Abstract
Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 10 cases of esophageal achalasia. Indications for the operation, operative method and results are described in this report. The indications for laparoscopic surgery for esophageal achalasia were determined by patients' complaints and history, esophagogram, esophageal internal pressure and endoscopy. The operative procedure were as follows. Under general anesthesia, the patient was in a supine position, and five trocars were inserted to the abdomen. About 10 to 12cm of longmyotomy was performed along the lower esophagus and cardia lesions by an electric J-hook. After this procedure, a transverse suture were made on each side of the lower part of the myotomy. The gastric funds were covered at the upper part of the myotomy. There were no complications. Since we recently have had much experienced with this procedure, the operation time was short and there was little bleeding. No difference was found between the open and laparoscopic procedures in terms of a manometric study.
