Heller Myotomy

What Is Heller Myotomy?

Heller myotomy works by making a series of small incisions in stiffened muscle tissue in your lower esophagus. This helps relieve pressure on the ring of muscles that control the movement of food and liquids into your stomach (lower esophageal sphincter). As a "gold standard" treatment for achalasia, most patients who have Heller myotomy experience permanent symptom relief.

At Stanford, we are among a small number of elite programs in the U.S. experienced in treating advanced and complex esophagus disorders. In addition to our large team of experts, our surgeons are national leaders in minimally invasive surgery. This level of expertise allows us to perform sophisticated procedures, like Heller myotomy.