title: Quality of life before and after laparoscopic Heller procedures--a Caribbean perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to compare the symptoms and quality of life before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy within a Caribbean population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients who were treated by the same surgeon were polled. The procedure was laparoscopic Heller myotomy with or without concomitant fundoplication. A specifically constructed questionnaire that assessed symptomatology and the quality of life (via social and emotional functioning scores) was administered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the patients was 38.4 years; 11 were female and 5 were male. The mean preoperative duration of symptoms was 5.5 years (range, 1-13). All patients complained of dysphagia (liquids and solids), odynophagia, and preoperative regurgitation. Follow-up was completed with a mean postoperative duration of 16.7 months. Overall, symptoms improved by an average of 71.2%; social and emotional functioning improved by an average of 42.2% (p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is extremely effective in improving the overall quality of life among achalasia patients within the Caribbean.
authors.affiliation: University of the West ndies, 26 London St, St Joseph Village, San Fernando, Trinidad. dilipdan@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Dilip
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dan
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seetahal
authors.forename: Safeeya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohammed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago; D055815:Young Adult