Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy
Doodnath, R.; Gillick, J.
Irish Medical Journal 102(10): 337-338
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0332-3102 PMID: 20108807 Document Number: 628866
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder which causes failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and is thought to affect 0.31/100,000 children per year in Ireland. The classic presentation is difficulty swallowing and vomiting undigested food, and children can often present with chest pain. In some instances, these symptoms can lead to considerable weight loss. In this report, we present 2 cases of patients with achalasia who have also been the first 2 cases of laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy performed in children in the Republic of Ireland.