Cardiomyotomy for Esophageal Achalasia

Abstract

Over the past 2 decades laparoscopic cardiomyotomy combined with an anterior Dor fundoplication has emerged as the treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia. The chapter explains the procedure of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy along with laparoscopic Dor fundoplication and outlines the operation room setup, positioning of the patient, special instruments required for the procedure and the port placement sites. The indications, contraindications, preoperative considerations and technical considerations for laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and laparoscopic Dor fundoplication have also been listed. Possible procedural variations have been outlined. The surgical procedure has been explained using sequential high quality images.