What is Esophageal Achalasia?

8. Surgical Treatments

If pneumatic dilation is unsuccessful in lessening the symptoms of esophageal achalasia, the patient may require surgery. The most common surgical procedure is a laparoscopic surgical myotomy or Heller myotomy. People who have undergone this type of surgery report a satisfaction rate of over 90%. In this procedure, the exterior of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is cut to loosen it, keeping the interior muscles intact. Loosening of the exterior muscle inhibits the constriction that prevents substances from passing through it. Then, to ensure stomach acid cannot flow back up, an additional procedure lays a portion of the stomach in front of the lower esophageal muscle. This ensures the esophagus closes whenever the stomach contracts.