Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
11:19
Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Reoperations for esophageal achalasia
Nobuo Omura1, Hideyuki Kashiwagi, Fumiaki Yano
1Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan. surgomura@jikei.ac.jp
Surgery Today
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Reoperations for achalasia, including Heller-Dor cardioplasty, can achieve a 90% success rate. Tailoring surgical procedures to recurrence causes improves outcomes for achalasia patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Esophageal Surgery
Background:
- Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder.
- Recurrence after initial surgery necessitates reoperation.
- Identifying predisposing factors is crucial for successful reintervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors leading to achalasia recurrence.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of reoperations for achalasia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 patients undergoing achalasia reoperation (1994-2010).
- Analysis of primary surgical procedures (Heller-Dor, Heller myotomy) and reasons for failure.
- Documentation of reoperation types and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Common recurrence factors included inadequate myotomy, adhesions, and reflux esophagitis.
- Reoperations involved repeat Heller-Dor, hiatal hernia repair, thoracic myotomy, and esophagectomy.
- 90% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement after reoperation.
Conclusions:
- Reoperation for achalasia can yield high success rates.
- Personalized surgical selection based on recurrence etiology is key.
- Achalasia reoperation offers symptomatic relief and acceptable outcomes.
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