Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia
Published on: February 16, 2024
Early results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy do not necessarily predict long-term outcome
Mark Bloomston1, Alan Durkin, H Worth Boyce
1Department of Surgery, University of South Florida, P.O. Box 1289, Room F-145, Tampa, FL 33601, USA. arosemur@hsc.usf.edu
Background:
We sought to evaluate how patients' symptoms evolve after laparoscopic Heller myotomy.
Methods:
Before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy, 88 patients graded dysphagia and heartburn on a Likert scale (0 = none; 5 = severe). Patients graded outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Outcomes were compared in the same patients at 1 and 3 years of follow-up.
Results:
At early follow-up (10.6 +/- 7.8 months) significant reductions were noted in dysphagia (11% versus 100%), dysphagia scores (0.6 +/- 1.1 versus 4.7 +/- 0.7), heartburn (31% versus 72%), and heartburn scores (1.2 +/- 1.6 versus 2.7 +/- 1.9). By late follow-up (37.6 months +/- 18.0) these values increased (47%, 1.9 +/- 1.7, 48%, 1.8 +/- 1.5, respectively) but remained significantly reduced compared with before operation. Excellent/good outcomes at early and late follow-up were 89% and 85%, respectively (P = not significant).
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is highly effective at palliating the symptoms of achalasia. With time, symptoms may recur owing to esophageal dysmotility, mandating continued surveillance.