Surgical Treatment of Achalasia : A report of 13 cases

Achalasia 의 수술요법 -13례 보고-

Achalasia is a neurogenic esophageal disorder, characterized by incomplete relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter in response to deglutition and absence of peristalsis from the body of the esophaugs. Because there is no known method by which esophageal peristalsis can be restored, therapy is directed toward the relief of dital esophageal obstruction. During the period of June 1965 to September 1980, 13 cases of achalasia were operated at the Department of Thoracic SUrgery, Seoul Natonal University Hospital. 1. Among 13 cases, 5 were male and 8 were female. 2. Esophagomyotomy was performed in 12 cases, and 1 case was treated with transverse suture of lower esophagus after longitudinal incision. 3. There was no operative mortality, but 2 cases subsequently underwent esophagogastrostomy after esophagomyotomy. 4. One of 13 cases was combined with mongolism.