Th surgical treatment of achalasia of the esophagus

A group of 29 patients with achalasia of the esophagus underwent esophagocardiomyotomy (Zaaizer's modification of Heller's operation) during the years 1954-1976. The patients were 6-76 years of age (mean 35 years) and the duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 2 months to 30 years. The chief complaints were obstruction to swallowing, regurgitation, and weight loss. The majority had been previously treated by dilatations. The operative results were satisfactory. Two patients died, giving an operative mortality of 6.9%. There were no other complications. 22 patients were followed for 2-24 years and 18 (82%) had an excellent or good result. In the absence of efficient conservative treatment for achalasia, a transthoracic esophagocardiomyotomy in the early stages of the disease is recommended.