Esophageal achalasia: preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up

Esophageal achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by absence of esophageal peristalsis and increased resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which fails to relax appropriately in response to swallowing. Treatment is palliative and is directed toward elimination of the outflow resistance caused by the abnormal LES function.