Balloon capacity is correlated with efficacy in treating cricopharyngeal achalasia using balloon dilatation therapy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the efficacy of two different methods of catheter balloon dilatation therapy in treating cricopharyngeal achalasia and benign strictures,and to correlate balloon capacity with improve-ments in swallowing function. Methods Twenty-three cricopharyngeal achalasia patients and 7 with benign stric-tures of the cricopharyngeal muscles were diagnosed using videonuoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS).All cases re-ceived active dilatation or passive balloon dilatation therapy,combined with manipulation,indirect training,direct training and feeding instruction.Efficacy and the correlation were evaluated using VFSS and a swallowing function scale. Results Passive and active dilatation had the same efficacy.The correlation coefficient between balloon ca-pacity and swallowing function was 0.92 1.Re-evaluation using VFSS showed that opening of the cricopharyngeal muscles had improved significantly.Conclusions Balloon catheter dilation is an effective treatment for cricopha-ryngeal achalasia and benign strictures.The improvement in swallowing function is highly correlated with balloon ca-pacity in balloon dilatation therapy.Comprehensive treatment for dysphagia would provide better outcomes.