our office to discuss you case further.