GERD: A Debated Background of Achalasia

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. Available data suggest that the disease is multifactorial, but the exact initiating factors that may play a role in the development of the disease remain unclear. Case presentation: We report the case of a 65 year-old woman who had typical reflux symptoms with heartburn and regurgitation for about seven years. During the year before her admission to our clinic her reflux symptoms resolved and dysphagia developed. Endoscopy revealed esophageal dilatation with erosive esophagitis, narrowed cardia and hiatal hernia. Barium swallow test, manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring confirmed the development of achalasia with accompanying gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery, the hiatal hernia was reconstructed and a Heller’s myotomy with a 360 degree Nissen fundoplication was performed. At the 3-year follow-up the patient was symptom free. Conclusion: Based on our experience and the review of the literature we believe that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and the development of achalasia. In these cases a laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy completed with a 360 degree Nissen fundoplication should be the recommended surgical treatment to minimize the possibility of postoperative reflux disease.