Esophageal myotomy is a procedure used to treat achalasia (motility disorder of the esophagus). The affected muscle of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) is cut to allow a better passage of food and liquids from the esophagus into the stomach.

What is a surgical myotomy?

The myotomy includes cutting of the muscular layer of the lower part of the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach to completely open the lower esophageal sphincter and relieve dysphagia.

How is a myotomy performed?

During a Heller myotomy procedure, patients are placed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made just above the navel (belly button). Through this incision, the surgeon inserts a thin tube that fills the abdominal area with a harmless carbon dioxide gas in order to be able to see the organs better.