Comparative Analysis of Heller Myotomy With Dor Versus Toupet Fundoplication for Achalasia Cardia

Abstract

Background Heller myotomy (HM) with partial fundoplication is the standard of care for achalasia cardia. However, the choice of partial fundoplication is controversial. In this study, we compared both types of fundoplication concerning subjective and objective parameters. Methodology This prospective comparative study comprised a total of 30 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic/robotic HM with either Dor fundoplication (DF) (n = 15) or Toupet fundoplication (TF) (n = 15). Preoperative baseline characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were followed with Eckardt score, quality of life-related scores, 24-hour pH study, and high-resolution manometry (HRM) at the one-year follow-up. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding preoperative baseline parameters, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The HM+DF group had four (27%) patients with recurrence/failure with none in the HM+TF, but it was not significant (p = 0.79). Symptom scores were similar between the groups at six and 12 months of follow-up. One patient in the HM+DF group and two in the HM+TF group had significant pathological acid reflux (p = 0.483). On HRM, HM+TF showed a trend toward significance in terms of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) relaxation (p = 0.058) with a non-significant difference in median integrated relaxation pressure (p = 0.081). Conclusions The study showed a trend toward lower failure rates and improved EGJ relaxation with similar reflux rates in patients who underwent HM+TF compared to HM+DF. However, long-term follow-up is required to validate our findings with well-defined subjective and objective criteria.