Safety and Outcome of Laparoscopic Heller’s Cardiomyotomy with Intraoperative Endoscopic Assessment and Dor’s Fundoplication in Primary Achalasia Cardia: A Single-center Prospective Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Achalasia cardia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of an unknown etiology, characterized by abnormal peristalsis of the esophageal body and the absence of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy is the surgical procedure of choice for achalasia cardia. Aim: The aim of the study was to the immediate safety and long-term efficacy of laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy with intraoperative endoscopy and Dor’s anterior partial fundoplication in patients with achalasia cardia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy with intraoperative endoscopy and anterior Dor’s fundoplication were performed in all achalasia cardia patients. Patients’ demographic, clinical features such as dysphagia grade and Eckardt score, intraoperative, post-operative parameters, and response to treatment on follow-up were analyzed. Results: In 14 patients, 10 were females (71%), the mean age was 37±14.96 years. Mean pre-operative modified Takita’s dysphagia grade was 2.93±0.73. Endoscopic classic findings and barium swallow bird beak sign were diagnostic in all cases. Preoperative Eckardt score was 8.93±1.44. Eckardt score at discharge was 0.43±0.51 and at 12th month was 0.21±0.43. On analysis, there was a significant improvement in pre-operative values of modified Takita’s dysphagia grade and Eckardt score to normal values postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and the durable effect was persistently observed in 3rd and 6th, 9th, and 12th-month follow-up. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy with intraoperative endoscopy and Dor’s fundoplication are safe and effective with significant improvement in post-operative Takita’s dysphagia score and Eckardt score.