Early myotomy and fundoplication in achalasia in childhood: a single-centre experience for 22 years

Introduction The aim of this study was to review a single institution's experience with surgical interventions in children with achalasia and to determine treatment strategies for this rare disorder. Patients and methods This study is a retrospective analysis of 22 cases of childhood achalasia from 1991 to 2013. The patients were evaluated in terms of age, symptoms, interventions, intraoperative complications, and recurrent dysphagia. Results There were 13 boys and nine girls (7 months to 17 years old). The clinical symptoms were vomiting (68%), dysphagia (36%), wheezing (18%), coughing (13%), and weight-loss (13%). The mean duration of symptoms was 2.4 years (1 month to 6 years). A barium contrast X-ray study was performed in all of the patients. Oesophageal manometry was performed in eight patients. Six patients underwent multiple oesophageal dilatations (ED) as a first intervention. A Heller myotomy (HM) and fundoplication were performed in all the patients except two patients who recovered with dilatation. In the long term, one patient had a stricture due to the operation and had to undergo a reoperation. Of the Heller myotomy patients, one had a recurrent stricture that responded to dilatation. No other complications were present. All the patients are now asymptomatic. Conclusion Early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment is important to prevent growth impairment in childhood achalasia cases. A Heller myotomy followed by a partial anti-reflux procedure is an effective treatment for achalasia in children. Based on our experience, it is superior to oesophageal dilatation therapy.