About Cardiomyotomy
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive, long-term solution for achalasia, significantly improving swallowing function.Minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic/robotic) reduces surgical trauma, pain, and scarring.Often performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure, promoting quicker return to normal activities.High success rate in relieving dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain associated with achalasia.Combined with a partial fundoplication (Dor or Toupet) to minimize the risk of post-operative acid reflux.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of achalasia cardia (Type I, II, or III) not adequately managed by medication or balloon dilation (pneumatic dilation).
- Severe and persistent dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) for both solids and liquids.
- Regurgitation of undigested food, especially at night, which may lead to aspiration or weight loss.
- Chest pain related to esophageal spasm that is unresponsive to other therapies.
- Failed previous non-surgical treatments like botulinum toxin (Botox) injections or pneumatic dilation.
- Patients who are suitable candidates for surgery and prefer a definitive one-time procedure.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup including barium swallow, esophageal manometry (high-resolution), and upper endoscopy to confirm achalasia.
- Pre-operative consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and assess fitness for surgery.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as instructed; typically, no food or drink after midnight.
- Discontinuation of certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) as advised by the doctor, usually 5-7 days prior.
- Informed consent process where the patient understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure.
- Showering with an antiseptic soap the night before or morning of the surgery to reduce skin bacteria.
Risks & possible complications
- Perforation of the esophagus or stomach mucosa during the myotomy, which may require immediate repair.
- Post-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), mitigated by the concurrent partial fundoplication.
- Infection at the incision sites or within the abdomen (rare with laparoscopic surgery).
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Incomplete relief of symptoms or recurrence of dysphagia over time.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia, such as respiratory or cardiac complications.
- Injury to nearby structures like the vagus nerve, which can affect gastric emptying.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically 1-3 days for monitoring and to ensure swallowing improves without complications.
- Initial diet consists of clear liquids, advancing to full liquids, then soft/pureed foods over 2-4 weeks as tolerated.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting (more than 10-15 lbs), and vigorous exercise for 4-6 weeks.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; most discomfort subsides significantly within the first week.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing, dietary progression, and symptom resolution.
- Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks, with full recovery taking several weeks.
- Long-term, patients are advised to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid lying down immediately after meals.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cardiomyotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cardiomyotomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cardiomyotomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cardiomyotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cardiomyotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cardiomyotomy.
Ishaan Singh, a 68-year-old retired school...
Ishaan Singh, a 68-year-old retired school principal, had a decade-long history of progressive dysphagia and heartburn, initially managed with medications. Recently, his symptoms escalated dramatically; he could barely swallow liquids, leading to significant weight loss, nighttime coughing, and aspiration pneumonia. Endoscopy revealed a tortuous, dilated 'sigmid' esophagus and a tight lower sphincter, classic for advanced achalasia. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that a cardiomyotomy was the definitive treatment to cut the dysfunctional muscle and allow food to pass into his stomach. Ishaan was weary from years of discomfort and worried about his age, but the risk of further aspiration compelled him to proceed. He underwent a per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a newer, incision-less procedure. The recovery was swift, with minimal pain. Within days, he was drinking smoothies comfortably. By three months, he had regained most of his lost weight and could eat a modest, careful diet. Emotionally, he transitioned from feeling frail, dependent, and fearful of choking to reclaiming his vitality and independence. The relief from constant chest pain restored his peace of mind and allowed him to enjoy his retirement with his grandchildren.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Cardiomyotomy
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform cardiomyotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist