Achlasia Dilatation
In this procedure, a balloon is inserted into the esophagus and inflated to stretch and widen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that controls the opening and closing of the esophagus. This allows food and liquids to pass more easily into the stomach.
Achalasia dilatation has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for achalasia, with success rates ranging from 70-90%. However, there are risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, perforation of the esophagus, and reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
In addition to pneumatic dilation, other treatment options for achalasia include surgery and botulinum toxin injections. Surgery involves cutting the LES muscle to allow food and liquids to pass more easily into the stomach. Botulinum toxin injections involve injecting a toxin into the LES muscle to relax it and allow food and liquids to pass.
Endoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, allowing physicians to visualize the esophagus and perform minimally invasive procedures to improve symptoms. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or other symptoms of achalasia, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment options.
