Objective To compare effectiveness between laparoscopic Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in treatment of achalasia of cardia (AC) in order to provide a basis for clinical choose. Method The literatures about the treatment of AC by laparoscopic Heller myotomy or POEM were retrieved from CNKI, Embase, PubMed databases, etc., and then the contents about curative effect and complications were summarized. Results The treatment models of AC included surgical treatment such as laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopy such as POEM, but there was still lack of comparing data in these two treatment models, its selection remained controversial. There was a better short-term curative effect and slighter complications for POEM as compared with the laparoscopic Heller myotomy from the trend of published literatures. However, it’s long-term effects for these two treatment models were not clarified. Conclusions Both laparoscopic Heller myotomy and POEM are medicable for AC. POEM as a new treatment of AC shows some advantages of minimal invasion and exact efficacy, but it needs to be followed-up for a long-term. Treatment model for AC is chosen on basis of typing under endoscope, physical fitness, anatomy of easophagus, previous history, tolerance of surgery and other factors.