Heller Myotomy vs Dilation

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Just want to hear what your GI or surgeons told you on this subject.

When I saw Dr. Richter and Dr. Dempsey at the Temple University both believed

that a young man as young as my son 16 year is a good candidate for surgery

rather than dilation. Also, studies show 90% of the people get atleast 5 years

of relief. But today when a Physician assistant at Dr. Luketich office called

he is of the opinion that surgery is a aggressive approach for a young kid and

if for some reason the 1st surgery does not work then after the second surgery

next is the removal of esophagus. For a young kid it could be as soon as 35

years old so he suggested to 1st go for dilation to stretch it with endoscopy

blue rubber thing (not a balloon) and it may give my son the initial relief and

then if does not work then do the surgery.

If anyone knows anything or has experience with choosing between these options

what did they choose and why. Did it work out for you?

Thanks,

Priti