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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia
Published on: February 16, 2024
Recurrent achalasia treated with Heller myotomy: a review of the literature
1The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, China.
Aim:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heller myotomy (HM) for recurrent achlasia, performed after different methods of first-line treatment.
Methods:
We searched for studies published in PubMed from 1966 to March 2008 on treatment of recurrent achalasia with HM after failure with different methods of first-line treatment. The efficacy of HM was assessed by a pooled estimate of response rate with individual studies weighted proportionally to sample size.
Results:
Sixteen studies were eligible and included in the review. The results showed that HM has a better remission rate for recurrent achalasia after failure of HM [weighted mean (SD)] of 86.9% (21.8%) compared with 81.6% (23.8%) for pneumatic dilatation (PD). One study evaluated the efficacy of HM after failure of PD combined with botulinum toxin injection (83%). The most common complications were perforation and gastroesophageal reflux.
Conclusion:
HM has the best efficacy in patients with recurrent achlasia who were treated with HM as first-line treatment. Future studies should focus on how to increase the success rate and decrease the complications of HM.
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