Laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy and thoracoscopic esophageal long myotomy for the treatment of primary esophageal motor disorders.

The technique of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophageal myotomy is described. The laparoscopic Heller procedure was performed in a patient with manometrically diagnosed achalasia and the thoracoscopic long esophageal myotomy in another with diffuse esophageal spasm. Both operations were performed in the same fashion as during open surgery, using standard laparoscopic surgical instruments. Antireflux procedures using the Dor and modified Belsey fundoplications protected patients from iatrogenic reflux. Complete relief of dysphagia in the first case and chest pain in the second has been confirmed after 2- and 4-month follow-up, respectively. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and thoracoscopic long esophageal myotomy are technically feasible and reduce surgical trauma, hospitalization, and postoperative recovery. They offer a viable alternative for the definitive management of primary esophageal motor disorders comparable with that of open surgery.