Abstract Achalasia is a primary defect of esophageal motility unknown aetiology, characterised by peristaltic dysfunction the esophagus and impaired relaxation lower sphincter. The most common symptoms are dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss, chest burning. There various treatment options for achalasia: botulinum toxin injections, pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy, peroral endoscopic myoto...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy for the treatment of achalasia can be performed safely. The application of this minimally invasive approach has not been reported in Taiwan. This study assessed the results obtained using this new method in Taiwanese patients. METHODS From January 1998 to December 2000, we recruited 10 patients (3 men, 7 women; average age 37.3 yr) with...

Abstract Background Leiomyomas are the most common benign esophageal tumors originating from muscular layer. They rare lesions that constitute less than 1% of neoplasms. In one-third patients leiomyomas occur at level gastroesophageal junction. Minimally invasive surgery is considered today treatment choice with laparoscopic approach used for distal tumors. Methods We present case a 79-year-old...

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of long-term outcome of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia, including predictors of heartburn and recurrent dysphagia, which occasionally develop postoperatively. DESIGN Retrospective review using interviews of patients. SETTING Academic university hospital. PATIENTS One hundred sixty-five patients with achalasia who underwent a laparoscopic esophag...