A laparoscopic Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat achalasia, a condition in which the esophagus doesn't push food and liquid into the stomach effectively and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not relax properly.
Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of achalasia. They will discuss your options with you and come up with a personalized plan of care that takes into account the risks, benefits and alternative treatment options.
Most patients are eligible to undergo minimally invasive surgery, commonly called laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery for many patients.
Surgical Procedure
While you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and the stomach to widen the opening and allow food and liquids to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. Since many patients experience worsening gastroesophageal reflux after a Heler myotomy, typically the surgeon will also perform a fundoplication (stomach wrap) at the same time to minimize this risk. There are many different types of fundoplication performed,
The thoracic surgeons at Baylor Medicine are experts in all types of achalasia treatment, including endoscopic therapies such as balloon dilatation, Botox and per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as well as Heller myotomy to help patients make an personalized informed decision on their best treatment solution.
Recovery
Recovery from surgery usually takes four to six weeks, but many patients feel better very quickly after surgery and can even return to work in one to two weeks. You can expect to spend one to two nights in the hospital after your surgery. You will be instructed to follow a liquid or soft foods diet for a few weeks in order to allow time for swelling to go down and for your stomach to heal. Your surgeon might instruct you to take crushed or liquid medications during your recovery. You should stay active after surgery – walking starts on day one after surgery. You should gradually increase your activity level back to your baseline. Your surgeon might instruct you to limit how much weight you lift, but a general rule during recovery is do not do anything that causes you pain.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, you should speak with your surgeon as soon as possible to prevent complications.