Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder in which the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax properly and the muscles of the oesophagus lose their normal movement. As a result, food and liquids have difficulty passing into the stomach, leading to symptoms such as progressive difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation of undigested food, and unintentional weight loss. Although the exact cause is unclear, it is thought to involve damage to the nerves that control oeosophageal motion. Treatment may include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injection, or surgical procedures like Heller myotomy or POEM—to help improve swallowing.

A Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat achalasia by relieving pressure at the lower oesophageal sphincter. During the operation, the surgeon cuts the tight, malfunctioning muscle fibers of the LES, allowing food and liquids to pass more easily into the stomach. It is often performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery. Because cutting the sphincter can increase the risk of reflux, the procedure is frequently combined with a partial fundoplication to help prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus.  However, surgery is not for everyone, so it is imperative that your clinician investigate you thoroughly to ensure you receive the correct endoscopic or surgical treatment.