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Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Cutting-Edge Robotic Heller Myotomy Protocol for Treatment of Achalasia
Published on: February 16, 2024
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy With EGD and Balloon Dilation: A Durable Solution for Achalasia
Benjamin R Zambetti1, William G Murphy1, Domenic Craner1
1Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
Background:
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and esophageal balloon dilation (BD) are the two mainstays of achalasia treatment-this study examines the outcomes when they are performed simultaneously without fundoplication.
Methods:
All patients undergoing LHM&BD were reviewed for demographic and procedural data, and to see if additional procedures for achalasia had been performed. Patients were surveyed using the Eckardt score and the GERD quality-of-life score (GERD-HRQL) to assess the durability of repair.
Results:
From 2013-2020, 66 patients underwent LHM&BD. There were no esophageal perforations and a median LOS of 1 day. Seven patients have required additional operations or procedures at median 4-years follow up. 31 patients (47%) responded to the survey. The average Eckardt score was 2.9 (goal<4) with mean GERD-HRQL of 14.4 (goal<25).
Conclusions:
LHM&BD allows for a safe, durable repair of achalasia. Reflux symptoms are manageable with PPI without fundoplication and the re-intervention rate similar to published values.
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