What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, preventing normal passage of food and liquids into the stomach. This leads to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation, chest pain, and unintentional weight loss.
Surgical intervention is often required for definitive treatment when conservative measures or endoscopic therapies are insufficient.
Indications for Achalasia Surgery
Surgical treatment, particularly Heller myotomy, is typically indicated for patients with:
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Persistent dysphagia despite medical therapy
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Failure of endoscopic treatments such as pneumatic dilation or POEM
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Significant esophageal dilation or stasis
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Young patients seeking long-term symptom relief
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⚡ Early referral and accurate diagnosis are critical, as patient selection directly affects surgical outcomes.
Symptoms Leading to Consideration for Surgery
Patients who may require surgical management often present with:
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Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids
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Regurgitation of undigested food
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Chest discomfort or pain
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Unexplained weight loss
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Nocturnal coughing or aspiration
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Because these symptoms overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, precise diagnosis is essential.
Preoperative Assessment and Diagnostic Workup
Dr. Osama Hamed follows a thorough evaluation process before surgery, including:
Clinical Evaluation:
Assessment of symptoms, nutritional status, and overall fitness for surgery.
Advanced Diagnostics:
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Esophageal manometry: Confirms LES dysfunction and motility pattern.
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Barium swallow study: Visualizes esophageal dilation and narrowing.
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Endoscopy: Rules out tumors or other structural abnormalities.
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Multidisciplinary Coordination:
Collaboration with gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, and nutrition specialists to optimize patient readiness and outcomes.
The Heller Myotomy Procedure
The procedure involves several key steps:
Resection / Myotomy:
Careful incision of the LES muscle fibers to relieve obstruction while preserving esophageal function.
Anti-Reflux Procedure (Fundoplication):
Partial fundoplication is often added to reduce postoperative gastroesophageal reflux.
⚡ Heller myotomy is typically performed laparoscopically, offering minimal pain, rapid recovery, and excellent long-term relief of symptoms when done by an experienced surgeon.
Surgical Expertise — Dr. Osama Hamed
Dr. Osama Hamed, Consultant Surgeon in Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic, Oncologic, and Bariatric Surgery, is one of the few surgeons in Jordan with extensive experience in achalasia surgery.
His expertise includes:
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Accurate diagnosis and patient selection
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Performing precise laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication
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Minimizing complications and optimizing recovery
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Coordinating comprehensive postoperative care, including nutrition and follow-up
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Why Choose Dr. Osama Hamed for Achalasia Surgery
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Extensive experience in minimally invasive esophageal surgery
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Precision in preoperative assessment and patient selection
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High success rate with rapid postoperative recovery
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Comprehensive follow-up and nutritional support after surgery
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📍 Available in Amman, Jordan
📱 Appointments & inquiries: 00962777775710
