LAPAROSCOPY FOR ACHALASIA CARDIA

Achalasia cardia is an uncommon disorder causing difficulty for a patient in swallowing food and drink. It does not simply fall through the food pipe into the stomach.

In achalasia cardia, two problems are seen commonly, the first inability of pumping action of the wall of the food-pipe and second loss of the ability of the valve to relax in response to the approach of food. This results in ingested food and drinks getting collected in the food-pipe presenting with symptoms of “blockage” behind the breastbone. The main cause of achalasia is degeneration of the nerve cells in the esophagus (the food pipe) for which the exact reason is not known

• Can be seen in any age group
• It affects both sexes
• Main symptoms are difficult to swallow solids and liquid food, chest pain, and regurgitation
• Progressive dysphagia and weight loss

Laparoscopic Procedure for Achalasia Cardia treatment is the most effective procedure for the treatment in which the muscle of the sphincter, under direct vision is cut. This procedure is called “Heller’s cardiomyotomy” and is done entirely by a trained laparoscopic surgeon with key-hole surgery.

This procedure requires 5 tiny-hole incisions each less than half an inch on the abdominal and performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is generally combined with an anti-reflux procedure also. The duration of surgery is 60-90 minutes and requires overnight stay/ 2 days stay in hospital