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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 28, 2006; 12(36): 5763-5766
Published online Sep 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i36.5763
Published online Sep 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i36.5763
Non-surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia
Vito Annese, Dipartimento di Medicina Generale e Specialistica, Unità Operativa di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia, Ospedale “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”-I.R.C.C.S., San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Gabrio Bassotti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Speri-mentale, Sezione di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Università di Perugia, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Vito Annese, Unità Operativa di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia, Ospedale “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, Viale Cappuccini, 1 - 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (Fg), Italy. v.annese@operapedrapio.it
Telephone: +39-882-410335 Fax: +39-882-411879
Received: April 29, 2006
Revised: August 5, 2006
Accepted: August 11, 2006
Published online: September 28, 2006
Revised: August 5, 2006
Accepted: August 11, 2006
Published online: September 28, 2006
Abstract
Esophageal achalasia is an infrequent motility disorder characterized by a progressive stasis and dilation of the oesophagus; with subsequent risk of aspiration, weight loss, and malnutrition. Although the treatment of achalasia has been traditionally based on a surgical approach, especially with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques, there is still some space for a medical approach. The present article reviews the non-surgical therapeutic options for achalasia.
Keywords: Achalasia, Botulinum toxin, Pneumatic dilatation