Is Indocyanine Green the New Gold Standard for Checking Completion of Laparoscopic Heller’s Cardiomyotomy?

Abstract

Achalasia cardia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus marked by the absence of peristalsis and the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax during swallowing. The preferred surgical approach is laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with Dor's fundoplication. Given the significant risks of mucosal perforation and the possibility of incomplete myotomy, which can lead to symptom recurrence, it is essential to ensure both the completeness of the myotomy and the preservation of the mucosal integrity. In this study, we present a case series of 15 patients diagnosed with achalasia cardia who underwent laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with Dor's fundoplication. Intraoperatively, we utilized intraluminal administration of indocyanine green (ICG) dye as an alternative to endoscopy to assess the completeness of the myotomy and to check for any mucosal perforations.