Review
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Aug 16, 2013; 5(8): 379-390
Published online Aug 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i8.379
Endoscopic approach to achalasia
Michaela Müller, Alexander J Eckardt, Till Wehrmann
Michaela Müller, Alexander J Eckardt, Till Wehrmann, Department of Gastroenterology, German Diagnostic Clinic, D-65191 Wiesbaden, Germany
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the preparation, writing, and editing of this article; all authors read and approved the final manuscript; the authors did not receive any financial support and have no competing interests.
Correspondence to: Till Wehrmann, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, German Diagnostic Clinic, Aukammallee 33, D-65191 Wiesbaden, Germany. till.wehrmann@dkd-wiesbaden.de
Telephone: +49-611-577212 Fax: +49-611-577460
Received: February 17, 2013
Revised: March 19, 2013
Accepted: May 8, 2013
Published online: August 16, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Upper gastrointestinal-endoscopy is an important part in the diagnostic algorithm of achalasia. Although it does not have a high sensitivity in detection of early stage achalasia, it is essential to rule out pseudoachalasia. This updated review included the newest data on treatment and surveillance of achalasia patients with special emphasis on the new treatment option of per oral endoscopic myotomy, including all fulltext publications until January, 2013.