Treatment Options For Dysphagia

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is another recommended treatment for dysphagia. In this procedure, the doctor makes incisions into the muscle tissues of the lower esophageal sphincter that connects the esophagus to the stomach. The opening of the sphincter enables food to go into the stomach more easily. As this organ inhibits reverse movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, a secondary procedure is performed to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Research for laparoscopic Heller myotomy is ongoing. However, multiple studies have shown this procedure to be effective in improving dysphagia. In a 2007 study, the procedure was shown to have been effective in a majority of esophageal achalasia subjects. The study included 113 participants divided into four groups. Following treatment, most participants saw improvement in swallowing.

In another study, laparoscopic Heller myotomy helped improve symptoms in ninety-one of 102 subjects during initial treatment. Five more subjects also saw improvement, however, with the treatment of additional procedures. In addition, a 2013 review detailed laparoscopic Heller myotomy helped ease dysphagia in two subjects each suffering a massively dilated esophagus.