Laparoscopic Heller myotomy—A review of the literature

Abstract

Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus presenting with classic symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain and weight loss. Once diagnosed the treatment of achalasia can be pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical and each may be an appropriate choice based on the patient’s presentation and comorbidities. While good success can be achieved with pneumatic dilation and peroral endoscopic myotomy is showing exciting promise, the laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication remains the gold standard surgical intervention in the treatment of achalasia with excellent functional outcomes and safety profile.