Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia.

A technique of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is described. The procedure has been performed in a patient with manometrically confirmed classical achalasia with complete relief of episodic total dysphagia and no untoward symptoms including reflux. The procedure was followed by minimal postoperative discomfort and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy has the advantage of diminished surgical trauma with accelerated recovery, constitutes definitive therapy comparable to standard myotomy, and by being less disruptive of the lower oesophageal fixation it is prone to precipitate gastro-oesophageal reflux.