Reoperation after failed esophagomyotomy for achalasia.

Of 49 patients with achalasia treated surgically between 1975 and 1985, 12 (8 women, 4 men) had undergone transthoracic esophagomyotomy previously. Four had had concomitant upper gastrointestinal surgery. All 12 patients complained of dysphagia; other symptoms included regurgitation, nocturnal aspiration, heartburn, chest pain, vomiting, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and weight loss. The average time from initial operation to onset of symptoms was 9 months. Preoperative investigations and operative findings identified the cause of dysphagia as inadequate or healed esophagomyotomy with persistent or recurrent achalasia (eight patients--two had partially disrupted fundoplications contributing to their dysphagia), hiatus hernia with reflux esophagitis causing esophageal spasm or peptic esophageal stricture (two patients) and incorrect initial diagnosis and treatment (two patients). Treatment, with the aid of intraoperative manometry, included repeat Heller myotomy (five patients), Hill antireflux repair (four patients), takedown of Nissen fundoplication and extension of myotomy (two patients). The average follow-up was 16 months. Eight patients had good results, two required further operation and one underwent multiple dilatations postoperatively. The causes of recurrent dysphagia following surgery for achalasia are diverse and patients require individualized investigation and treatment. Remedial surgery for achalasia can correct postoperative dysphagia but results are less successful than those following an adequate initial operation.