Laparoscopic procedure performed for treating achalasia cardia is commonly referred to as laparoscopic cardiomyotomy or laparoscopic Heller procedure. Achalasia cardia is a rare condition marked by swallowing difficulty, which means that a person suffering from the condition is not able to swallow food or liquid properly. The condition is caused by severe damage to the oesophageal tissues, owing to which the oesophagus becomes paralyzed and dysfunctional. As this happens, the food and liquid you eat start accumulating in the oesophagus. This food ferments and can wash back into the mouth. The symptoms of achalasia cardia are often mistaken for GERD.
Procedure
- The surgical intervention is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia
- A cannula or small tube will be inserted into the patient's stomach by making a small incision of about 1 cm.
- A surgical telescope with a tiny camera fitted on its end is inserted alongside for detailed imaging guidance.
- This is followed by the insertion of additional cannulas for the introduction of surgical equipment.
- The lower oesophagal sphincter and muscular wall in the upper abdomen are carefully divided using precise imaging guidance.
- To avoid the risks of GERD due to LES division, the fundus is rotated, so as to create a valve-like structure. This helps to prevent the backward flow of acid.
