Abstract

GORI, Hugo et al. Dilatación neumática en acalasia: Experiencia a corto plazo con balones de diferentes diámetros. Gen [online]. 2008, vol.62, n.3, pp.191-194. ISSN 0016-3503.

Introduction: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology. It affects both sexes, and dysphagia is the cardinal symptom (93%). Ineffective relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter combined with loss of the esophageal peristalsis leads to impaired emptying and gradual esophageal dilatation. Pneumatic dilation is at the present time the treatment of election. Dilatation to demand beginning with 3 cm and increasing the diameter according to the response, or beginning with 3,5 cm are actually the actual currents. Materials and Methods: 16 patients with diagnosis of achalasia. Group 1: 10 patients were dilatated beginning with a 3 cm baloon and then with 3, 5 cm in those who presented dysphagia again, 2 patients had a previous Heller myotomy. Group 2: 6 patients were dilatated primarily with a 3, 5 cm baloon. Results: 60% of the patients who were dilatated with 3 cm presented dysphagia 6 -12 weeks later, being redilatated with a 3, 5 cm baloon. A patient presented perforation and another one presented squamous cell carcinoma. Discussion: Pneumatic balloon dilatation is well tolerated. There was not any mortality caused by the procedure and dysfagia improved quickly. Conclusion: it is a short term follow up series but it reflects an important local experience, being necessary a longer term.

Keywords : Achalasia; pneumatic balloon dilatation; dysphagia; balloon diameters.