Esophageal myotomy is a procedure used to treat achalasia (motility disorder of the esophagus). The affected muscle of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) is cut to allow a better passage of food and liquids from the esophagus into the stomach. This technique, also known as Heller myotomy, can be performed using an open approach through an incision in the abdomen or the left side of the chest, or minimally invasive, using laparoscopic or robotic approaches. Minimally invasive approach requires a series of smaller incisions on the abdomen, and results in less post-operative pain, faster healing, and less scarring. To prevent a reflux of stomach contents back into esophagus, a partial fundoplication (Toupet or Dor) is sometimes performed in combination with esophageal myotomy. In fundoplication, a part of the stomach wall is wrapped around the esophagus and secured with the sutures.
