Heller's myotomy for achalasia: Is an added anti‐reflux procedure necessary?

Literature review (1970–85) indicates excellent or good results following Heller's operation in 89 per cent of 5002 patients. The overall mortality was 2·8 per cent with a reoperation rate of 2·8 per cent. When the operation was done through an abdominal incision, gastro‐oesophageal reflux was almost twice as common as when it was done through a thoracic incision, regardless of whether an anti‐reflux procedure was performed.