Balloon dilation-assisted laparoscopic heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication.

Two methods are currently used in the treatment of achalasia: endoscopic balloon dilation and surgical Heller myotomy. Laparoscopy has come into use in achalasia surgery, and good outcomes have been achieved. This study included 11 patients (mean age, 30.7 years). Balloon dilation-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication were performed in all patients. A 36-F orogastric tube was placed under visualization. The balloon of the tube was placed in the esophagogastric junction. After laparoscopic cardiomyotomy, the balloon was removed and Dor fundoplication was performed. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. The patients were discharged on the second and third postoperative days (mean [standard deviation], 3 +/- 0.46). One month after the operation, the patients were tested with barium swallowing, and no complications or recurrences were observed. Laparoscopic distal esophagomyotomy combined with partial fundoplication may be the surgical approach of choice in achalasia because it is safer, provides good to excellent relief of symptoms and excellent cosmetic results, involves a shorter hospital stay, and is easy to execute. Balloon dilation makes myotomy easier because it separates the muscle fibers. Placing and insufflation of the balloon become safer because the entire procedure is executed under visualization; thus, excessive dilation is avoided.