London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Cardiomyotomy for achalasia
LAPAROSCOPIC HELLER PROCEDURE (HELLER'S MYOTOMY)
Keyhole surgery to correct problems with swallowing
What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare disorder of the food pipe (oesophagus), which can make it difficult to swallow food and drink.
In extreme instances, where food cannot enter the stomach, food and drink is often brought back up. Minimally invasive keyhole surgery is used to correct the condition.
Need to know
Under general anaesthesia, five small keyhole cuts are made on the abdomen and a tiny camera and instruments are inserted. The lower part of the food pipe is approached and a lengthwise cut is made in the muscle layer.
Care is taken to cut only the muscle layer, leaving the inner lining of the food pipe intact. As this procedure is often complicated by acid reflux after the operation, a partial or complete fundoplication (a procedure to correct acid reflux) is also performed at the same time to minimise this. The cuts in your abdomen will be repaired using dissolvable stitches.
As you'll be given a general anaesthetic you'll be advised not to eat or drink at least 24 hours before your procedure. Your consultant will explain the details of the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
You'll be expected to stay overnight in hospital for observation. You'll be able to resume normal after about a week of rest. Eating food should become more comfortable soon after surgery and a near-normal diet should become normal.
Paying for medical treatment
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42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
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London Digestive Centre
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Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.