Abstract
Background and aim: Pneumatic dilation is a commonly used treatment in achalasia. Recent studies have shown that esophageal distensibility measurements can be used to assess the effect of dilation and possibly the risk of perforation. A new hydraulic dilation balloon allows visualization of the shape of the balloon in vivo and measurement of distensibility during dilation. We aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of a 30-mm shape-measuring hydraulic dilation balloon for the treatment of achalasia.
Methods: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed achalasia were dilated using a 30-mm shape-measuring hydraulic dilation balloon. Patients were contacted 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after dilation. Technical success, clinical success, and major complications were evaluated.
Results: Technical success was achieved in all of the 10 patients included. Median esophagogastric junction distensibility (mm(2)/mmHg) increased from 1.1 (IQR 0.6-1.3) before dilation therapy to 7.0 (IQR 5.5-17.8) afterwards (P=0.005). No major complications were seen. Three patients (30%) reported recurrent dysphagia.
Conclusion: Hydraulic dilation with a shape-measuring balloon in achalasia patients is feasible. In vivo esophageal distensibility measurements may allow for an individualized, patient-specific dilation regimen.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1028-1034 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Endoscopy |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2015 |
Keywords
- QUALITY-OF-LIFE
- ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION
- PNEUMATIC DILATION
- DISTENSIBILITY
- MYOTOMY