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  • Title: Early results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy do not necessarily predict long-term outcome.
    Author: Bloomston M, Durkin A, Boyce HW, Johnson M, Rosemurgy AS.
    Journal: Am J Surg; 2004 Mar; 187(3):403-7. PubMed ID: 15006571.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate how patients' symptoms evolve after laparoscopic Heller myotomy. METHODS: Before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy, 88 patients graded dysphagia and heartburn on a Likert scale (0 = none; 5 = severe). Patients graded outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Outcomes were compared in the same patients at 1 and 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: At early follow-up (10.6 +/- 7.8 months) significant reductions were noted in dysphagia (11% versus 100%), dysphagia scores (0.6 +/- 1.1 versus 4.7 +/- 0.7), heartburn (31% versus 72%), and heartburn scores (1.2 +/- 1.6 versus 2.7 +/- 1.9). By late follow-up (37.6 months +/- 18.0) these values increased (47%, 1.9 +/- 1.7, 48%, 1.8 +/- 1.5, respectively) but remained significantly reduced compared with before operation. Excellent/good outcomes at early and late follow-up were 89% and 85%, respectively (P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is highly effective at palliating the symptoms of achalasia. With time, symptoms may recur owing to esophageal dysmotility, mandating continued surveillance.
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