Table Of Contents
- What is Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy?
- How is this Procedure Done?
- When is this Procedure Indicated?
- When can the Patient be Allowed to Take Food After the Surgery?
- How long will the Patient be Admitted after Surgery?
- How long will this Procedure Manage one’s “Achalasia”?
What is Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy?
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus. Until the past 10 years, esophageal dilation was most commonly used to treat achalasia because esophageal dilatation was the least invasive therapy and provided long-term relief for patients. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has become the gold standard of care for achalasia. Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy is a type of surgery which involves the cutting of the lower esophageal sphincter to allow the passage of liquids and foods from the esophagus to the stomach.
How is this Procedure Done?
Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy is performed by making 5 tiny cuts on the abdominal region. One of the incisions is used to introduce gas (CO2) for better visualization of the area. A laparoscope will be inserted in the same hole where the gas was introduced. This will provide light to the organs and comes with a camera for surgeons to view the operative field using a monitor. The surgical instruments will be inserted to the other 4 tiny cuts.
When is this Procedure Indicated?
A laparoscopic Heller Mytomy is done when the person is suffering from “achalasia”. This is a disorder in the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. This part of the esophagus does not relax accordingly which prevents the foods and fluids to pass through normally.
When can the Patient be Allowed to Take Food After the Surgery?
Normally, anybody who undergoes Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy will be allowed to take liquids at the later part of the day. After 2-3 days, the person will be allowed to take in soft diet. After a month, one can resume to a normal diet.
How long will the Patient be Admitted after Surgery?
One has to stay at an average of 2-3 days in the hospital for Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy procedure. The doctor will usually advise the person to rest for 2 weeks and can resume to one’s work after this period. However, if one opts for the conventional open surgery, one may have to resume work after a month of rest. The patient is not allowed to lift heavy objects’ for at least 6 weeks.
How long will this Procedure Manage one’s “Achalasia”?
It is expected that laparoscopic heller myotomy will address symptoms of achalasia for a long time. In fact, many people who undergo this procedure do not need further treatment.
