OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF ACHALASIA OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Twenty patients with achalasia of the oesophagus were managed in one t horacic surgical unit over a period of seven years, Eighteen of these were aged 16 to 40 years, There was a female: male ratio of 2:1. Dysph agia to both solids and liquids with diffuse bilateral parotid gland e nlargement were the most common clinical features. Ah the patients had an oesophagomyotomy without an additional anti-reflux procedure. Ther e was no mortality, The trans-thoracic approach for oesophagomyotomy w as associated with better results without complications of gastro-oeso phageal reflux, This approach is recommended, and an additional routin e;anti-reflux procedure at the same sitting may be unnecessary.