Comparison of Endoscopic Dilatation and Heller's Myotomy for Treating Esophageal Achalasia in Children: A Multicenter Study.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of, and complications from, the 2 main treatments for achalasia: endoscopic dilatation and surgical cardiomyotomy (Heller's myotomy).

Study Design: We retrospectively collected data on children treated for achalasia over an 11-year period from 8 tertiary pediatric centers. A line of treatment was defined as performing either Heller's myotomy or 1-3 sessions of endoscopy dilatation over 3 months.