2004 Volume 55 Issue 5 Pages 423-426
As part of our institute series, we investigated thoracoscopic Heller myotomy with modified Belsey for treatment of achalasia.
Material and methods: Three female achalasia patients, aged 27 to 37, were give a thoracoscopic Heller myotomy and modified Belsey antireflux. Two cases were Grade II, and one was Grade III. In all cases, a proton pump inhibitor was not used.
The operations were performed via the left side using thoracoscopic-assisted Heller myotomy and modified Belsey antireflux methods. The average operating time was 135±47 minutes, blood loss 54±35 ml, duration of thoracic drainage 3.8±3.3 days, and hospital stay 13.6±3.5 days. There were no severe complications after the operations, and all patients are well and drug-free, including proton pump inhibitor and H-2 antagonist.
Conclusions: The modified Belsey method via thoracoscope is a very useful and safe method for treating Grade II and III achalasia.
