Comparison of clinical efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy and pneumatic dilation on treatment of achalasia / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To compare the advantage and disadvantage of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)and pneumatic dilation(PD)for the treatment of achalasia of cardia(AC). Methods Patients with confirmed AC undergoing endoscopic therapy in Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University between January 2011 and September 2014 were divided into POEM treatment group(n=56)and PD treatment group(n = 30), according to the decision of the patients and their families. Postoperative improvement of clinical symptoms, changes in the maximum esophageal diameter, complications, hospital stay,and inpatient expenses were compared between the two groups. Results No significant differences were observed in general preoperative data between the two groups,including gender,age,body mass index (BMI),maximum esophageal diameter, Eckardt score and disease duration(all P>0.05). The Eckardt score showed a significant decrease in 1, 6, and 12 months after operation compared to the pre?operation score in both groups(P<0.05). No matter 1 month or 6 months after operation, the Eckardt score had no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05). Six months after operation, the response rate between the two groups was no significantly different[93%(52/56)VS 80%(24/30), χ2=0.115, P=0.076],but the maximum esophageal diameter of the POEM group was smaller than that of the PD group (25.39±7.12 mm VS 32.12±9.99 mm,t=3.612,P=0.001). Twelve months after operation,the Eckardt score of the POEM group was lower than that of the PD group(0.44±0.85 score VS 1.26±1.74 score,t=2.940,P= 0.004), and the response rate was higher in the POEM group[93%(52/56)VS 80%(24/30),χ2=0.115, P=0.076]. The incidence of pneumatic complications was 32%(18/56)in the POEM group,but none occurred in the PD group(χ2=12.195,P=0.000). The hospital stay of the POEM group and the PD group was 12.33±4.13 days and 6.50±2.28 days, respectively(W=616, P=0.000). The inpatient expense of the POEM group and the PD group was 8 013.283± 4 322.695 yuan, and 1 571.018±1 590.193 yuan,respectively(W=505,P=0.000).Conclusion Both POEM and PD showed good short?term efficacy for AC.POEM is more effective,and its treatment outcome lasts longer,whereas PD has more widely indications because it is easier to operate with less complications,shorter hospital stay,and lower costs.Trail registration Chinese clinical trial registry,ChiCTR?OOC?15005889.

Follow-up of endoscopic pneumatic dilation for achalasia of cardia / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the mid-to-long term therapeutic effect of endoscopic pneumatic dilation for achalasia of cardia (AC).Methods Endoscopic pneumatic dilation was used in 45 AC patients, with follow-up of 2-12 years. Eckardt score and Stooler grading were used before and after the operation for evaluation of curative effect of dilation. Results The operation success rate was 97. 8%( 44/45) and the effective remission rate was 93. 2%( 41/44 ). No massive hemorrhage, perforation or other serious complications occurred.The longest follow-up time was up to 144 months.Ten cases were followed up for over 60 months. Patients′symptoms relieved significantly (P＜0. 01). Eckardt scores in 24 months and 60 months after operation significantly decreased compared with those before the operation ( P＜0. 01). But Eckardt score in 60 months was higher than that in 24 months ( P＜0. 01). The length of the disease history was positively related to post-operative scores, and negatively related to efficacy ( P＜0. 01). Conclusion Endoscopic balloon dilation is a satisfactory therapy to AC with good efficacy and safety.

The value of high resolution manometry to evaluate clinical characteristics and esophageal dynamic of patients with achalasia / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical and esophageal dynamics characteristics, and initial treatment effect of patients with untreated achalasia using high resolution manometry. Methods From January 2012 to June 2016, patients newly diagnosed with achalasia were retrospectively recruited. Clinical information, endoscopy and X-ray findings, manometric variables and treatment outcomes were collected and compared among manometric subtypes. Results Among 133 patients with achalasia, 32 ( 24. 0%) were classified as type Ⅰ, 84 ( 63. 2%) as typeⅡ and 17 ( 12. 8%) as typeⅢ. Compared with the typeⅢ, the symptom of regurgitation was more common in the types I and typeⅡachalasia patients ( P=0. 020) . While compared with the type Ⅰ, the score of chest pain was higher in the patients with type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ ( P=0. 006) , as well as the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure ( P=0. 015, P=0. 023 for type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ, respectively) . Integrated relaxation pressure was similar among the 3 subtypes ( P=0. 158) . Forty-five and 47 patients received pneumatic dilation ( PD ) and peroral endoscopic myotomy ( POEM ) respectively, and all of the patients were followed-up for at least 6 months. The success rate was higher in the POEM group than that of the PD group in all the 3 manometric subtypes, but only the difference between POEM and PD in the type Ⅲ was statistically significant ( 90. 0% VS 40. 0%, P = 0. 041 ) . Conclusion The clinical characteristics and treatment response are different among the 3 achalasia subtypes. Patients with type Ⅲ achalasia are probably the best candidates for POEM.

The value of high resolution manometry to evaluate clinical characteristics and esophageal dynamic of patients with achalasia / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical and esophageal dynamics characteristics, and initial treatment effect of patients with untreated achalasia using high resolution manometry. Methods From January 2012 to June 2016, patients newly diagnosed with achalasia were retrospectively recruited. Clinical information, endoscopy and X-ray findings, manometric variables and treatment outcomes were collected and compared among manometric subtypes. Results Among 133 patients with achalasia, 32 ( 24. 0%) were classified as type Ⅰ, 84 ( 63. 2%) as typeⅡ and 17 ( 12. 8%) as typeⅢ. Compared with the typeⅢ, the symptom of regurgitation was more common in the types I and typeⅡachalasia patients ( P=0. 020) . While compared with the type Ⅰ, the score of chest pain was higher in the patients with type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ ( P=0. 006) , as well as the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure ( P=0. 015, P=0. 023 for type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ, respectively) . Integrated relaxation pressure was similar among the 3 subtypes ( P=0. 158) . Forty-five and 47 patients received pneumatic dilation ( PD ) and peroral endoscopic myotomy ( POEM ) respectively, and all of the patients were followed-up for at least 6 months. The success rate was higher in the POEM group than that of the PD group in all the 3 manometric subtypes, but only the difference between POEM and PD in the type Ⅲ was statistically significant ( 90. 0% VS 40. 0%, P = 0. 041 ) . Conclusion The clinical characteristics and treatment response are different among the 3 achalasia subtypes. Patients with type Ⅲ achalasia are probably the best candidates for POEM.

Exacerbation of Emesis and Dysphagia with Oxycodone Dose Escalation in a Patient with Lung Cancer, Possibly Associated with Complicated Esophageal Achalasia

<p>Objective: We describe a case of lung cancer complicated with esophageal achalasia (EA), which was successfully treated with endoscopic pneumatic dilation (EPD). Case: A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of frequent episodes of emesis and dysphagia after receiving an escalating dose of sustained release oxycodone (SRO) for cancer-related multifactorial back pain. She had been diagnosed with EA and treated with EPD at the age of 50. Her symptoms were refractory to the conventional anti-emetic agents such as prochlorperazine and metoclopramide. Computed tomography imaging showed marked dilatation of the esophagus with food residue. We diagnosed EA based on the presence of rosette-like esophageal folds on endoscopy and narrowing of the esophagogastric junction on esophagography, and subsequently performed EPD, which alleviated the symptoms. Discussion: The effects of opioids on esophageal motility have not been elucidated thus far. Recent studies using high-resolution manometry reported that long-term use of opioids was associated with esophageal dysmotility similar to that observed in EA. Although we have no evidence to directly demonstrate the causal relationship between the use of SRO and anti-emetic agents and EA, we speculate that our patient’s symptoms might be associated not only with SRO-related emesis during the gradual worsening of EA, but also partly with the SRO-induced esophageal dysmotility and the constrictive effect of dopamine D₂ receptor antagonists on the lower esophageal sphincter. Care must be taken to avoid drug-induced esophageal motor dysfunction, which might lead to deteriorate EA. </p>

The Pathogenesis and Management of Achalasia: Current Status and Future Directions

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder that is commonly misdiagnosed initially as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients with achalasia often complain of dysphagia with solids and liquids but may focus on regurgitation as the primary symptom, leading to initial misdiagnosis. Diagnostic tests for achalasia include esophageal motility testing, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and barium swallow. These tests play a complimentary role in establishing the diagnosis of suspected achalasia. High-resolution manometry has now identified three subtypes of achalasia, with therapeutic implications. Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are the only definitive treatment options for patients with achalasia who can undergo surgery. Botulinum toxin injection into the lower esophageal sphincter should be reserved for those who cannot undergo definitive therapy. Close follow-up is paramount because many patients will have a recurrence of symptoms and require repeat treatment.

Predictors of Outcome in Patients with Primary Achalasia Treated by Pneumatic Dilation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pneumatic dilation is the most effective non-surgical treatment option for the patients with achalasia. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of outcome after pnematic dilation in patients with primary achalasia. METHODS: Thrity-five patients with primary achalasia between May 1996 and April 2001 were included. They were divided into two groups; responder and nonresponder. Esophageal manometry, scintigraphy and barium esophagogram was performed before dilation and 4 weeks after dilation. RESULTS: Seven patients having symptomatic relapse were treated with repeated pneumatic dilation. Remaining 28 patients (83%) had no recurrence during follow-up period (mean duration 16 month, range 6~43 month). Among the factors evaluated in the initial examination, only young age affected outcome (p=0.039). The post treatment retention fraction at 5, 20 minutes were the most valuable factors for predicting the clinical response (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients are more likely to have sustained response. Radionuclide esophageal emptying test remains a useful objective study evaluating esophageal transit before and after pneumatic dilation in the patients with achalasia and may have an important role in the follow-up evaluation of treatment for achalasia.

Clinical outcome of two treatments for achalasia / 中国综合临床

Objective To find the optimal way to treat achalasia.Methods 39 cases with achalasia undergoing pneumatic dilation and surgical treatment were analyzed.Rigiflex dilator was used for pneumatic dilation in 16 patients.Heller myotomy was performed in 23 patients.Results Of 16 cases treated with pneumatic dilation,one had an esophageal perforation.The mean diameter of thoracic esophagus of 15 cases was lowered by (20.0?6.7) mm and preventriculus was widened by (2.4?0.7) mm,and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was lowered by (1.9?0.6) mm.The excellent good success rate for Eckardt was 93.3%.Compared with 16 cases,the mean diameter of thoracic esophagus was lowered by (26.0?0.8) mm and preventri culus was widened by (2.9?1.0) mm,LESP was lowered by (2.5?0.5) kPa.The excellent good success rate for Eckardt was 91.3%in 23 cases.Conclusion Pneumatic dilation and surgery are equally effective in the treatment of achalasis,there was not significant difference between the two groups.