Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy with Dor Fundoplication

Gerald M. Fried, MD, FACS, Christopher G. Andrew, MD, D. Klassen, MD, Lorenzo E. Ferri, MD, S. Mayrand, MD, L. Feldman, MD

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-2249
Year Produced: 2004
Length: 10 min.


This educational video briefly describes the preoperative workup and preparation of a patient with suspected achalasia. The methods used by our institution in performing laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication are demonstrated in a stepwise fashion, including several technical variations that may be utilized. The patient is positioned in the supine position with the legs separated. We use one 12 mm and five 5 mm ports. After establishing pneumoperitonium, the pars flaccida is divided, exposing the right crus of the diaphragm. The phrenoesophageal ligament is incised to expose the underlying esophagus. Using blunt dissection, the esophagus is mobilized. A small retroesophageal window is created, and the esophagus encircled with a penrose drain. The gastroesophageal fat pad is excised. Taking care to preserved the anterior vagus nerve, the esophagus is scored along the proposed myotomy site with electrocautery. The myotomy is performed using either curved scissors or the ultrasonic dissector. The plane between the esophageal mucosa and muscle layers is developed. The muscle is divided for a distance of approximately 7 cm (6 cm onto the esophagus, and 1-2 cm onto the gastric wall). Intraoperative endoscopy is performed to confirm an adequate myotomy and to rule out perforation. After completion of the myotomy, a Dor fundoplication is performed. Using either the Endostitch device or free-hand stitching, the gastric fundus is approximated first to the apex of the myotomy and left crus of the diaphragm. Additional stitches affix the fundus to the left edge of the myotomy. The fundus is folded anterior to the esophagus, completely covering the exposed mucosa, and sutured to the right edge of the myotomy. All ports are removed under direct vision.