Proximal gastric vagotomy and anterior fundoplication as complementary procedures to Heller's operation for achalasia

While Heller's myotomy has become the accepted operation for achalasia, still, there is no agreement about the indications for and choice of complementary procedures to minimize subsequent acid esophageal reflux. In the instances described in this investigation Heller's operation was accompanied by proximal gastric, or highly selective, vagotomy and anterior fundoplication. Dysphagia was abolished and normal alimentation restored in all but one patient, who was elderly and had an advanced megaesophagus. In every patient after the operation, results of pH-manometry, acid reflux tests and endoscopy demonstrated the absence of both acid reflux and esophagitis.