title: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy: technical aspects and operative pitfalls.
abstract: Achalasia is a rare motor disorder of the esophagus characterized by aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The etiology of this disease remains unknown. The current treatment is palliative and relies upon surgical disruption of the fibers of the LES. The technical aspects and operative pitfalls of laparoscopic Heller myotomy are described in this article.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 201 E. Huron Street, Galter 10-105, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Khashayar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vaziri
authors.forename: Nathaniel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Soper
mesh_terms: D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D020701:Esophagoscopes; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000601:surgery*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome