Achalasia & Heller Myotomy

What is achalasia?

Achalasia is an uncommon condition of the esophagus. The muscles of the esophagus don't push food down normally, and the valve at the bottom of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't relax to let food into the stomach.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include trouble swallowing both solids and liquids, food or liquid coming back up, chest discomfort, heartburn-like symptoms, and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Achalasia is usually diagnosed with a combination of tests, such as esophageal manometry (which measures the muscle pressures of the esophagus), a barium swallow X-ray, and an upper endoscopy (EGD). Manometry is a key test for confirming achalasia, and Dr. Tufts offers it along with EGD.

Treatment and Heller myotomy

Achalasia can't be cured, but treatment can relieve symptoms. Dr. Tufts will review your tests and talk through the options with you. One established surgical treatment is a Heller myotomy, in which the tight muscle at the lower esophagus is divided so food can pass more easily. It is often combined with a partial fundoplication to help reduce reflux afterward, and it is typically performed with minimally invasive techniques.

Where surgery is performed

Dr. Tufts operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.