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Oude Nijhuis RAB, Zaninotto G, Roman S, Boeckxstaens GE, Fockens P, Langendam MW, Plumb AA, Smout A, Targarona EM, Trukhmanov AS, Weusten B, Bredenoord AJ. European guidelines on achalasia: United European Gastroenterology and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility recommendations. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 8:13-33. [PMID: 32213062 PMCID: PMC7005998 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620903213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the oesophagus characterised by absence of peristalsis and insufficient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. With new advances and developments in achalasia management, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians in achalasia patient care. METHODS Guidelines were established by a working group of representatives from United European Gastroenterology, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Recommendations were voted upon using a nominal group technique. RESULTS These guidelines focus on the definition of achalasia, treatment aims, diagnostic tests, medical, endoscopic and surgical therapy, management of treatment failure, follow-up and oesophageal cancer risk. CONCLUSION These multidisciplinary guidelines provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework with recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of adult achalasia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A B Oude Nijhuis
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Zaninotto
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - S Roman
- Digestive Physiology, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - G E Boeckxstaens
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Translational Research Centre for Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Fockens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M W Langendam
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A A Plumb
- Centre for Medical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ajpm Smout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E M Targarona
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital De La Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A S Trukhmanov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Blam Weusten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J Bredenoord
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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El Abiad R, Khashab MA. Role of biodegradable stents in octogenarians with achalasia. Endosc Int Open 2021; 9:E767-E769. [PMID: 34080587 PMCID: PMC8159592 DOI: 10.1055/a-1393-5665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rami El Abiad
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Mouen A. Khashab
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Hernandez-Mondragon O, Contreras LG, Pineda OM, Blanco-Velasco G, Murcio-Pérez E. Safety and efficacy of biodegradable stents in octogenarian patients with esophageal achalasia. Endosc Int Open 2021; 9:E756-E766. [PMID: 34079856 PMCID: PMC8159585 DOI: 10.1055/a-1386-3214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds and study aims Treatment of octogenarian patients with achalasia with conventional treatments is effective but with compromised safety. Biodegradable stents (BS) are promising. We aimed to evaluate their safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes at early, mid and long-term in this population. Patients and methods Naïve or previously-treated achalasic octogenarian patients underwent to BS placement (BSP) between December, 2010 and November, 2011, and were followed-up for 9-years. A strict follow-up was performed. Results Thirty-two patients were included, (17 men [53.1 %]; median age 82 years [78-92]). BSP was performed in all patients. At 9y, 18/32 (56.2 %) completed protocol. Mean BSP time was 37.5±12.1 min and 34.4 % presented thoracic pain. At 1 m, six BS were migrated (18.7 %), requiring a second BSP fixed with hemoclips. At 3 m, twenty-three (72.8 %) completed degradation process. At 6 m, eighteen (56.2 %) presented clinical dysphagia, of whom 5/32 (15.6 %) presented stenotic-tissue hyperplasia, responding to balloon dilation in all cases. Pre-BSP Eckardt, Timed barium esophagram and integrated relaxation pressure improved post-BSP 6 m values (9 vs 2, p = 0.001; < 50 % = 93.8 % vs > 80 % = 81.5 %, p = 0.003 and 18.8 ± 3.2 vs 11.1 ± 2.6 mmHg, p = 0.001, respectively), and there were no significant changes up to 9y post-BSP. Esophagitis grade A or B was presented between 4.7 % to 11.2 % and controlled with PPI. After 9 years we had clinical success rates of 94.4 %, 72 %, and 65.4 % for time point evaluation, per protocol and intention to treat analysis, respectively. Conclusions BSP represents a feasible alternative option in octogenarian patients with achalasia who are high risk with other treatments, presenting acceptable early, mid-, and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Garcia Contreras
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social – Digestive Endoscopy, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Omar Michel Pineda
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social – Digestive Endoscopy, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Geraro Blanco-Velasco
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social – Digestive Endoscopy, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Enrique Murcio-Pérez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social – Digestive Endoscopy, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico,Hospital de Especialidades Centro Medico Nacional Siglo, Mexico City, Mexico
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Burkitt's Lymphoma of the Gastrohepatic Omentum: A Malignant Presentation of Pseudoachalasia. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2019; 2019:1803036. [PMID: 30733877 PMCID: PMC6348844 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1803036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Achalasia is an intrinsic disorder of the esophagus that results from loss of ganglion cells in the lower esophageal sphincter. Clinically it is manifested by dysphagia to solids and liquids, weight loss, regurgitation, and chest pain. Pseudoachalasia, in contrast, is a rare entity that causes identical symptoms, but has a divergent underlying pathogenesis. The symptomology in these cases oftentimes occurs secondary to extrinsic compression of the esophagus, mostly attributable to malignancy. Although many cases of extrinsic esophageal compression have been reported in the literature, rarely has this occurred secondary to Burkitt's lymphoma in an adult. Here, we present a case of Burkitt's lymphoma resulting in pseudoachalasia in a 70-year-old female. The concurrence of these two entities in one patient makes this case presentation especially rare.
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History of the Use of Esophageal Stent in Management of Dysphagia and Its Improvement Over the Years. Dysphagia 2017; 32:39-49. [PMID: 28101666 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-017-9781-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The art and science of using stents to treat dysphagia and seal fistula, leaks and perforations has been evolving. Lessons learnt from the deficiencies of previous models led to several improvements making stent deployment easier, and with some designs, it was also possible to remove the stents if needed. With these improvements, besides malignant dysphagia, newer indications for using stents emerged. Unfortunately, despite several decades of evolution, as yet, there is no perfect stent that "fits all." This article is an overview of how this evolution process happened and where we are currently with using stents to manage patients with dysphagia and with other esophageal disorders.
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Furuzawa-Carballeda J, Torres-Landa S, Valdovinos M&A, Coss-Adame E, Martín del Campo LA, Torres-Villalobos G. New insights into the pathophysiology of achalasia and implications for future treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7892-7907. [PMID: 27672286 PMCID: PMC5028805 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i35.7892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic achalasia is an archetype esophageal motor disorder, causing significant impairment of eating ability and reducing quality of life. The pathophysiological underpinnings of this condition are loss of esophageal peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The clinical manifestations include dysphagia for both solids and liquids, regurgitation of esophageal contents, retrosternal chest pain, cough, aspiration, weight loss and heartburn. Even though idiopathic achalasia was first described more than 300 years ago, researchers are only now beginning to unravel its complex etiology and molecular pathology. The most recent findings indicate an autoimmune component, as suggested by the presence of circulating anti-myenteric plexus autoantibodies, and a genetic predisposition, as suggested by observed correlations with other well-defined genetic syndromes such as Allgrove syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 B syndrome. Viral agents (herpes, varicella zoster) have also been proposed as causative and promoting factors. Unfortunately, the therapeutic approaches available today do not resolve the causes of the disease, and only target the consequential changes to the involved tissues, such as destruction of the LES, rather than restoring or modifying the underlying pathology. New therapies should aim to stop the disease at early stages, thereby preventing the consequential changes from developing and inhibiting permanent damage. This review focuses on the known characteristics of idiopathic achalasia that will help promote understanding its pathogenesis and improve therapeutic management to positively impact the patient’s quality of life.
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Abstract
Achalasia is a primary disorder of esophageal motility. It classically presents with dysphagia to both solids and liquids but may be accompanied by regurgitation and chest pain. The gold standard for the diagnosis of achalasia is esophageal motility testing with manometry, which often reveals aperistalsis of the esophageal body and incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The diagnosis is aided by complimentary tests, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and contrast radiography. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is indicated to rule out mimickers of the disease known as “pseudoachalasia” (eg, malignancy). Endoscopic appearance of a dilated esophagus with retained food or saliva and a puckered lower esophageal sphincter should raise suspicion for achalasia. Additionally, barium esophagography may reveal a dilated esophagus with a distal tapering giving it a “bird’s beak” appearance. Multiple therapeutic modalities aid in the management of achalasia, the decision of which depends on operative risk factors. Conventional treatments include medical therapy, botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy. The last two are defined as the most definitive treatment options. New emerging therapies include peroral endoscopic myotomy, placement of self-expanding metallic stents, and endoscopic sclerotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Krill
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rishi D Naik
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael F Vaezi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Luján-Sanchis M, Suárez-Callol P, Monzó-Gallego A, Bort-Pérez I, Plana-Campos L, Ferrer-Barceló L, Sanchis-Artero L, Llinares-Lloret M, Tuset-Ruiz JA, Sempere-Garcia-Argüelles J, Canelles-Gamir P, Medina-Chuliá E. Management of primary achalasia: The role of endoscopy. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2015; 7:593-605. [PMID: 26078828 PMCID: PMC4461934 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i6.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Achalasia is an oesophageal motor disorder which leads to the functional obstruction of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and is currently incurable. The main objective of all existing therapies is to achieve a reduction in the obstruction of the distal oesophagus in order to improve oesophageal transit, relieve the symptomatology, and prevent long-term complications. The most common treatments used are pneumatic dilation (PD) and laparoscopic Heller myotomy, which involves partial fundoplication with comparable short-term success rates. The most economic non-surgical therapy is PD, with botulinum toxin injections reserved for patients with a higher surgical risk for whom the former treatment option is unsuitable. A new technology is peroral endoscopic myotomy, postulated as a possible non-invasive alternative to surgical myotomy. Other endoluminal treatments subject to research more recently include injecting ethanolamine into the LES and using a temporary self-expanding metallic stent. At present, there is not enough evidence permitting a routine recommendation of any of these three novel methods. Patients must undergo follow-up after treatment to guarantee that their symptoms are under control and to prevent complications. Most experts are in favour of some form of endoscopic follow-up, however no established guidelines exist in this respect. The prognosis for patients with achalasia is good, although a recurrence after treatment using any method requires new treatment.
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Kumbhari V, Khashab MA. Peroral endoscopic myotomy. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2015; 7:496-509. [PMID: 25992188 PMCID: PMC4436917 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i5.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) incorporates concepts of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery and achieves endoscopic myotomy by utilizing a submucosal tunnel as an operating space. Although intended for the palliation of symptoms of achalasia, there is mounting data to suggest it is also efficacious in the management of spastic esophageal disorders. The technique requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of esophageal motility disorders as well as knowledge of surgical anatomy of the foregut. POEM achieves short term response in 82% to 100% of patients with minimal risk of adverse events. In addition, it appears to be effective and safe even at the extremes of age and regardless of prior therapy undertaken. Although infrequent, the ability of the endoscopist to manage an intraprocedural adverse event is critical as failure to do so could result in significant morbidity. The major late adverse event is gastroesophageal reflux which appears to occur in 20% to 46% of patients. Research is being conducted to clarify the optimal technique for POEM and a personalized approach by measuring intraprocedural esophagogastric junction distensibility appears promising. In addition to esophageal disorders, POEM is being studied in the management of gastroparesis (gastric pyloromyotomy) with initial reports demonstrating technical feasibility. Although POEM represents a paradigm shift the management of esophageal motility disorders, the results of prospective randomized controlled trials with long-term follow up are eagerly awaited.
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Chuah SK, Chiu CH, Tai WC, Lee JH, Lu HI, Changchien CS, Tseng PH, Wu KL. Current status in the treatment options for esophageal achalasia. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:5421-5429. [PMID: 24023484 PMCID: PMC3761094 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i33.5421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the treatment of achalasia include the use of high-resolution manometry to predict the outcome of patients and the introduction of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The first multicenter randomized, controlled, 2-year follow-up study conducted by the European Achalasia Trial group indicated that laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) was not superior to pneumatic dilations (PD). Publications on the long-term success of laparoscopic surgery continue to emerge. In addition, laparoscopic single-site surgery is applicable to advanced laparoscopic operations such as LHM and anterior fundoplication. The optimal treatment option is an ongoing matter of debate. In this review, we provide an update of the current progress in the treatment of esophageal achalasia. Unless new conclusive data prove otherwise, LHM is considered the most durable treatment for achalasia at the expense of increased reflux-associated complications. However, PD is the first choice for non-surgical treatment and is more cost-effective. Repeated PD according to an “on-demand” strategy based on symptom recurrence can achieve long-term remission. Decision making should be based on clinical evidence that identifies a subcategory of patients who would benefit from specific treatment options. POEM has shown promise but its long-term efficacy and safety need to be assessed further.
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Chuah SK, Hsu PI, Wu KL, Wu DC, Tai WC, Changchien CS. 2011 update on esophageal achalasia. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:1573-8. [PMID: 22529685 PMCID: PMC3325522 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i14.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been some breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal achalasia in the past few years. First, the introduction of high-resolution manometry with pressure topography plotting as a new diagnostic tool has made it possible to classify achalasia into three subtypes. The most favorable outcome is predicted for patients receiving treatment for type II achalasia (achalasia with compression). Patients with typeI(classic achalasia) and type III achalasia (spastic achalasia) experience a less favorable outcome. Second, the first multicenter randomized controlled trial published by the European Achalasia Trial group reported 2-year follow-up results indicating that laparoscopic Heller myotomy was not superior to endoscopic pneumatic dilation (PD). Although the follow-up period was not long enough to reach a convincing conclusion, it merits the continued use of PD as a generally available technique in gastroenterology. Third, the novel endoscopic technique peroral endoscopic myotomy is a promising option for treating achalasia, but it requires increased experience and cautious evaluation. Despite all this good news, the bottom line is a real breakthrough from the basic studies to identify the actual cause of achalasia that may impede treatment success is still anticipated.
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Abstract
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by aperistalsis and incomplete or absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The cause of the disease remains elusive and there is no intervention that improves the esophageal body function. Currently, treatment options focus on palliation of symptoms by reducing the LES pressure. The most effective and well-tolerated treatments continue to be the laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopic pneumatic dilation; however, newer techniques (eg, peroral endoscopic myotomy and self-expanding metal stents) show promise. Botulinum toxin and pharmacologic therapy are reserved for those who are unable to undergo more effective therapies. Treatment options should be tailored to the patient, using current predictors of outcome such as the patient's age and post-treatment LES pressures. The aim of this article is to highlight current literature and provide an up-to-date approach to the treatment of achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Cheatham
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Gastroenterology Service, Department of Medicine, Building 2, 7F47, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
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