[Primitive eosophageal achalasia in children: a 20 cases report]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of Heller intervention in the treatment of oesophageal achalasia in children. Method: it's a retrospective study of 20 cases of oesophageal achalasia in children during 19 years [1985-2003]. The mean age was 8 year-old. No etiological factor has been reported. Dysphagia was the main symptom [80%], regurgitations were present in 50% of cases, and respiratory troubles in 45% of cases. A body weight insufficiency was reported in 60% of cases. All the children had Heller intervention which was systematically associated to an antireflux system. After a mean follow-up of 3 years, the results were excellent in 70% of case and had confirmed the efficacy of Heller intervention in oesophageal achalasia in children