Results of surgical treatment of achalasia, about 16 cases.

ELE N | BOUYA P | ATIPO IBARA B | KOUBA C | MASSENGO R

Seance of wednesday 26 february 2003 (SEANCE A DAKAR (SENEGAL))

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the short and longterm results of the surgical treatment for achalasia, by the techniqueof Heller.Nine men and 7 women with an average age of 31 years (17 to 51)were included. The diagnosis of achalasia was established on radiologicaland endoscopic findings. All patients underwent an extramucousmembrane Heller’s oesocardiomyotomy, associated withanti-reflux cardioplasty.The average follow-up time of the patients was two years. Therewere no deaths. There were no complications in 15 cases. One patientsuffered a iatrogene breach of the esophagus mucous membranewhich needed secondary repair.Functional symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitations and retrosternalpains were improved. Overall, results were described asexcellent in 9 patients, good in 4 patients and medium in 3 patients.Achalasia is a relatively rare disease. Although several therapeuticstrategies have been proposed, we think that surgery using theHeller’s technique (extra mucous membrane oesocardio-myotomy)carry better results.