Heller myotomy versus endoscopic balloon dilatation for achalasia: A single center experience

This study aimed to compare clinical results, symptom relief, quality of life and patient satisfaction after the 2 most common procedures for achalasia treatment: laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD).Patients treated at University Hospital of Heidelberg with LHM or EBD were included. A retrospective chart review of perioperative data and a prospective follow-up of therapeutic efficiency, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and patient satisfaction was conducted.Follow-up data (mean follow-up: 75.1 ± 53.9 months for LHM group and 78.9 ± 45.6 months for EBD) were obtained from 36 patients (19 LHM; 17 EBD). Eckardt score (median (q1,q3): 2 (1,4) in both groups, P = .91, GIQLI (LHM: 117 (91.5, 126) vs EBD: 120 (116, 128), P = .495) and patient satisfaction (3 (2,3) vs 3 (2,4), P = .883) did not differ between groups. Fifteen patients (78.9%) in LHM group and 11 (64.7%) in EBD group (P = .562) stated they would undergo the intervention again. All patients with EBD had at least 2 dilatations (100%), whilst only 2 patients (10.5%) had dilatation after LHM (P < .001). There were no complications after EBD, but 2 after LHM (10.5%, P = .517).Both LHM and EBD are able to control symptoms and provide similar quality of life and patient satisfaction. However, reintervention rate was higher following EBD, hence LHM provided a more sustained treatment than EBD.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy with Anterior Fundoplication Improves Frequency and Severity of Symptoms of Achalasia, Regardless of Preoperative Severity Determined by Esophagography

This study was undertaken to determine whether postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication could be predicted by preoperative findings on esophagography. Preoperative barium esophagograms of 135 patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication were reviewed. The number of esophageal curves, esophageal width, and angulation of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) were determined; correlations between these determined parameters and symptoms were assessed using linear regression analysis. The number of esophageal curves correlated with the preoperative frequency of dysphagia, vomiting, chest pain, regurgitation, and heartburn. The width of the esophagus negatively correlated with the preoperative frequency of regurgitation. The angulation of the GEJ did not correlate with preoperative symptoms. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication significantly reduced the frequency and severity of all symptoms, regardless of the number of esophageal curves, esophageal width, or angulation of the GEJ. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication provides dramatic palliation for achalasia. More esophageal curves on preoperative esophagography correlate well with the frequency of a broad range of preoperative symptoms, including the frequency of dysphagia and regurgitation. Patients experience dramatically improved frequency and severity of symptoms after laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication for achalasia regardless of the number of esophageal curves, esophageal width, or the angulation of the GEJ. Findings on barium esophagogram, in evaluating achalasia, should not deter the application of laparosocopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication.

Age and Achalasia: How Does Age Affect Patient Presentation, Hospital Course, and Surgical Outcomes?

Heller myotomy is the “gold-standard” therapy for achalasia, alleviating symptoms by defunctionalizing the lower esophageal sphincter mechanism. Observation has suggested many differences between young and old patients with achalasia, raising the question: is achalasia in younger patients a different disorder than it is in older patients? This study was undertaken to answer this question. With Institutional Review Board approval, 648 patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy from 1992–2016 were prospectively followed up. Patients self-assessed symptom frequency/severity preoperatively and postoperatively using a Likert scale; 0 (never/not bothersome) to 10 (always/very bothersome). Before myotomy, frequency/severity of many symptoms (e.g., “dysphagia,” “chest pain,” and “regurgitation”) inversely correlated with age (P < 0.01 each). Symptom duration and the number of previous abdominal operations correlated with age, as did intraoperative complications (e.g., gastrotomy), postoperative complications (e.g., atrial fibrillation), and length of stay (P < 0.01 for each). Patients experienced amelioration of all symptoms queried, regardless of age (P < 0.01 each). Age did affect outcome because older patients had less frequent and severe symptoms. Age did not affect improvement of symptoms (e.g., dysphagia) (i.e., differences between preoperative and postoperative scores) (P = 0.88). Age did not influence symptom resolution or patient satisfaction (P = 0.98 and P = 0.15, respectively). The presentation with achalasia, hospital course, and outcome after myotomy are significantly impacted by age, whereas patient improvement after myotomy is constant independent of age. Younger and older patients have different presentations, experiences, and outcomes; these patients seem to have “different disorders”, but Heller myotomy provides similar significant amelioration of symptoms independent of age.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is safe and effective in achalasia patients aged older than 60 years compared with younger patients

AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been proven to be effective for treating achalasia, but there are limited data on POEM in elderly patients. We therefore aimed to assess the role of POEM for achalasia in patients aged ≥60 years.

METHODS

All consecutive patients that underwent POEM between December 2011 and November 2015 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged ≥60 years were assigned to group A, whereas patients aged <60 years were assigned to group B. Demographic data, clinical data and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

During the study period, 113 patients (18 in group A, and 95 in group B) were enrolled. The mean age of patients in group A was 63 ± 3.9 years (range 60-74 years; 55.6% women), and that for patients in group B was 37.7 ± 11.6 years (range 18-59 years; 42.2% women). The procedural time in group A was similar to group B (66.3 ± 33.3 vs 59.8 ± 24.2 min, P = 0.332). There were also no significant differences in the incidence of intraoperative complications (P = 1.000) and gastroesophageal reflux rate (P = 0.906) between the two groups. During the mean follow-up period of 25.2 months, treatment success (Eckardt score ≤3) was achieved in 92.9% of patients in group A, and 89.9% in group B (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

As well as in younger patients, POEM can be safely carried out in elderly patients, providing significant symptom relief. POEM might be recommended as the first therapeutic approach to elderly achalasia patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2407-2413.

Idiopathic (primary) achalasia: a review

Idiopathic achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder characterized by loss of esophageal peristalsis and insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in response to deglutition. Patients with achalasia commonly complain of dysphagia to solids and liquids, bland regurgitation often unresponsive to an adequate trial of proton pump inhibitor, and chest pain. Weight loss is present in many, but not all patients. Although the precise etiology is unknown, it is often thought to be either autoimmune, viral immune, or neurodegenerative. The diagnosis is based on history of the disease, barium esophagogram, and esophageal motility testing. Endoscopic assessment of the gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia is necessary to rule out malignancy. Newer diagnostic modalities such as high resolution manometry help in predicting treatment response in achalasia based on esophageal pressure topography patterns identifying three phenotypes of achalasia (I-III) and outcome studies suggest better treatment response with types I and II compared to type III. Although achalasia cannot be permanently cured, excellent outcomes are achieved in over 90 % of patients. Current medical and surgical therapeutic options (pneumatic dilation, endoscopic and surgical myotomy, and pharmacologic agents) aim at reducing the LES pressure and facilitating esophageal emptying by gravity and hydrostatic pressure of retained food and liquids. Either graded pneumatic dilatation or laparoscopic surgical myotomy with a partial fundoplication are recommended as initial therapy guided by patient age, gender, preference, and local institutional expertise. The prognosis in achalasia patients is excellent. Most patients who are appropriately treated have a normal life expectancy but the disease does recur and the patient may need intermittent treatment.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be used as primary therapy for esophageal achalasia regardless of age

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery is the current treatment of choice for patients with esophageal achalasia, but elderly patients are generally referred for less invasive treatments (pneumatic dilations or botulinum toxin injections).

AIM

To assess the effect of age on the surgical outcome of patients receiving laparoscopic Heller-Dor as primary treatment.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical findings were prospectively collected on patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller-Dor from 1992 to 2012. Patients were classified in three age brackets: group A (≤45 years), group B (45-70), and group C (≥70). Treatment was defined as a failure if the postoperative symptom score was >10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e., >8). We consecutively performed the Heller-Dor in 571 achalasia patients, 305 (53.4 %) in group A, 226 (39.6 %) in group B, and 40 (7 %) in group C.

RESULTS

The mortality was nil; the conversion and morbidity rates were both 1.1 %. Group C patients had higher preoperative symptom scores (p = 0.02), while the symptom duration was similar in all three groups. Mucosal tears occurred in 17 patients (3 %): 6 (2 %) in group A, 8 (3.5 %) in group B, and 3 (7.5 %) in group C (p = 0.09). The postoperative hospital stay was slightly longer for group C (p = 0.06).

DISCUSSION

The treatment failure rate was quite similar: 31 failures in group A (10.1 %), 19 in group B (8.4 %), and 3 in group C (7.5 %; p = 0.80). These failures were seen more in manometric pattern III (22.2 %, p = 0.002). Laparoscopic Heller-Dor can be used as the first therapeutic approach to achalasia even in elderly patients with an acceptable surgical risk.

Excellent outcomes of laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia in patients older than 60 years of age

Background

The effectiveness of an esophagomyotomy for dysphagia in elderly patients with achalasia has been questioned. This study was designed to provide an answer.

Methods

A total of 162 consecutive patients with achalasia who had a laparoscopic myotomy and Dor fundoplication and who were available for follow-up interview were divided by age: <60 years (range, 14–59; 118 patients), and ≥60 years (range, 60–93; 44 patients). Primary outcome measures were severity of dysphagia, regurgitation, heartburn, and chest pain before and after the operation as assessed on a four-point Likert scale, and the need for postoperative dilatation or revisional surgery.

Results

Follow-up averaged 64 months. Older patients had less dysphagia (mean score 3.6 vs. 3.9; P < 0.01) and less chest pain (1.0 vs. 1.8; P < 0.01). Regurgitation (3.0 vs. 3.2; P = not significant (NS)) and heartburn (1.6 vs. 2.0, P = NS) were similar. Older patients were no different in degree of esophageal dilation, manometric findings, number of previous pneumatic dilatations, or previous botulinum toxin therapy. None of the older patients had previously had an esophagomyotomy, whereas 14% of younger patients had (P < 0.01).

After laparoscopic myotomy, older patients had better relief of dysphagia (mean score 1.0 vs 1.6; P < 0.01), less heartburn (0.8 vs. 1.1; P = 0.03), and less chest pain (0.2 vs. 0.8, P < 0.01). Complication rates were similar. Older patients did not require more postoperative dilatations (22 patients vs. 10 patients; P = 0.7) or revisional surgery for recurrent or persistent symptoms (3 vs. 1 patients; P = 0.6). Satisfaction scores did not differ, and more than 90% of patients in both groups said in retrospect they would have undergone the procedure if they had known beforehand how it would turn out.

Conclusions

This retrospective review with long follow-up supports laparoscopic esophagomyotomy as first-line therapy in older patients with achalasia. They appeared to benefit even more than younger patients.

After laparoscopic Heller myotomy, do emergency department visits or readmissions predict poor long-term outcomes?

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is a first-line treatment for achalasia. To improve outcomes after myotomy and to determine if poor early results predict later outcomes, emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions within 60 days following laparoscopic Heller myotomy were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 1992, 352 patients have undergone laparoscopic Heller myotomy and are followed through a prospectively maintained registry. Causes of ED visits and readmissions within 60 days after myotomy were determined. Patients scored their symptoms of achalasia before myotomy and at last follow-up; scores were compared to determine if the reasons leading to ED visits and/or readmissions impacted long-term outcome after myotomy.

RESULTS

Fourteen (4%) patients had ED visits, and 18 (5%) patients had readmissions within 60 days following myotomy. Sixty-four percent of ED visits were for dysphagia/vomiting and 36% were for abdominal/chest pain, while 37% of readmissions were for dysphagia/vomiting. Pneumonia was complicated by empyema in four patients, all without leaks; two patients expired. Despite ED visits/readmissions, achalasia symptom (e.g., dysphagia, regurgitation, choking, heartburn, and chest pain) frequency and severity scores improved after myotomy (p < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

ED visits and readmissions are infrequent following laparoscopic Heller myotomy. ED visits were generally due to complaints related to achalasia or edema after myotomy, while readmissions were generally related to complications of operative intervention or chronic ill health. Despite ED visits or readmissions early after myotomy, symptoms of achalasia are well palliated by myotomy long-term.

Alterations in the density of interstitial cells of Cajal in achalasia

The aim of this study was to assess the quantity of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in achalasia. LES muscle was obtained from 11 achalasia and nine esophageal cancer (control) patients during surgery. Immunohistochemistry was performed and average cell counts per high-power field (HPF) were obtained. Overall, more ICC were observed in achalasia (median = 14.0 cells/HPF; range = 0-22.6 cells/HPF) as compared with controls (median = 6.2 cells/HPF; range = 1.6-10.8 cells/HPF) (P = 0.047). There were two subsets of findings within the achalasia group: 8/11(73%) had an increased quantity of ICC (median = 17.1 cells/HPF; range = 11.6-22.6; P = 0.015) as compared with controls, whereas the remaining 3/11(27%) had a paucity of ICC (median = 0 cells/HPF; range = 0-2; P = 0.02). ICC levels were positively correlated with age of the patient (P = 0.043). Our study demonstrates that subsets of abnormal ICC levels are observed in idiopathic achalasia of the esophagus.

Esophageal motility differences among aged patients with achalasia: a Taiwan report

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are limited reports on esophageal motility pressures in aged patients with achalasia and these are inconclusive. The aim of the present retrospective study was to understand the changes of esophageal motility in aged achalasia patients among the Taiwan population.

METHODS

Manometric studies of 49 patients with achalasia had been performed through January 1998 to June 2005. The findings of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) basal and residual pressures and esophageal body contraction amplitudes were calculated and compared between the older and younger patient groups at different age cut-offs.

RESULTS

Higher basal LES pressure increased significantly from the cut-off age of 65 years (i.e. patients over 65 had significantly higher basal LES pressure than younger patients: 37.0 +/- 4.19 mmHg vs 30.0 +/- 1.32 mmHg, P = 0.045). With patients > or =70 years old, it was more obvious (46.0 +/- 3.7 mmHg vs 29.6 +/- 1.2 mmHg, P = 0.001). Beginning at the cut-off age of 55, the LES residual pressure was significantly higher in older patients than those who were younger (14.0 +/- 11.06 mmHg vs 11.1 +/- 0.6 mmHg, P = 0.017). LES residual pressure is more significant in the older groups. A linear correlation between age and residual LES pressures (r = 0.383) was found. No differences were found in esophageal contraction pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Older achalasia patients in Taiwan have higher basal LES pressures, with a linear correlation between age and residual LES pressures. Age has no influence on esophageal contraction pressure.

Idiopathic (primary) achalasia

Idiopathic achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and abnormal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in response to deglutition. It is a rare disease with an annual incidence of approximately 1/100,000 and a prevalence rate of 1/10,000. The disease can occur at any age, with a similar rate in men and women, but is usually diagnosed between 25 and 60 years. It is characterized predominantly by dysphagia to solids and liquids, bland regurgitation, and chest pain. Weight loss (usually between 5 to 10 kg) is present in most but not in all patients. Heartburn occurs in 27%-42% of achalasia patients. Etiology is unknown. Some familial cases have been reported, but the rarity of familial occurrence does not support the hypothesis that genetic inheritance is a significant etiologic factor. Association of achalasia with viral infections and auto-antibodies against myenteric plexus has been reported, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The diagnosis is based on history of the disease, radiography (barium esophagogram), and esophageal motility testing (esophageal manometry). Endoscopic examination is important to rule out malignancy as the cause of achalasia. Treatment is strictly palliative. Current medical and surgical therapeutic options (pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy, and pharmacologic agents) aimed at reducing the LES pressure and facilitating esophageal emptying by gravity and hydrostatic pressure of retained food and liquids. Although it cannot be permanently cured, excellent palliation is available in over 90% of patients.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication ameliorates symptoms of achalasia in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to define outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication in pediatric patients and compare their outcomes with those in adults.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 337 patients have undergone laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication since 1992, and were prospectively followed; 14 were pediatric patients of median age 17 years (range 11 to 19 years). Symptoms noted by pediatric patients before and after myotomy were compared with symptoms of 56 concurrently treated adults (4 treated adults for each pediatric patient) of median age 48 years. Among many symptoms, patients scored the severity and frequency of dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, choking, vomiting, and heartburn before and after myotomy using a Likert scale, ranging from 0 (never/not bothersome) to 10 (always/very bothersome). Followups were 38 months, 42 months+/-33.1. Data are reported as median, mean +/- SD.

RESULTS

For pediatric patients, length of stay after myotomy was 2 days, 3 days+/-2.9 versus 2 days, 2+/-2.1 for adults. Before myotomy, symptom frequency and severity were similar between groups. After myotomy, symptom frequency and severity were similar between pediatric and adult patients, except for the frequency of chest pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Achalasia can produce disabling symptoms, which were similar between pediatric and adult patients before myotomy. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication ameliorated symptoms of achalasia in all patients, with postmyotomy symptoms similar between pediatric and adult patients. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy dramatically improved symptoms of achalasia in pediatric patients and its use is encouraged.

Normal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length does not impact outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Intuitively, a manometrically normal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) will promote dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This study was undertaken to compare outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for patients who had normal and manometrically inadequate LES preoperatively. Before fundoplication, the length and resting pressures of LES were determined manometrically in 59 patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Twenty-nine patients had a manometrically normal LES, with resting pressures >10 mm Hg and length >2 cm. Thirty patients had resting pressures of < or =10 mm Hg and length of < or =2 cm. Before and after fundoplication, patients graded the frequency and severity of symptoms of GERD utilizing a Likert scale (0 = never/not bothersome to 10 = always/very bothersome). DeMeester scores and symptom scores before and after fundoplication were compared. Before fundoplication, the manometric character of the LES did not impact the elevation of DeMeester scores or the frequency/severity of reflux symptoms. All symptoms improved significantly with fundoplication independent of LES pressure/length. Prefundoplication, manometric character of the LES did not impact the frequency or severity of reflux symptoms after fundoplication. Preoperative manometric character of the LES does not impact the presentation of GERD or the outcome after fundoplication. Symptoms globally and significantly improve after fundoplication, independent of manometric LES character. Normal LES manometry does not impact outcome and, specifically, does not promote dysphagia, after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Upright, supine, or bipositional reflux: patterns of reflux do not affect outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

INTRODUCTION

This study was undertaken to determine if the body position in which gastroesophageal reflux occurs before fundoplication--i.e., pattern of reflux--affects symptoms before or after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

METHODS

A total of 417 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent pH studies, and the severity of reflux in the upright and supine positions was determined. The percent time with pH less than 4 was used to assign patients to one of four groups: upright reflux (pH < 4 more than 8.3% of time in upright position, n = 80), supine reflux (pH < 4 more than 3.5% of time in supine position, n = 73), bipositional reflux (both supine and upright reflux, n = 163), or neither (n = 101). Before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, the frequency and severity of symptoms of reflux (e.g., dysphagia, regurgitation, choking, heartburn, chest pain) were scored on a Likert scale (0 = never/not bothersome to 10 = always/very bothersome). For each patient, symptom scores before versus after fundoplication were compared using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test; comparisons of symptom scores among patients grouped by reflux patterns were made using Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Before fundoplication, the patterns of reflux did not affect the frequency or severity of reflux symptoms. After laparoscopic fundoplication, all symptoms of bipositional reflux improved, and essentially all symptoms of isolated supine or upright reflux or neither improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperatively, regardless of the patterns of reflux, symptoms among patients were similar. After fundoplication, symptoms of GERD improved for all patterns of reflux. Laparoscopic fundoplication imparts dramatic and broad relief of symptoms of GERD, regardless of the patterns of reflux. Application of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is encouraged.

Does Barrett's esophagus impact outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication?

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to compare patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without Barrett's esophagus for severity and frequency of symptoms and their response to antireflux surgery.

METHODS

Eighty patients with GERD and Barrett's esophagus and 93 concurrent patients with GERD alone, all of whom underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, were compared by using symptom scores graded by a Likert scale.

RESULTS

Before fundoplication, patients with Barrett's esophagus had higher DeMeester scores. Symptom scores were not different for patients with versus without Barrett's esophagus before or after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

CONCLUSIONS

Before and after fundoplication, patients with Barrett's esophagus, despite more severe reflux, have symptoms nearly identical in frequency and severity when compared with patients with GERD alone. Regardless of presence of Barrett's, all improve dramatically with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Barrett's esophagus does not impact presentation before or outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Results after Laparoscopic Fundoplication: Does Age Matter?

Antireflux fundoplications are undertaken with hesitation in older patients because of presumed higher morbidity and poorer outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine if symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be safely abrogated in a high-risk/reward population of older patients. One hundred eight patients more than 70 years of age (range, 70–90 years) underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications undertaken between 1992 and 2005 and were compared with 108 concurrent patients less than 60 years of age (range, 18–59 years) to determine relative outcomes. Before and after fundoplication, patients scored the severity of reflux and dysphagia on a Likert Scale (0 = minor, 10 = severe). Before fundoplication, older patients had lower reflux scores ( P < 0.01), but not lower dysphagia scores or DeMeester scores. One patient (86 years old) died from myocardial infarction; otherwise, complications occurred infrequently, inconsequentially, and regardless of age. At similar durations of follow-up, reflux and dysphagia scores significantly improved ( P < 0.01) for older and younger patients. After fundoplication, older patients had lower dysphagia scores ( P < 0.01) and lower reflux scores ( P < 0.01). At the most recent follow-up, 82 per cent of older patients rated their relief of symptoms as good or excellent. Similarly, 81 per cent of the younger patients reported good or excellent results. Ninety-one per cent of patients 70 years of age or more versus 85 per cent of patients less than 60 years would undergo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication again, if necessary. With fundoplication, symptoms of GERD improve for older and younger patients, with less symptomatic dysphagia and reflux in older patients after fundoplication. Laparoscopic fundoplication safely ameliorates symptoms of GERD in elderly patients with symptomatic outcomes superior to those seen in younger patients.

Treatment with botulinum toxin of octo-nonagerians with oesophageal achalasia: a two-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of oesophageal achalasia with intrasphincteric injections of botulinum toxin has proved to be a successful alternative treatment modality. However, little is known about its long-term effects in very old patients.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of such treatment in octo-nonagerians during a 2-year follow-up period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients with idiopathic oesophageal achalasia (range 81-94 years) entered the study. After basal evaluation and screening procedures, 100 U of botulinum toxin was injected at the lower oesophageal sphincter, and the procedure was repeated 1 month later. Data were collected at baseline and were compared after 1 and 2 years following the procedure.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight per cent of patients were considered responders at 1 year and 54% were considered responders at 2 years. The weight gain at the end of the follow-up period was 2 (0-3) kg. No significant relationship was found between baseline lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and symptoms score after 1 and 2 years of follow-up; moreover, no major complications of botulinum toxin therapy were reported.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of very old achalasic patients with botulinum toxin is safe, effective and yields good quality of life in a substantial proportion of these subjects.

Gender effect on clinical features of achalasia: a prospective study

Background

Achalasia is a well-characterized esophageal motor disorder but the rarity of the disease limits performing large studies on its demographic and clinical features.

Methods

Prospectively, 213 achalasia patients (110 men and 103 women) were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis established by clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic as well as manometry criteria. All patients underwent a pre-designed clinical evaluation before and within 6 months after the treatment.

Results

Solid dysphagia was the most common clinical symptom in men and women. Chest pain was the only symptom which was significantly different between two groups and was more complained by women than men (70.9% vs. 54.5% P value= 0.03). Although the occurrence of chest pain significantly reduced after treatment in both groups (P < 0.001), it was still higher among women (32% vs. 20.9% P value= 0.04). In both sexes, chest pain did not relate to the symptom duration, LES pressure and type of treatment patients received. Also no significant relation was found between chest pain and other symptoms expressed by men and women before and after treatment. Chest pain was less frequently reported by patients over 56 yrs of age in comparison to those less than 56 yrs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that chest pain is the distinct symptom of achalasia which is affected by sex as well as age and does not relate to the duration of illness, LESP and the type of treatment achalasia patients receive.