After swallowing, the bolus enters the esophagus, where gravity and muscle contractions help move ... 1.5 to 2.0. The stomach has three muscular layers that churn and mix its contents.

If this nerve crosses the line of the myotomy, it must be lifted away from the esophageal wall, and the muscle layers must then be cut under it. In addition, care must be taken not to injure the ...