Achalasia of the Oesophagus

Professor Bailey has extensive experience in the management of Achalasia and patients are referred to him from many parts of the United Kingdom and abroad. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from Achalasia (or are experiencing any form of difficulty with swallowing food) then you should consult your GP who will refer you.

The diagnosis of Achalasia is made by a combination of tests; if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing then you may have an endoscopy or a barium swallow. You may also have manometry studies to measure the behaviour of your oesophagus as you swallow.

Laparoscopic Heller's Cardiomyotomy

Achalasia is treated surgically by laparoscopic Heller's Cardiomyotomy. The procedure involves physically dividing the contracted muscle that is causing the achalasia. This is performed through five small incisions, the largest of which is one centimetre in diameter. The operation is often supplemented by a laparoscopic anti-reflux procedure (similar to a Nissen Fundoplication), because a small proportion of patients may be susceptible to reflux if this is not performed.

After the operation

The laparoscopic approach means that most patients are able to go home after one or two days in hospital. Swallowing will be significantly improved immediately after the operation, although sometimes the oesophagus will have become distended by the achalasia and may take some time to function completely normally.