Published online Dec 14, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.7122
Revised: October 16, 2008
Accepted: October 23, 2008
Published online: December 14, 2008
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heller myotomy (HM) for recurrent achalasia, performed after different methods of first-line treatment.
METHODS: We searched for studies published in PubMed from 1966 to March 2008 on treatment of recurrent achalasia with HM after failure with different methods of first-line treatment. The efficacy of HM was assessed by a pooled estimate of response rate with individual studies weighted proportionally to sample size.
RESULTS: Sixteen studies were eligible and included in the review. The results showed that HM has a better remission rate for recurrent achalasia after failure of HM [weighted mean (SD)] of 86.9% (21.8%) compared with 81.6% (23.8%) for pneumatic dilatation (PD). One study evaluated the efficacy of HM after failure of PD combined with botulinum toxin injection (83%). The most common complications were perforation and gastroesophageal reflux.
CONCLUSION: HM has the best efficacy in patients with recurrent achalasia who were treated with HM as first-line treatment. Future studies should focus on how to increase the success rate and decrease the complications of HM.