Background: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy combined with a Dor fundoplication is considered the procedure of choice to treat esophageal achalasia. The aim of this study is to report a personal experience and to analyse the controversial aspect of this procedure.
Methods: From January 1997 to March 1998 six patients with esophageal achalasia were treated by Heller laparoscopic myotomy with anterior fundoplication.
Results: There was one intraoperative perforation of esophageal mucosa, sutured laparoscopically with non postoperative sequelae. There were no surgical mortality and no postoperative morbidity. Complete relief of dysphagia in five of six patients, the good clinical and instrumental results and the satisfaction of these patients, lead to a prudent optimism.
Conclusions: Personal initial experience, although the little number of patients and the short follow-up, confirms that laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of esophageal achalasia.