Achalasia of the esophagus: reflections upon a clinical study of 33 cases

Thirty-three patients who have suffered with dysphagia to solids and liquids for a varying number of years are reviewed. They all had a history and radiologic findings suggestive of achalasia of the esophagus. Thirty-one of the cases who had uncomplicated achalasia benefited from a transthoracic modified Heller's procedure. Lower esophageal diaphragm and carcinoma arising in the proximal half of the distal third of the esophagus occurred in association with achalasia in two patients. Over 90 percent had symptomatic relief of their symptoms. The only mortality was recorded in a patient who had palliative esophagogastrectomy for associated carcinoma. A properly performed anterior extramucosal esophagomyotomy is the safest and most effective procedure available, even in places with minimal facilities.