Abstract
Fifty-three patients suffering from dysphagia because of suspected esophageal motor disorders were treated by pneumatic dilatation using the Rider-Moeller technique. Fifteen had achalasia demonstrated by manometric studies. Forty-nine of them had remarkable clinical improvement after the procedure. During the mean period of follow-up (average 5 years, range 1–11), 75% of the patients needed a new dilatation, with a delay of two years. The results of the dilatation were excellent or good in 80% of the cases. Early complications consisted in two esophageal perforations surgically treated. There was no mortality. We did not observe late complications of the procedure. We conclude that pneumatic dilatation should be the initial procedure in the treatment of dysphagia in suspected esophageal motor disorders.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Starck H: Die Behandlung der spasmogenes Speisohrener-weiterung. Munch Med Wochenschr 71(11):334–336, 1924
Rider J, Moeller H, Puletti E: Diffuse esophageal spasm. Am J Gastroenterol 44:97–106, 1965
Ott D, Richter J, Wu W, Chen Y, Castell D, Gelfand D: Radiographic evaluation of esophagus immediately after pneumatic dilatation for achalasia. Dig Dis Sci 32(9):962–967, 1987
Van Trappen G, Hellemans J: Treatment of achalasia and related motor disorders. Gastroenterology 79:144–154, 1980
Carter R, Brewer L: Achalasia and esophageal carcinoma. Studies in early diagnosis for improved surgical management. Am J Surg 130:114–120, 1975
Traube M, Lagarde S, McCallum R: Isolated hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter: Treatment of a resistant case by pneumatic dilatation. J Clin Gastroenterol 6:139–142, 1984
Kurlander D, Raskin H, Kirsner J, Palmer W: Therapeutic value of the pneumatic dilatator in achalasia of the esophagus. Long-term results in sixty-two living patients. Gastroenterology 45(5):604–613, 1963
Heimlich H, O'Connor T, Flores D: Case for pneumatic dilatation in achalasia. Ann Otol 87:520–522, 1978
Donahue P, Samelson S, Schlesinger P, Bombeck C, Nyhus L: Achalasia of the esophagus. Treatment controversies and the method of choice. Ann Surg 203(5):505–511, 1986
Sanderson H, Ellis F, Olsen A: Achalasia of the esophagus: Results of therapy by dilatation, 1950–1967. Chest 58:116–121, 1970
Smart H, Forster P, Evans D, Slevin B, Atkinson M: Twenty-four hour esophageal acidity in achalasia before and after pneumatic dilatation. Gut 28:883–887, 1987
Yon J, Christensen J: An uncontrolled comparison of treatments for achalasia. Ann Surg 182(6):672–676, 1975
Andreollo N, Earlam R: Heller's myotomy for achalasia: Is an added anti-reflux procedure necessary? Br J Surg 74:765–769, 1987
Csendes A, Velasco N, Braghetto I, Henriquez A: A prospective randomized study comparing forceful dilatation and esophagomyotomy in patients with achalasia of the esophagus. Gastroenterology 80:789–795, 1981
Ellis F, Kiser J, Schlegel J, Earlam R, McVey J, Olsen A: Esophagomyotomy for esophageal achalasia: experimental, clinical and manometric aspects. Ann Surg 166:640–655, 1967
Arvanitakis C: Achalasia of the esophagus. A reappraisal of esophagomyotomy versus forceful pneumatic dilatation. Am J Dig Dis 20:841–846, 1975
Okike N, Payne S, Neufeld D, Bernatz P, Pairolero P, Sanderson D: Esophagomyotomy versus forceful dilatation for achalasia of the esophagus: Results in 899 patients. Ann Thor Surg 28(2):15–21, 1979
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bourgeois, N., Coffernils, M., Buset, M. et al. Management of dysphagia in suspected esophageal motor disorders. Digest Dis Sci 36, 268–273 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01318194
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01318194