Learn about Achalasia Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Achalasia and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly, and the esophagus loses its ability to push food down into the stomach. While often managed by a gastroenterologist, a cardiologist may be involved in the diagnosis and management due to the overlap of symptoms with cardiac chest pain and the use of certain diagnostic tools. The primary goal of treatment is to relieve the obstruction at the LES. This is most commonly achieved through a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure called Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) or a laparoscopic surgical procedure called Heller Myotomy, often combined with a partial fundoplication to prevent reflux. These procedures effectively cut the tight muscle fibers, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach normally, significantly improving swallowing and quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Provides long-term relief from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).Minimally invasive options (like POEM) reduce recovery time and scarring.Significantly improves quality of life and nutritional intake.Procedures are highly effective, with success rates often exceeding 90%.Can be performed endoscopically, avoiding external incisions.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent and progressive difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids (dysphagia).
  • Regurgitation of undigested food, especially when lying down.
  • Chest pain that is not of cardiac origin, often mimicking heartburn.
  • Unintended weight loss due to eating difficulties.
  • Confirmed diagnosis via tests like esophageal manometry, barium swallow, or endoscopy showing a dilated esophagus with a "bird's beak" narrowing.
  • Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments like pneumatic dilation or botulinum toxin injections.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough diagnostic workup, including esophageal manometry and endoscopy.
  • Discuss all current medications with your doctor; you may need to stop blood thinners.
  • Fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after discharge.
  • Undergo pre-operative tests as advised, which may include blood work and an ECG.
  • Inform the medical team of any allergies, especially to anesthesia or contrast dye.

Risks & possible complications

  • Perforation or tear of the esophageal or stomach lining.
  • Bleeding at the surgical site.
  • Post-procedure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Infection, though rare with minimally invasive techniques.
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Recurrence of symptoms requiring further treatment.
  • Potential for subcutaneous emphysema (air under the skin) with POEM.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for observation, typically 1-3 days.
  • Start with a clear liquid diet, progressing to soft foods over several days to weeks.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks.
  • Take prescribed medications, which may include pain relievers and acid-suppressing drugs.
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and swallowing function.
  • Report any severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing, or bleeding immediately.
  • Full dietary normalization may take a few weeks as swelling subsides.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering achalasia in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for achalasia compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 4,895 1-3 days ~ 2-3 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 36,236 1-3 days ~ 2-3 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Achalasia in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing achalasia.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
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Cardiologists for Achalasia

Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform achalasia and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Ali Gümrükçüoğlu
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vecih Oduncu
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vecih Oduncu
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vecih Oduncu
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vecih Oduncu
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hasan Turhan
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Cardiologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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