Winston et al: Management and outcomes of 13 dogs treated with a modified Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication for lower esophageal sphincter achalasia-like syndrome
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

• Modified Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication improved vomiting/regurgitation scores by 180%, QoL by 100%, and owner-perceived body weight by 63% (P < .05).
• 6 of 9 dogs with postoperative VFSS showed objective improvement in gastric filling scores; others remained stable.
• Oral sildenafil was discontinued postoperatively in all dogs, indicating surgical success comparable to medical management.
• 12 of 13 dogs survived to discharge; one dog was euthanized due to aspiration pneumonia postoperatively.
• 50% of dogs experienced gastrostomy tube complications, higher than reported in previous literature.
• Most complications were gastrostomy-tube related, with some requiring surgical correction (e.g., tube migration, leakage).
• Feeding strategies (Bailey chair, elevated bowls) and food consistency (gruel/liquid) remained essential postoperatively to control regurgitation.
• 9 of 11 owners would opt for the surgery again; those who wouldn’t cited risk or lack of efficacy.