Surgical controversies in the treatment of recurrent achalasia of the esophagus

Background/Aims: Surgery remains the first choice for achalasia of the esop hagus with good results in 90% of cases. Methodology: We studied the cause of failure for surgical treatment and the results of a second operation in 20 patients that were followed up for at least three years. Results: The results were good in 70% of the cases. Conclusions: To improve this procedure, according to the authors, it is ess ential for a careful presurgery evaluation, an early reoperation in case of failure and a careful surgical technique in order to avoid periesophageal sclerosis.