Heller Myotomy is a surgical procedure in which the muscles of the cardia (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) are cut, allowing food and liquids to pass to the stomach. It is used to treat achalasia, a disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to reach the stomach.
The Laparoscopic approach carries tremendous benefits for the patient; allowing speedy recovery with a greater success rate. It also provides the surgeon with a better view, distinguishing exactly the length of the thickened muscle fibers that need to be cut, as this may vary and affect the success of the procedure.
The procedure usually includes a fundoplication (wrapping) the stomach around the esophagus to minimize any reflux that may occur after cutting the lower sphincter muscles.
At GBMC, Dr. Ahmad Bashir has a great success record, even in recurrent Achalasia.