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Update on therapeutic interventions for the management of achalasia
Author(s) -
Gunasingam Nishmi,
Perczuk Adam,
Talbot Michael,
Kaffes Arthur,
Saxena Payal
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/jgh.13408
Subject(s) - achalasia , medicine , myotomy , dysphagia , esophageal motility disorder , esophageal disorder , esophagus , chest pain , esophageal sphincter , regurgitation (circulation) , intensive care medicine , surgery , disease , reflux
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder. It is the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which characterizes this rare condition. Its features typically include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. The ultimate goal in treating achalasia is to relieve the patient's symptoms, improve esophageal emptying, and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. Current treatment modalities targeted at achalasia include pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. This review focuses on the current therapeutic options and explores the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management armamentarium.