PROCEDURES


LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR ACHALASIA – HELLER’S MYOTOMY

What is heller’s myotomy?
Heller's myotomy, also known as an oesophagal myotomy, is a laparoscopic surgical procedure that is performed to treat achalasia. This procedure involves a specialist surgeon cutting the lower oesophagal sphincter to allow better flow of food and liquids from the oesophagus to the stomach.

 
 

When is heller’s myotomy needed?


Heller's myotomy can be indicated for people who are diagnosed with oesophagal achalasia. Achalasia is a medical condition which affects the oesophagus. It occurs when the lower oesophagal sphincter is unable to open like it's supposed to when you are swallowing, which may be related to damaged nerves in the oesophagus. This can result in a backup of food in the oesophagus.


Achalasia can cause symptoms such as coughing and increase the risk of aspiration or choking on food. Other symptoms may include:

  • - Discomfort or pain in your chest
  • - Weight loss
  • - Heartburn
  • - Intense pain or discomfort experienced after eating
  • - Regurgitation or backflow

What does heller’s myotomy entail?


This procedure is done under general anaesthesia so that you are asleep throughout the procedure. Dr Moodley will then make keyhole incisions on your abdomen, above the belly button. He will then fill your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas which will give him a clear view of the affected area and also give him space to move surgical instruments around.

A laparoscope and other surgical instruments will be passed through the incisions. The surgeon will make an incision on the muscle layers of the oesophagus to access the stiffened tissues (myotomy) and relieve the pressure. To lower the risk of gastro-oesophagal reflux (GERD), the tissue of the upper end of the stomach, called the fundus, will be wrapped around the oesophagus. After the procedure, the stitches will be stitched closed. The hospital stay may be 1-2 days long.

 
 
 

“It is the surgeon's duty to tranquillize the temper, to beget cheerfulness, and to impart confidence of recovery.”

ASTLEY COOPER