title: Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy without an antireflux procedure.
abstract: The treatment of achalasia by laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy may combine the minimally invasive advantages of pneumatic dilatation with the success rate and low risk of perforation of conventional surgery. The requirement for an antireflux procedure remains a contentious issue, as in conventional surgery. Nine patients underwent laparoscopic cardiomyotomy; excellent symptomatic relief was obtained in eight at follow-up between 12 and 21 months after operation. Four of these patients agreed to 24-h pH monitoring and showed no evidence of acid reflux. One patient, however, developed recurrent symptoms associated with significant acidity on monitoring. Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy without an antireflux procedure produced effective symptomatic relief in this small group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Wicks
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Caestecker
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Veitch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002299:Cardia / Q000601:surgery; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome