Laparoscopic Heller-Dor Procedure for the Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia

Background: Esophageal achalasia is not a frequent disorder in children, and different treatments have been proposed during the past decades. This study reviews the results of the laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure performed in pediatric patients. Methods: We included the patients operated in the period 1994–2009. A single longitudinal anterior esophageal myotomy (Heller) and a 180° anterior gastropexy (Dor) were laparoscopically performed. The patients were checked to detect intra- or postoperative complications and recurrence. Results: 20 children were operated on. Conclusions: As complication and recurrence rates are very low, we consider modified Heller myotomy and Dor gastropexy through a laparoscopic approach our first choice to treat esophageal achalasia in the pediatric population.