The application of ultrasound-guided balloon dilatation in treating post-stroke cyclopthyroid achalasia / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effects of applying ultrasound-guided balloon dilatation in the treatment of post-stroke cyclopthyroid achalasia.Methods:Thirty-eight stroke survivors with cyclopneaful achalasia were divided into a control group ( n=19) and an experimental group ( n=19). All had been diagnosed with cycloparyngeal achalasia using videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). The controls were treated with conventional oral balloon dilatation, while the experimental group underwent ultrasound-guided oral balloon dilatation. The treatment was performed once every 2 days. During the treatment period, the durations and the number of expansions were recorded, and the patient′s comfort and throat pain were evaluated. The Kubota drinking water test (KDWT), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) scoring and VFSS scoring were compared before and after the 2 weeks of treatment. Results:The average daily duration of expansions in the experimental group was significantly less than in the control group and their number was significantly greater. Comfort and larynx pain were also significantly better in the experimental group. The effective rate in the KDWT was 78.95% in the treatment group, significantly higher than the control group′s 31.58%. Significant differences were also found in the average SSA scores, VFSS pharyngeal phase scores and in the incidence of achalasia between the experimental and control groups.Conclusions:Using ultrasound to guide balloon dilatation can shorten the operation, reduce the throat pain involved and allow for more expansions, greater comfort and thus more effective treatment.