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Query: UMLS:C0014848 (achalasia)
 2,804 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can develop in patients with esophageal achalasia either before treatment or following pneumatic dilatation or Heller myotomy. In this study we assessed the value of pre- and postoperative pH monitoring in identifying GER in patients with esophageal achalasia. Ambulatory pH monitoring was performed preoperatively in 40 patients with achalasia (18 untreated patients and 22 patients after pneumatic dilatation), 27 (68%) of whom complained of heartburn in addition to dysphagia (group A), and postoperatively in 18 of 51 patients who underwent a thoracoscopic (n=30) or laparoscopic (n=21) Heller myotomy (group B). The DeMeester reflux score was abnormal in 14 patients in group A, 13 of whom had been treated previously by pneumatic dilatation. Two types of pH tracings were seen: (1) GER in eight patients (7 of whom had undergone dilatation) and (2) pseudo-GER in six patients (all 6 of whom had undergone dilatation). Therefore 7 (32%) of 22 patients had abnormal GER after pneumatic dilatation. Postoperatively (group B) seven patients had abnormal GER (6 after thoracoscopic and 1 after laparoscopic myotomy). Six of the seven patients were asymptomatic. These findings show that (1) approximately one third of patients treated by pneumatic dilatation had GER; (2) symptoms were an unreliable index of the presence of abnormal GER, so pH monitoring must be performed in order to make this diagnosis; and (3) the preoperative detection of GER in patients with achalasia is important because it influences the choice of operation.
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PMID:Importance of preoperative and postoperative pH monitoring in patients with esophageal achalasia. 983 85

Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter mechanism leads to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is the most common indication for surgery of the gastroesophageal junction. Evaluation, diagnosis, and the modern surgical treatment of GER are discussed. Evaluation of patients with severe heartburn include upper endoscopy to evaluate the general condition of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; an upper gastrointestinal contrast study for a complete anatomic view of the esophagus and stomach; esophageal manometry to evaluate the function of the esophagus; 24-hour pH monitoring to determine esophageal acid exposure; and a gastric emptying study selectively to determine the presence of a motility disorder. These studies most often prove the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, peptic esophageal stricture, paraesophageal hernia, or achalasia. The laparoscopic approach to treatments for these include Nissen fundoplication, Toupet fundoplication, Collis gastroplasty with fundoplication, modified Heller myotomy, esophageal diverticulectomy, and revisional operations. These procedures are described in detail. The results of these operations indicate that they are safe and effective and should be considered the new gold standard for correction of gastroesophageal pathology. Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized many procedures traditionally performed through a laparotomy. Although they are technically more difficult and require a significant amount of time and practice for the surgeon to become proficient, it is becoming apparent that for functional surgery of the gastroesophageal junction laparoscopy is the access of choice.
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PMID:Laparoscopic surgery of the gastroesophageal junction. 1003 Aug 59

Current management of esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia is thoracotomy and repair with myotomy. This study aims to assess the outcome of patients managed by laparotomy, and the role of laparoscopic repair. The study was carried out by means of retrospective case review and prospective follow-up with a symptom questionnaire. Results were compared with results in patients undergoing elective Heller myotomy. Over a 20-year period, 445 dilations for achalasia were performed in 371 patients. There were 10 esophageal perforations. Nine patients were referred for surgery and were successfully managed with a transabdominal repair. Laparoscopic repair was attempted in four patients but was successful in only one because of the perforation site. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, grade 1 or 2 Visick scores were recorded in all patients. Residual symptoms of dysphagia occurred in 67% in the emergency group and 88% in the elective group. There was an increased incidence of heart-burn compared to elective myotomy. Early operation after perforation provides good results for treatment of achalasia. Mild dysphagia persists and there is an increasing sensation of heartburn. The site of perforation is typically posterolateral, which makes laparoscopic repair difficult.
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PMID:Management of esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia. 1105 60

Esophageal Heller myotomy and a partial antireflux procedure for achalasia are the ideal procedures to benefit from the advances in minimally invasive surgery. The magnified view of the operative field provided by the laparoscope allows precise division of the esophageal muscle fibers with excellent results. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy results in reduced postoperative pain, less morbidity, shorter hospitalization, better resolution of dysphagia, and less postoperative heartburn when compared with the open abdominal and even the thoracoscopic approach. A longer myotomy especially at the distal end, and a loose, well-formed partial fundoplication are the keys to a successful outcome. Superior long-term results after surgical myotomy when compared with nonsurgical interventions argue strongly in favor of surgery in any patient who is fit enough to undergo general anesthesia.
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PMID:Laparoscopic myotomy: technique and efficacy in treating achalasia. 1131 66

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy offers the best-known surgical therapy for esophageal achalasia. Nevertheless, this procedure continues to compete with alternative endoscopic treatment and is often considered only as a secondary resort. In this study, the authors performed a review of the results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy and an evaluation of the impact of previous endoscopic treatment regarding perioperative complications and late results. Twenty-seven patients with achalasia confirmed by a manometry examination underwent a primary laparoscopic Heller myotomy (group 1, n = 14) or experienced endoscopic treatment failure (group 2, n = 13). A dysphagia score (0-4) was obtained before and after surgery. Clinical course was reviewed at 2 months and then every 6 months after surgery. In December 1999, patients answered a questionnaire regarding surgery satisfaction, postoperative reflux, and dysphagia for statistical analysis. There were no deaths. Mean hospital stay was 5.6 days. Three perforations occurred in group 2 (25%) versus one in group 1 (6%) (not statistically significant). At a mean 27-month follow-up, the dysphagia score was significantly (P < 0.001) improved in both groups but more significantly in group 1 versus group 2 (not statistically significant). Only one patient in group 2 reported heartburn. All patients in group 1 (100%) were satisfied with surgery as opposed to 10 of 13 patients (75%) in group 2 (P < 0.10). Primary laparoscopic Heller myotomy appears to be the treatment of choice for achalasia. Previous endoscopic treatment increases intraoperative complications and may affect long-term results.
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PMID:Achalasia: the case for primary laparoscopic treatment. 1133 Mar 87

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by the failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and the absence of esophageal peristalsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication for achalasia. A 9-cm myotomy was performed in most cases extending 7 cm above and 2 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Severity of dysphagia, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation was graded preoperatively and postoperatively using a five-point symptomatic scale (0-4). Patients also graded their outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Between December 1995 and November 2000 a total of 49 patients (23 male, 26 female) with a mean age of 44.3 years (range 23-71 years) were diagnosed with achalasia. Mean duration of symptoms was 40.2 months (range 4-240 months). Thirty-seven patients (76%) had had a previous nonsurgical intervention or combinations of nonsurgical interventions [pneumatic dilation (23), bougie dilation (five), and botulinum toxin (19)], and two patients had failed esophageal myotomies. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication. Two patients received laparoscopic esophageal myotomies without an antireflux procedure, and two were converted to open surgery. One patient presented 10 hours after a pneumatically induced perforation and underwent a successful laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and partial fundoplication. Mean operative time was 180.5 minutes (range 145-264 minutes). Mean length of stay was 1.98 days (range 1-18 days). There were five (10%) perioperative complications but no esophageal leaks. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation symptom scores. All patients stated that they were improved postoperatively. Eighty-six per cent rated their outcome as excellent, 10 per cent as good, and 4 per cent as fair. Laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication effectively alleviates dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain accompanying achalasia and is associated with high patient satisfaction, a rapid hospital discharge, and few complications.
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PMID:Laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy and toupet fundoplication for achalasia. 1173 Feb 22

Chagas' disease causes degeneration and reduction of the number of intrinsic neurons of the esophageal myenteric plexus, with consequent absent or partial lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of peristalsis in the esophageal body. The impairment of esophageal motility is seen mainly in the distal smooth muscle region. There is no study about esophageal striated muscle contractions in the disease. In 81 patients with heartburn (44 with esophagitis) taken as controls, 51 patients with Chagas' disease (21 with esophageal dilatation) and 18 patients with idiopathic achalasia (11 with esophageal dilatation) we studied the amplitude, duration and area under the curve of esophageal proximal contractions. Using the manometric method and a continuous perfusion system we measured the esophageal striated muscle contractions 2 to 3 cm below the upper esophageal sphincter after swallows of a 5-ml bolus of water. There was no significant difference in striated muscle contractions between patients with heartburn and esophagitis and patients with heartburn without esophagitis. There was also no significant difference between patients with heartburn younger or older than 50 years or between men and women or in esophageal striated muscle contractions between patients with heartburn and Chagas' disease. The esophageal proximal amplitude of contractions was lower in patients with idiopathic achalasia than in patients with heartburn. In patients with Chagas' disease there was no significant difference between patients with esophageal dilatation and patients with normal esophageal diameter. Esophageal striated muscle contractions in patients with Chagas' disease have the same amplitude and duration as seen in patients with heartburn. Patients with idiopathic achalasia have a lower amplitude of contraction than patients with heartburn.
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PMID:Esophageal striated muscle contractions in patients with Chagas' disease and idiopathic achalasia. 1204 32

Achalasia cardia is a disease of adolescents and is rare in children. In total, 12 children with primary achalasia, with a mean age of 10.8 +/- 2 years, were prospectively evaluated for the efficacy of a 30-mm-diameter Rigiflex balloon for relief of symptoms and weight gain after 1 and 6 months of follow up. The 12 children were evaluated and treated for achalasia, with pneumatic balloon dilatation, from January 1998 to December 2000. They were studied for basal, 1-, and 6-month post-dilatation composite symptoms for dysphagia, regurgitation, night cough and heartburn. Basal and 5-min post-dilatation barium swallow were obtained to compare barium height and width for efficacy of dilatation and to evaluate for complications. There were no complications. Barium height, width, composite symptom score and weight improved significantly up to the 6-month follow up. Rigiflex balloon dilatation of 30-mm diameter is safe and effective in children with achalasia.
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PMID:Efficacy of Rigiflex balloon dilatation in 12 children with achalasia: a 6-month prospective study showing weight gain and symptomatic improvement. 1222 Apr 27

Controversy persists in the surgical approach to treat esophageal achalasia. This investigation reports the long-term effects of esophageal myotomy and partial fundoplication in treating this disorder. From 1984 to 1998, 32 patients with achalasia underwent myotomy and partial fundoplication (Belsey Mark IV) using a left thoracotomy. The median follow up is 7.2 years. Assessments include clinical evaluation, esophagogram, radionuclide transit, manometry, 24-h pH, and endoscopy. There is no complication and no mortality. Preoperative assessment was compared with that in 0-3, 3-7, and 7-16 postoperative years. Clinically, the prevalence of dysphagia was decreased from 100% to 6%, 12%, and 13%, respectively (P < 0.001). Heartburn remains unchanged (P > 0.25). On radiology, the prevalence of barium stasis was decreased from 97% to 44%, 48%, and 47%, respectively (P=0.001), whereas a pseudo-diverticulum was observed in two-thirds of patients after operation (P=0.001). Percent radionuclide stasis at 2 min was measured as 70%, 17%, 20%, and 20%, respectively (P=0.001). Manometrically, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) gradient was decreased from 29 to 10, 9, and 9 mmHg, respectively (P=0.001). LES relaxation was improved from 41% preoperatively to 100% postoperatively at each postoperative period (P < 0.001). An abnormal acid exposure was observed in four patients after the operation. Endoscopy documented mucosal damage in three patients (P > 0.25). In conclusion, on long-term follow up, myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia relieve obstructive symptoms and improve esophageal emptying, and reduce LES gradient and improve LES relaxation. Acid reflux is recorded in 13% of patients and esophageal mucosal damage is identified in 11% of the patient population. A longer myotomy not covered by the fundoplication results in pseudodiverticulum formation and increased esophageal retention.
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PMID:Long-term effects of myotomy and partial fundoplication for esophageal achalasia. 1222 Apr 28

The basic principle behind the treatment of achalasia consists of alleviating swallowing disorders by reducing resistance in the lower esophageal sphincter without inducing gastroesophageal reflux. Only a few studies are available on long-term results after operative treatment. Fifty-one patients were studied with regard to long-term results after open transabdominal extramucosal myotomy of the distal esophagus along with partial anterior fundoplication (Dor procedure). Clinical data were collected by standardized interviews, and symptoms were assigned a score ranging from 0 to 3 according to severity and frequency. The pre- and postoperative symptoms were comparable in 50 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 88 months (range: 12-160 months). Operative time was a median of 80 min. Two esophageal mucosal tears were recognized intraoperatively and promptly repaired. Postoperative morbidity occurred in two patients (3.9%). Very good or good long-term results after surgical therapy were achieved in 49 patients (96.1%). Forty-seven patients (92.2%) have no or rare dysphagia. The frequency of regurgitation as well as chest pain was also significantly reduced after surgery. Forty-nine patients (96.1%) either maintained or gained weight. Preoperative duration of symptoms, follow-up, age, and gender had no influence on the results (p > 0.05). Two patients (3.9%) mentioned occasional heartburn. Five patients (9.8%) took or still take proton pump inhibitors postoperatively. Severe stage IV symptoms due to peptic stricture and dolichomegaesophagus required reoperation in one patient (2%). The results show that myotomy and the antireflux procedure (semifundoplication) lead to long-term relief of dysphagia without inducing reflux at a low operative risk. Since long-term results are as yet not available for minimally invasive surgery, it remains to be seen if this operative technique will become the primary surgical procedure for this disease.
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PMID:[Long-term outcome of myotomy and semi-fundoplication in achalasia]. 1224 80


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