Brisbane Gastro-Oesophageal Surgery
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Achalasia is a rare condition in which the muscles of the oesophagus fail to relax properly, making it difficult to swallow. Dr Chuah offers surgical treatments, including laparoscopic cadiomyotomy and Dor fundoplasty, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.
Achalasia surgery, which includes laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and Dor Fundoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat achalasia, a rare movement disorder of the oesophagus. The condition affects the muscles responsible for swallowing and the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). This can result in difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain.
The primary goal of the surgery is to alleviate the constriction in the oesophagus and improve swallowing function, providing relief from the symptoms associated with achalasia.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera (laparoscope) to view the surgical area on a screen. The surgeon performs a cardiomyotomy by cutting the muscles of the LES to enable easier passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach. Following this, Dor fundoplasty, or partial fundoplication, is performed by wrapping the top portion of the stomach around the lower oesophagus to reduce the risk of reflux and provide additional support.
Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following the surgery, with pain management and a modified diet provided to ensure comfort and proper healing. The recovery period varies but most patients can return to their normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
It is essential to follow a specific diet plan provided by your healthcare team to gradually reintroduce solid foods and support the healing process. It is also crucial to follow your surgeon’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Dr Teong Lip Chuah is a highly experienced Upper GI and General surgeon with a history of great patient outcomes. Book your appointment today or call us to learn more about Dr Chuah’s high-quality, often recommended and patient-focused surgical care.