title: Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal motility disorders.
abstract: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has emerged as an excellent primary treatment for patients with dysphagia secondary to achalasia. A laparoscopic rather than thoracoscopic approach has stood the test of time. An antireflux procedure combined with the myotomy is crucial to the maintenance of the antireflux barrier. Thoracoscopic long myotomy offers effective relief for spastic disorders of the esophagus. Endoscopic stapled diverticulotomy is a safe and effective procedure for Zenker's diverticulum and has potential advantages over the open approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, 1510 San Pablo Street, HCC 514, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Nagammapudur S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Balaji
authors.forename: Jeffrey H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D018662:Fundoplication; D006801:Humans; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000601:surgery