Abstract

Objectives: To assess how effective Heller myotomy is in the surgical treatment of achalasia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital and a private clinic, involving 75 patients who underwent an extended myotomy combined with a modified Dor fundoplication between January 2017 and February 2025. Diagnosis was established using clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and manometric criteria. Symptom evaluation and treatment success were measured using pre- and postoperative Eckardt scores. The Chicago Classification was used to grade the presence of megaesophagus, and the degree of megaesophagus was correlated with surgical outcomes. Results: The average postoperative Eckardt score was 0.52 points. Only one patient experienced a postoperative complication (atrial fibrillation), with no need for further intervention or appearance of GERD symptoms after surgery. Conclusion: This surgical technique proves to be a safe, effective, and practical option for relieving achalasia symptoms, while also lowering the risk of postoperative complications.

Keywords

achalasia, cardiomyotomy, megaesophagus, heller procedure, surgical technique