Comparison between Endoscopic Probe and Self-made Balloon Device for Cardia Achalasia / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the effects of endoscopic probe and self-made balloon device in dilation of the cardia for patients with cardia achalasia.Methods From January 1998 to December 2007,45 patients with cardia achalasia received gastroscopy-assisted dilation at our hospital;22 of them were treated by self-made balloon device and 23 were by endoscopic probe.The efficacies of the two methods were compared.Results In the probe group,each patients received 1 to 9 times of dilation(mean,3.6),while in the balloon group it was 1 to 6 times(mean,2.3).None of the two groups had intra-and post-operative complications.The cost for the first treatment was(1542.57?281.30) yuan in probe group,and(861.91?176.48) yuan in the balloon group(t=9.671,P=0.000).The efficacy of the two groups was similar in 3 months after the treatment [the rates of the cured,improved,and failed were 61%(14),35%(8),and 4%(1) in the probe group,and 68%(15),23%(5),and 9%(2) in the balloon group,Z=-0.351,P=0.726],but significantly different in 6 months [22%(5),13%(3),and 65%(15) vs 45%(10),32%(7),and 23%(5),Z=2.564,P=0.010].Conclusions Both endoscopic probe and self-made balloon device are effective in dilatation of the cardia for cardia achalasia.Self-made balloon device dilatation is exceptionally suitable for local hospitals because of its low cost and simple techniques.