Objective: To identify predictors of long-term outcome of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia, including predictors of heartburn and recurrent dysphagia, which occasionally develop postoperatively. Design: Retrospective review using interviews of patients. Setting: Academic university hospital. Patients: One hundred sixty-five patients with achalasia who underwent a laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and Dor fundoplication. Main Outcome Measures: Dysphagia and heartburn before and after the operation were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale, as were postoperative dilations, reoperations, and antacid use. Potential predictors were age, race, sex, body mass index, weight loss, duration of symptoms, manometry findings, esophageal diameter, previous treatment, and operative technique. Results: Follow-up averaged 62 (range, 1-174) months. Dysphagia frequency was once a week or less in 128 pa
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