Minimally-Invasive Esophagomyotomy in 200 Consecutive Patients: Factors Influencing Postoperative Outcomes

There was an increase in treatment failures among patients undergoing preoperative endoscopic treatment. Other factors associated with failure during long-term follow-up include longer duration of symptoms, sigmoidal esophagus, and low baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Although endoscopic modalities remain an important component of the armamentarium in the treatment of patients with achalasia, consideration should be given to minimally-invasive Heller myotomy as primary therapy for this condition.