Which surgical intervention is commonly performed for a condition known as achalasia?

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the surgical intervention most commonly performed for achalasia, a condition characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax properly, which leads to difficulty swallowing and food accumulation in the esophagus. The primary goal of Heller myotomy is to relieve the obstruction caused by the narrowed sphincter.

During a laparoscopic Heller myotomy, the surgeon creates an incision in the muscle fibers of the lower esophagus to facilitate better passage of food into the stomach. This minimally invasive approach typically results in less postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and better overall outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. The procedure may be combined with fundoplication to help prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Other surgical interventions mentioned are not appropriate for achalasia. For example, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed for gallbladder removal, open fundoplication is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rather than achalasia, and endoscopic band ligation is a technique commonly used for treating variceal bleeding or certain types of lesions, not for addressing the esophageal motility disturbances seen in achalasia.