Non-surgical Approaches for Managing Esophageal Achalasia
When it comes to addressing the symptoms associated with esophageal achalasia, non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of therapy. One such non-invasive procedure is known as pneumatic dilation. This technique involves the insertion of an air-filled balloon into the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps to relax and loosen the constricted muscle fibers. Remarkably, pneumatic dilation has proven to be highly effective, with more than 90% of patients experiencing relief from their symptoms.
Surgical Treatments
If pneumatic dilation does not effectively alleviate the symptoms of esophageal achalasia, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most commonly performed surgical procedure for this condition is known as laparoscopic surgical myotomy or Heller myotomy. Patients who have undergone this type of surgery have reported a satisfaction rate of over 90%. During the procedure, the outer layer of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is carefully incised to loosen it, while preserving the integrity of the inner muscles. By loosening the outer muscle, the constriction that hinders the passage of substances is relieved. Additionally, to prevent the backward flow of stomach acid, a further step involves positioning a section of the stomach in front of the lower esophageal muscle. This ensures that the esophagus closes each time the stomach contracts.