Achalasia Surgery
Achalasia Surgery
Achalasia Cardia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass from the Oesophagus into your stomach.
Treatment options include endoscopy, minimally invasive therapy or surgery.
Signs and symptoms of Achalasia
Signs and symptoms may include:
Weight loss
Belching
Vomiting
Heartburn
Pneumonia (from aspiration of food into the lungs)
Regurgitating food or saliva
Chest pain that comes and goes
Coughing at night
How to diagnose Achalasia?
Achalasia can be misdiagnosed because it has symptoms very similar to other digestive diseases. To test for achalasia, is recommend:
Barium swallow: These are diagnostic x-rays after you drink a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of your digestive tract. X-rays can then show if there are strictures, ulcers, hiatal hernias, erosions, or other abnormalities.
Oesophageal manometry: This is a test that measures the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter and the motor function of the oesophagus.
Endoscopy: A thin and flexible tube equipped with a camera (endoscope) is inserted down your throat, to examine your esophagus and stomach. This test results may detect inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or other abnormalities. The endoscope can also be used to collect biopsies to be tested for complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.
Treatment options available for Achalasia
The treatment for achalasia focuses on relaxing or stretching open the lower esophageal sphincter. By doing this, food and liquid can move more easily through your stomach.
Specific treatment depends on your health condition, age and the severity of the achalasia.
Pneumatic Balloon Dilation
Pneumatic dilatation is the most effective non surgical treatment option. Under sedation, a balloon is based in the lower oesophagus via endoscope. The balloon is stretching the lower esophageal sphincter that lets food and liquid into your stomach. This treatment option improves swallow immediately, however, you may need treatment several times.
Botox injection
Under sedation, botox is injected into the lower oesophagus via endoscope. Botox is causing relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter that lets food and liquid into your stomach. This treatment option is usually painless and improves swallow immediately for few months and occasionally for a few years, however, you may need treatment several times.
Surgery
By performing keyhole surgery, under general anaesthesia, the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter is cut to lets food into your stomach. Heller Myotomy is the most common treatment for achalasia. At the same time, an anti-reflux operation will be performed so as to prevent the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How long does it take to recover?
Following successful laparoscopic surgery, most people leave hospital the following day. There is specific diet that has to be followed starting initially with liquid and then a very soft “sloppy” diet for approximately 2 weeks.
It is preferable to avoid exertion and heavy work for a couple of weeks though one can take regular walks, showers, and ride in a car if necessary. Driving can be attempted several days post-operatively.
How do I book the procedure with you?
The first step would be to book an initial consultation with me, to discuss your options. You can make an appointment directly with me using the following link: