This is a prospective study of 50 patients with non-advanced achalasia treated by videolaparoscopic cardiomyectomy with partial fundoplication. The technical standardization of the operative procedure was evaluated, and the patients studied by clinical evaluation, endoscopy, eletromanometry, radiology and 24 hour pHmetry. The operation was completed laparoscopically in all patients, with no convertion to laparotomy. There were six (12%) intra-operative complications (mucosal perforation, pleural lesion and subcutaneous emphysema), two (4%) immediate post-operative ocurrencies and one (2%) death. There was no late complication. Clinical evaluation showed significant improvement of dysphagia, no regurgitation and weight gain after operation, and excellent and good results were obtained in 97.9% of the patients. In the post-operative period ocurred radiological improvement of esophageal dilatation and less endoscopic esophagitis. The eletromanometry showed significative decrease of lower esophageal sphincter pressure after operation, as well as 24 hour pHmetry verified less esophageal stasis and no gastro-esophageal refluxo There was no difference in the treatment of chagasic or non-chagasic patients. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery were obtained: less pain, early oral intake, short hospitalization and fast return to norma activities.
Achalasia; Surgical treatment; Laparoscopy