Achalasia (A Swallowing Disorder)

Esophageal achalasia is a benign condition of the esophagus which results from incomplete contraction of the esophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter resulting in a functional obstruction of the esophagus. Typical symptoms include difficulty or painful swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food. Treatment options for many include pills and repeated dilation of the esophagus. Most surgical techniques offer excellent long term cure rates for this condition but they have required large incisions for major surgery. Using the robotic system, we can offer patients the excellent long term relief without the large incision. Five 1 cm incisions on the abdomen allow us easy access to the esophagus to perform robotic endoscopic modified Heller myotomy allowing for the more permanent surgical treatment without opening the chest. This technique is more than 90% effective, durable and makes repeated procedures unnecessary. Patients are home and eating better within 48 hours. This safe and effective operation carries a mortality risk of 0.02%.