The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 22, 278-283, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Reflux control following extended myotomy in primary disordered motor activity (diffuse spasm) of the esophagus
RD Henderson and FG Pearson
We have previously reported the results of extended esophageal myotomy and
Belsey hiatal hernia repair in 21 patients. Reflux was considered to be a
late complication of this operation, and gastroplasty has subsequently been
added. Thirty-four patients have now been surgically treated, 17 with
myotomy and Belsey repair and 17 with myotomy, gastroplasty, and Belsey
repair. Eight of the 17 with Belsey repair developed clinical and
roentgenographic signs of reflux 6 to 27 months following operation without
evidence of hernia recurrence; 5 of the 8 patients have required further
operation, with the addition of gastroplasty for reflux control. Seventeen
patients were treated primarily by extended myotomy, gastroplasty, and
Belsey repair. None of the patients who underwent gastroplasty have reflux
symptoms, and only 1 shows a trace of reflux radiologically.