Short segment oesophago-cardiomyotomy for achalasia cardia

Over a seven year period, 25 patients of achalasia cardia underwent a transabdominal short segment oesophago-cardiomyotomy. There was no operative mortality. Two patients had a mucosal tear, detected intraoperatively and promptly repaired. All patients were regularly followed up (range 1 to 7 years). Clinical results were excellent in 76%, good in 20% and fair in 4%. No patient developed reflux or required reoperation for residual dysphagia. We conclude that a transabdominal short segment oesophago-cardiomyotomy performed carefully is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of achalasia.