Laparoscopy for Achalasia Cardia

Achalasia Cardia is a rare but treatable swallowing disorder that affects the oesophagus, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. Over time, patients may experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation, and significant weight loss. When medications or endoscopic treatments fail to provide lasting relief, Laparoscopy for Achalasia Cardia in Vasant Kunj offers an effective and long-term solution. Dr. Sanjay Verma specializes in advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, providing personalized treatment plans to restore comfortable swallowing and improve overall quality of life.

Laparoscopic surgery for Achalasia Cardia, commonly known as Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy, is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for many patients. The minimally invasive approach offers excellent symptom relief with smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and quicker recovery.

What Is Achalasia Cardia?

Achalasia Cardia is a disorder in which the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscular valve between the oesophagus and stomach—fails to relax properly. At the same time, the normal muscle contractions (peristalsis) of the oesophagus are impaired, making it difficult for food to move into the stomach.

As food accumulates inside the oesophagus, patients may develop progressive swallowing difficulties and other digestive symptoms. Although the exact cause is often unknown, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life.

Who May Need Laparoscopic Surgery for Achalasia Cardia?

Dr. Sanjay Verma may recommend laparoscopic surgery for patients who have:

• Persistent difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
• Achalasia confirmed by diagnostic tests
• Poor response to medications
• Recurrence after balloon dilatation
• Frequent regurgitation of food
• Weight loss due to swallowing difficulty
• Chest pain caused by oesophageal spasms
• Aspiration or recurrent lung infections related to regurgitation
• Advanced achalasia with significant symptoms

Each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation before surgery to determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Symptoms of Achalasia Cardia

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids
• Food getting stuck in the chest
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Chest pain
• Heartburn-like symptoms
• Persistent cough, especially at night
• Weight loss
• Bad breath due to food retention
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Feeling of fullness after eating

Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek specialist evaluation for early diagnosis and treatment.

Benefits of Laparoscopy for Achalasia Cardia

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy offers several advantages, including:

• Long-term relief from swallowing difficulties
• Improved passage of food into the stomach
• Minimally invasive procedure
• Small incisions with minimal scarring
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Reduced risk of wound complications
• Improved nutrition and weight gain
• Better quality of life

How Is Laparoscopic Surgery for Achalasia Cardia Performed?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

Before surgery, patients undergo:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Upper GI Endoscopy
• High-Resolution Oesophageal Manometry
• Barium Swallow Study
• Blood investigations
• Cardiac and pulmonary fitness assessment

Step 2: Laparoscopic Access

Several small incisions are made in the abdomen. A laparoscope and specialized surgical instruments are inserted to perform the procedure with precision.

Step 3: Heller Myotomy

The surgeon carefully divides the tight muscle fibers of the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing food to pass freely into the stomach without obstruction.

Step 4: Fundoplication

To reduce the risk of acid reflux after myotomy, a partial fundoplication is commonly performed by wrapping a portion of the stomach around the lower oesophagus.

Step 5: Recovery

Patients are monitored closely after surgery, with pain management, dietary progression, and early mobilization forming key aspects of recovery.

Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery

Recovery is generally quick because the procedure is minimally invasive.

Recovery usually includes:

• Hospital stay of 1–3 days
• Walking within a few hours after surgery
• Liquid diet initially
• Gradual progression to soft foods
• Return to regular diet as advised
• Pain management
• Follow-up appointments
• Gradual return to normal activities

Most patients resume light daily activities within 1–2 weeks, while complete recovery usually occurs within 4–6 weeks.

Lifestyle and Dietary Care After Surgery

Following surgery, patients are encouraged to:

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• Consume small, frequent meals
• Drink adequate fluids
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
• Follow dietary recommendations
• Attend regular follow-up appointments

These measures help ensure optimal recovery and long-term symptom control.

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Verma for Laparoscopy for Achalasia Cardia in Vasant Kunj?

Dr. Sanjay Verma offers advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery with extensive expertise in treating oesophageal disorders. Every patient receives individualized care based on their symptoms, diagnostic findings, and long-term treatment goals.

Why patients choose Dr. Sanjay Verma:

• Expertise in advanced laparoscopic oesophageal surgery
• Specialized treatment for Achalasia Cardia
• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
• Personalized treatment planning
• Modern minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Advanced postoperative care
• Faster recovery protocols
• Compassionate and patient-focused approach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Achalasia Cardia?

Achalasia Cardia is a swallowing disorder in which the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to enter the stomach.

2. What is Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy?

It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the tight muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter is divided to improve swallowing.

3. Who is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery?

Patients with confirmed Achalasia Cardia who have persistent symptoms or inadequate relief from medications or endoscopic treatments may benefit from surgery.

4. Is the surgery minimally invasive?

Yes. The procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery.

5. Why is fundoplication performed with Heller Myotomy?

Fundoplication helps reduce the risk of acid reflux that can occur after the muscle is divided.

6. How long is the hospital stay?

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days, depending on their recovery.

7. When can I return to normal activities?

Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks, while complete recovery generally takes 4–6 weeks.

8. Will surgery completely cure Achalasia Cardia?

Surgery provides excellent long-term relief of symptoms for most patients, but regular follow-up is important because Achalasia is a chronic condition.

9. What tests are required before surgery?

Common tests include upper GI endoscopy, oesophageal manometry, barium swallow, blood tests, and fitness evaluation for anesthesia.

10. How can I book a consultation?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanjay Verma in Vasant Kunj for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan for Achalasia Cardia.