[Mega-esophagus: treatment by celioscopic approach]

Heller's procedure is widely used as the most appropriate method for treating achalasia. We performed the procedure laparoscopically in three patients with good results. Two females and one male, age 40, 60 and 68 years, presented with long-term recurrent dysphagia due to achalasia which did not respond to endoscopic dilatation. Heller's procedure was performed laparoscopically in all three with no particular difficulty. In our cases we also attached the anterior border of the greater curvature to the left side of the myotomy and fixed it to the right diaphragmatic pillar to reduce reflux. The procedure would appear to have less risks than laparotomy since visualization of the operative fields is better. Laparoscopy will undoubtedly become the preferred procedure for achalasia.