Is laparoscopic heller myotomy superior to pneumatic dilation to treat achalasia?

摘要

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder that is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and by absence of esophageal body peristalsis, causing dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation of undigested food. The goal of treatment is to eliminate dysphagia by -opening the lower esophageal sphincter, while preventing gastroesophageal reflux. The currently available treatment options include injection of botulinum toxin at the esophagogastric junction, endoscopic pneumatic dilation, and laparoscopic Heller myot-omy (LHM); all therapeutic approaches are palliative and centered on relief of esophageal outlet obstruction.