Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy and Dor's fundoplication for esophageal achalasia.

The study's aim was to assess the functional results of laparoscopically performed Heller's myotomy and Dor's fundoplication in our first few cases of esophageal achalasia. Four male patients (mean age: 61 years) with long-standing symptoms of achalasia (documented on esophagogram and esophageal manometry) and not responding to several sessions of pneumatic dilatation, had laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and Dor's fundoplication. Myotomy was facilitated by distending the esophagus. The mean duration of the operation was 99 min. The third patient developed a leak from the exposed esophageal mucosa on the 5th postoperative day while at home. The leak was attributed to late desloughing of a mucosal burn, and was sealed spontaneously 15 days later after drainage. The remaining three patients were discharged after resuming diet within the first 2 postoperative days. By 1 year postoperatively, dysphagia was abolished in all cases, and there were no gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The esophagogram showed no reflux, which was also confirmed on ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH measurement. On manometry, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure dropped significantly postoperatively (preop: 56 +/- 7 SD mm Hg, postop: 5 +/- 1 SD mm Hg, p < 0.001). In conclusion, laparoscopic Heller's myotomy with Dor's fundoplication for esophageal achalasia is a feasible procedure, offering clinical and laboratory results similar to the open approach, but with better patient tolerance.