Abstract

30 case of achalasia treated by modified Heller`s myotomy at the department of thoracic surgery of Seoul National University Hospital from 1965 to 1987 were analyzed. Preoperative Symptoms were alleviated completely or partially in 90% of the 30 patients who were available for follow up study [average: 3.6 years]. Excellent or good results were achieved in 83.3% of patients. Only two of the poor results were due to reflux esophagitis. It is concluded that an antireflux procedure is not routinely necessary to prevent postoperative reflux esophagitis if the technique of espohagomyotomy is used properly.

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