Quick Search

People with Achalasia often experience difficulty swallowing and vomiting undigested food. Recurrent episodes may cause pneumonia, especially in the elderly. If this condition worsens, weight loss and malnutrition may develop. Pain is infrequent, but heartburn may result due to food caught in the esophagus.

Achalasia can be treated with an operation called the Heller Myotomy that lasts about two hours. Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the belly button. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to allow surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to perform the operation. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape.

For your convenience, Presbyterian Healthcare is providing you the list of all surgeons who perform this procedure and have requested to be listed on this site. When making your selection, we encourage you to meet with the surgeon and inquire about training, number of procedures performed, etc. Its important that you choose the surgeon who makes you most comfortable. These physicians are independent practitioners and not employees of Presbyterian Healthcare.