Laparoscopic Heller′s cardiomyotomy in cirrhosis with oesophageal varices

Abstract

Surgical intervention in cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This is attributed to liver decompensation, intra-operative bleeding, prolonged operative time, wound related and anaesthesia complications. Laparoscopic surgery in cirrhosis is advantageous but is associated with technical challenges. We report one such case of hepatitis C cirrhosis with oesophageal varices and symptomatic achalasia cardia, who was successfully treated by laparoscopic cardiomyotomy after thorough preoperative workup and planning. In the review of literature on pubmed, no such case is reported.

Keywords

• Achalasia
• cirrhosis
• esophageal varices
• laparoscopic cardiomyotomy.