Surgical management of primary motor disorders of the esophagus

Primary motor disorders of the esophagus can be managed surgically with excellent results. Between the years 1972 and 1983, 40 patients were managed by us. The patients ranged in age from 14 to 79 years (mean 36.3 years). Thirty-six patients were managed primarily by the authors and 4 patients secondarily. The distribution of the hypodynamic states were achalasia in 29 patients, vigorous achalasia in 5 patients, and diffuse spasm in 1 patient, whereas the hyperdynamic states were squeeze syndrome in 2 patients, super-squeeze syndrome in 1 patient, and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter in 2 patients. Of the 36 patients in hypodynamic states, 27 had a modified Heller myotomy and reconstruction of the gastroesophageal junction with a Belsey fundoplication and 9 had only a modified Heller myotomy. There was only one patient with reflux esophagitis. It occurred after myotomy and Belsey fundoplication for a hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter and hiatus hernia. Four patients were managed secondarily for complicated recurrent problems, one with a Belsey fundoplication and three with a jejunal interposition graft. We recommend myotomy, with or without a Belsey fundoplication, for management of primary motor disorders and avoidance of total Nissen fundoplication and a lengthening Collis gastroplasty.