| Theme | Digestive Diseases to Know -- Esophagus | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Surgical Treatment and Management of Achalasia | |
| Publish Date | 1998/04 | |
| Author | Takashi Majima | Department of Surgery I, National Defense Medical College |
| Author | Shoetsu Tamakuma | Department of Surgery I, National Defense Medical College |
| [ Summary ] | Achalasia is a functional disease characterized by failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Medication given initially is usually unsatisfactory. Then, in patients who do not respond to such therapy, surgical treatment is indicated when pneumatic dilatation does not improve the symptoms. To relieve functional obstruction and prevent gastro-esophageal reflux, various surgical procedures have been developed. Recently, endoscopic surgery has been applied to the treatment of achalasia. We review the surgical treatment and procedures for managing achalasia from the historical aspect. We also discuss the indications for and complication of these surgical procedures. |
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