Early results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy do not necessarily predict long-term outcome

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate how patients' symptoms evolve after laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Methods Before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy, 88 patients graded dysphagia and heartburn on a Likert scale (0 = none; 5 = severe). Patients graded outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Outcomes were compared in the same patients at 1 and 3 years of follow-up. Results At early follow-up (10.6 ± 7.8 months) significant reductions were noted in dysphagia (11% versus 100%), dysphagia scores (0.6 ± 1.1 versus 4.7 ± 0.7), heartburn (31% versus 72%), and heartburn scores (1.2 ± 1.6 versus 2.7 ± 1.9). By late follow-up (37.6 months ± 18.0) these values increased (47%, 1.9 ± 1.7, 48%, 1.8 ± 1.5, respectively) but remained significantly reduced compared with before operation. Excellent/good outcomes at early and late follow-up were 89% and 85%, respectively ( P = not significant). Conclusions Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is highly effective at palliating the symptoms of achalasia. With time, symptoms may recur owing to esophageal dysmotility, mandating continued surveillance.