Heller myotomy and laparoscopic fundoplication in achalasia. A retrospective experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic myotomy associated with fundoplication is a useful therapeutic resource for the treatment of achalasia. The aim of the study was to analyze the outcomes of the surgical treatment of achalasia in a group of patients treated at the Hospital Naval de la Secretaría de Marina and at the Hospital Español in Veracruz during a 6-year period. METHODS: Eleven patients were submitted to myotomy and fundoplication. Variables analyzed were age, gender, symptom duration, surgical complications, surgical time, day/stay, and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Mean age was 41.7 years ± 7.69 years; 63.64% of the patients were male and 36.36% were female. Average time from symptom onset was 2.5 ± 1.38 years. All patients had received previous unsuccessful medical and endoscopic treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed by esophagogram, endoscopy and manometry. All patients underwent Heller myotomy and fundoplication. Operative time was 140.4 ± 26.2 min. Average days/stay was 3.7 ± 1.4 days. Postoperative course was satisfactory in all patients and there was no perioperative mortality. Average follow-up was 3.8 ± 2.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: In our group, laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication was a safe procedure offering excellent results comparable with those published in the literature. There is controversy about the type of fundoplication; therefore, the choice is at the discretion of the surgeon.