Endoscope-guided pneumatic dilatation of esophageal achalasia without fluoroscopy is another safe and effective treatment option: a report of Taiwan.

摘要

This study reports the usefulness and safety of endoscope-guided pneumatic dilatation (PD) technique without using fluoroscopy. From January 1998 to June 2004, a total of 33 patients with achalasia, including 20 males and 13 females, received PD in our unit. The mean age was 48.5+/-17.5 years (range, 18 to 93 y). All patients underwent endoscopic-guided PD by using a centimeters diameter "Regiflex" balloon dilator (Microvasive, Watertown, MA). The results of PD were recorded and evaluated by symptom scores based on the frequency of attack of 3 major symptoms: dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain, both before, and then 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year after PD was performed. Thirty-three patients were treated, excellent results in 27, good results in 3, and failure in 3 (1 requiring surgical treatment later). Overall, we demonstrated that the technique is effective and safe option for achalasia treatment.