Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Fundoplication in Patients with End-Stage Achalasia

Efficacy of laparoscopic cardiectomy combined with side overlap anastomosis for the treatment of terminal achalasia

To investigate the safety and short-term effectiveness of laparoscopic-assisted cardiectomy with side-overlap esophagogastric reconstruction for the treatment of terminal or end-stage achalasia, patients with end-stage achalasia treated with laparoscopic-assisted cardiectomy with side-overlap esophagogastric reconstruction were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical data, surgical data and follow-up were analyzed. Among twenty-five patients enrolled, the achalasia type St was present in 12 (48%) patients, type Sg in 9 (36%), and type aSg in 4 (16%). The surgical time ranged 60-180 min (median 100 min) with an intraoperative blood loss 20-200 ml (median 50 ml). Five (20%) patients experienced complications within a week after surgery, with fever (> 38.5 ℃) in two (40%) patients within 3 days after surgery, abdominal incision infection in one (20%), and anastomotic leak in two (40%). The postoperative hospitalization time ranged 8-44 (median 10) days. Follow-up was conducted 6-38 months (median 16) after surgery. Compared with the preoperative Eckardt score (7.64 ± 1.32), the Eckardt score was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased at one month (0.52 ± 0.87), 6 (0.84 ± 1.11) and 12 (1.23 ± 1.23) months after surgery in all patients. The Eckardt score in type St was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than in type Sg or aSg at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Seven patients maintained an Eckardt score 0 with complete relief of their symptoms. The effective rate was 100% for type St, 88.8% for type Sg, and 75% for type aSg. The effective rates at 1 month, 6 and 12 months after surgery were 100% (95% CI: 100% -100%), 96% (95% CI: 87.7 -100%), and 92% (95% CI: 80.6 -100%). Two patients were diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at the end of the follow-up. The cumulative incidence of GERD at 1 month, 6 and 12 months after surgery was 0, 4% (95% confidence interval or CI: 0-12.3%), and 8% (95% CI: 0-19.4%). In conclusion, the laparoscopic-assisted cardiectomy with side-overlap esophagogastric reconstruction is safe and effective for the treatment of end-stage achalasia, and the effect is significantly better for achalasia type St than for types Sg and aSg.

Long-term outcomes of treatment for achalasia: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy versus POEM

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by nonrelaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) is the gold standard treatment for achalasia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a less invasive treatment, is performed extensively, and the selection of the intervention method remains debatable to date. In addition to the availability of extensive studies on short-term outcomes, recent studies on the long-term outcomes of LHM and POEM have shown similar clinical success after 5 y of follow-up. However, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was more common in patients who had undergone POEM than in those who had undergone LHM. Moreover, existing studies have compared treatment outcomes in various disease states. Some studies have suggested that POEM is superior to LHM for patients with type III achalasia because POEM allows for a longer myotomy. Research on treatment for sigmoid types is currently in progress. However, the long-term results comparing LHD and POEM are insufficient, and the best treatment remains controversial. Further research is needed, and treatment options should be discussed with patients and tailored to their individual needs and pathologies.

ADVANCED MEGAESOPHAGUS TREATMENT: WHICH TECHNIQUE OFFERS THE BEST RESULTS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

BACKGROUND

Advanced megaesophagus predisposes to risks of malnutrition infections and cancer, in addition to having a significant impact on quality of life. There is currently no consensus in the literature regarding the best surgical option for advanced megaesophagus, although there is a predilection for esophagectomy, despite this surgery being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Other surgical procedures, such as esophageal mucosectomy and Heller cardiomyotomy, have been proposed with good results.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the surgical treatment of advanced megaesophagus.

METHODS

Databases used included PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), Embase and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), as well as reference research. Two reviewers selected the articles independently.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were chosen, which included 1,862 patients. The studies were divided into two groups: laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with fundoplication (213 patients) and major surgeries (1,649 patients). The studies yielded mostly good or excellent results regarding late outcomes in both groups. However, there was significant morbidity associated with the major surgeries group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be performed on patients with advanced megaesophagus, with lower rates of complications and mortality compared to major surgeries, with reservations regarding late outcomes results.

Surgical Options for End-Stage Achalasia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Achalasia is one of the most commonly described primary esophageal motility disorders worldwide, but there is significant controversy regarding ideal management of end-stage disease. This article reviews the definition of end-stage achalasia and summarizes past and present surgical treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter remains the mainstay of treatment of achalasia, even in advanced disease. Esophagectomy may have benefit as a primary treatment modality in end-stage achalasia with sigmoid esophagus, but international guidelines recommend consideration of laparoscopic or endoscopic approaches initially in most patients. Novel peroral esophageal plication techniques may provide alternative treatment options in patients with significant esophageal dilation that fail myotomy or esophagectomy.

SUMMARY

End-stage achalasia is characterized by progressive tortuosity and dilation of the esophagus as a failure of primary peristalsis. Up to 20% of patients with achalasia will progress to end-stage disease. In most cases, laparoscopic or endoscopic myotomy is recommended as initial approach to surgical management.

A case report of end-stage achalasia: Conservative option as the new surgical standard

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

End-stage achalasia is a rare disease, consisting of a functional impairment of the esophagus which becomes dilated with a sigmoid shape. While esophagectomy was considered for a long time as the principal surgical procedure in end-stage achalasia, recent literature results demonstrate that laparoscopic Heller Dor (LHD) could be an advocated alternative with acceptable functional results.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of an eighty-three-year-old male, an elderly patient, who had been complaining for one year of dysphagia and general status loss. Endoscopy, manometry then a barium X-ray confirmed end-stage achalasia. The patient had LHD with an improvement of symptomatology post-operatively.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Achalasia is a rare disease affecting oesophagal motility. The diagnosis is suggested clinically and confirmed by a wide range of tests notably esophagogastroduodenoscopy, barium swallow and manometry. The diagnosis of achalasia is classically made by demonstrating impaired relaxation of the lower oesophagal sphincter and absent peristalsis in the oesophagal manometry. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is made mainly to eliminate the diagnosis of oesophagal cancer. Barium swallow, however, is done to appreciate the impact of achalasia on the rest of the esophagus.

CONCLUSION

Our case highlights the satisfying results after an LHD which is an alternative to esophagectomy especially in elderlies with high risk.

The outcome of 100 patients with achalasia cardia following laparoscopic Heller myotomy with blunt dissection technique

Background

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) can be performed by blunt dissection technique (BDT). Only a few studies have assessed long-term outcomes and relief of dysphagia following LHM. The study reviews our long-term experience following LHM by BDT.

Methods

This retrospective study was analysed from a prospectively maintained database (from 2013 to 2021) of a single unit of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at G. B. Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi. The myotomy was performed by BDT in all patients. A fundoplication was added in selected patients. Post-operative Eckardt score >3 was considered treatment failure.

Results

A total of 100 patients underwent surgery during the study period. Of them, 66 patients underwent LHM, 27 underwent LHM with Dor fundoplication and 7 underwent LHM with Toupet fundoplication. The median length of myotomy was 7 cm. The mean operative time was 77 ± 29.27 min and the mean blood loss of 28.05 ± 16.06 ml. Five patients had intraoperative oesophageal perforation. The median length of hospital stay was 2 days. There was no hospital mortality. The post-operative integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was significantly lower than the mean pre-operative IRP (9.78 vs. 24.77). Eleven patients developed treatment failure, of which ten patients presented with recurrence of dysphagia. There was no difference in symptom-free survival amongst various types of achalasia cardia (P = 0.816).

Conclusion

LHM performed by BDT has a 90% success rate. Complication using this technique is rare, and recurrence post-surgery can be managed with endoscopic dilatation.

OUTCOME OF PER ORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY (POEM) IN SIGMOID ACHALASIA AT A MEDIAN FOLLOW UP OF 17 MONTHS

BACKGROUND

Advanced achalasia cardia (AC) represents the end stage in the natural history of AC. Role of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in this technically difficult subset is emerging.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the patients who had undergone POEM for advanced AC with sigmoid esophagus. We assessed the technical success, clinical success and adverse event rate. Pre and post POEM Eckardt score (ES), integrated relaxation pressure-4sec (IRP-4), lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and height and width of barium column at 5 minutes were noted.

RESULTS

Of the 85 patients who underwent POEM for AC, 10 patients had advanced AC with sigmoid esophagus of which eight were sigmoid and two were advanced sigmoid. The clinical and technical success was 100% with significant reduction of ES, IRP-4, LESP and height and width of barium column at 5 minutes. One patient had a minor adverse event in the form of mucosal injury that was closed with hemoclips. At a median follow up of 17 months there was no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates POEM to be a safe and effective modality of treatment in this technically difficult subset of AC with sigmoid morphology.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for advanced achalasia with megaesophagus

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for advanced achalasia are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia with megaesophagus, which is one of the characteristics of advanced achalasia.

METHODS

In total, 234 patients with achalasia who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy in our hospital from April 2015 to March 2019 were included in this retrospective observational study. Megaesophagus was defined as a maximum esophageal diameter of 6 cm or more. Outcomes, including clinical success (Eckardt score ≤ 3 without retreatment) at the 1-year follow-up, technical success, and perioperative complications, were investigated and compared between patients with and without megaesophagus.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (4.7%) were diagnosed with megaesophagus. The clinical success rate achieved was 63.6% in patients with megaesophagus, with a significant decrease in the Eckardt score (6 vs. 2, p = 0.003) and integrated relaxation pressure (28 mmHg vs. 9 mmHg, p = 0.028). The technical success rate was 100%. However, patients with megaesophagus had a significantly lower clinical success rate than those without megaesophagus (63.6% vs. 96.0%, p = 0.002). Furthermore, patients with megaesophagus had significantly higher rates of major adverse events than those without megaesophagus (18.2% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy improved achalasia-related symptoms, and this was technically feasible in patients with megaesophagus. However, the clinical success rate was somewhat low, and the rate of major adverse events was high. Therefore, peroral endoscopic myotomy should be carefully performed for advanced achalasia with megaesophagus.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Sigmoid-Type Achalasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia is unknown. This meta-analysis aims to explore the clinical outcomes of POEM for sigmoid-type achalasia. Method: We searched all relevant studies published up to September 2020 in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Meta-analyses for clinical success, Eckardt score, angle of esophageal tortuosity, diameter of esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), adverse events, and gastroesophageal reflux diseases were performed based on random or fixed-effects models as needed. Results: We found a total of eight studies that provided data on 248 patients. Overall, the pooled clinical success was achieved in 211 sigmoid-type achalasia patients [90.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 85.5%-93.8%]. The pre- and post-POEM Eckardt scores, angle of esophageal tortuosity, diameter of esophageal, LES pressure, and IRP were significantly improved (All p < 0.05). The pooled adverse events rate was 13.0% (95% CI, 3.6%-37.4%). The pooled objective confirmation of reflux rate was 41.5% (95% CI, 26.5%-58.3%), and symptomatic reflux rate was 12.5% (95% CI, 8.3%-18.4%). Conclusions: Our current evidence indicated that POEM is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Safe and Highly Effective Treatment for Advanced Achalasia With Sigmoid Esophagus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In advanced achalasia patients with sigmoid esophagus, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) might be technically challenging and its outcomes are not well known in western population. Hence, our study aims were to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of POEM in achalasia patients with and without sigmoid esophagus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of achalasia patients who had POEM at our institution between April 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. Patients who underwent work-up comprising timed barium esophagram (TBE) and high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) before POEM along with 2-month post-POEM esophageal pH study, TBE and HREM were included in the final analysis. Patients were categorized as either sigmoid or no sigmoid esophagus based on the morphology of esophagus on TBE as per Japan Esophageal Society guidelines. Treatment success was defined as reduction of post-POEM Eckardt score to ≤3.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients (sigmoid esophagus=20; no sigmoid esophagus=148) were included. Esophageal width on TBE at 1 minute was significantly higher in sigmoid esophagus group compared with no sigmoid esophagus group (4.9 vs. 3.0 cm, P<0.001). Procedural outcomes and complications were similar in both groups. At 2-month follow-up, both groups had significant improvement in Eckardt scores, TBE, and HREM parameters. Treatment success was high and similar in both sigmoid and no sigmoid groups (94.4% vs. 93.2%, P=0.84). The rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease were also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings suggest that POEM is safe and highly effective treatment for achalasia patients with sigmoid esophagus similar to those without sigmoid esophagus in western population. POEM should be considered as the treatment of choice in advanced achalasia with sigmoid esophagus.

Advanced achalasia: good candidate for peroral endoscopic myotomy

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly accepted as the first-line treatment of achalasia. However, laparoscopic Heller myotomy or esophagectomy still remains as the mainstay treatment for advanced achalasia featured with megaesophagus and/or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Although the efficacy of POEM for advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus has been described, little is known about the role of POEM for patients with megaesophagus. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM for advanced achalasia with megaesophagus. Patients who received initial examinations and underwent POEM in our hospital from June 2013 to December 2018 were identified and data were retrospectively analyzed. The advanced achalasia was defined as megaesophagus with a diameter of ≥6 cm. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success and adverse events. A total of 112 patients (50 females, 44.6%) were included with a mean age of 44.8 years. The median symptom duration was 6.5 years (IQR:3.0-13.0 years). Modified POEM techniques were used in 27.7% (31/112) of patients. Technical success rate was 99.1% (112/113) per procedure. Clinical success was seen in 93.1% patients with median Eckardt score decreasing from 8.0 to 1.0 (P < 0.001) during a median 31.0 months of follow-up. The mean LES pressure decreased from 29.5 mmHg to 14.2 mmHg after POEM (P < 0.05). Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 8.9% patients. Reflux disease was observed postoperatively in 26.7% of patients. POEM is also indicated for patients with advanced achalasia with a favorable safety and efficacy.

Treatment challenges of sigmoid-shaped esophagus and severe achalasia

Background

Achalasia is a chronic motility disorder which may require surgical interventions to effectively manage patients’ symptoms and improve functional status. In late stage achalasia, patients may present with sigmoid-shaped esophagus which complicates traditional treatment approaches for achalasia as the esophagus is massively dilated and dysfunctional with delicate tissue integrity. Severe Achalasia with sigmoid esophagus imposes significant challenge to surgeons and treating physicians. Various assessment modalities and treatment approaches have been tried. Surgical treatment continues to be controversial. Some have argued that a less aggressive approach similar to that in early Achalasia results in satisfactory outcomes. Others have argued a more aggressive approach of esophagectomy is necessary. We present a review of the challenges encountered in each approach with recommendation for selecting the right treatment for the individual cases.

Conclusions

Different treatment options for sigmoid type achalasia are available with ongoing controversy among the options. Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication can provide satisfactory symptoms improvement and treatment outcomes.

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Late stage achalasia may present with sigmoid-shaped esophagus.

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Sigmoid shaped esophagus imposes significant treatment challenges due to dilation and delicate tissue integrity.

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Surgical treatment continues to be controversial.

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Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication can provide satisfactory symptoms improvement and treatment outcomes.

Achalasia: what to do in the face of failures of Heller myotomy

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, and while there are several treatment options, there is no consensus regarding them. When therapeutic intervention for achalasia fails, a careful evaluation of the cause of the persistent or recurrent symptoms using upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and contrast radiologic studies is required to understand the cause of therapy failure and guide plans for subsequent treatment. Options for reintervention are the same as for primary intervention and include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injection, peroral endoscopic myotomy, or redo esophageal myotomy. When reintervention fails or if the esophagus is not amenable to intervention and the disease is considered end-stage, esophagectomy is the last option to manage recurrent achalasia.

Factors Associated With Achalasia Treatment Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Identification of factors associated with achalasia treatment outcome might help physicians select therapies based on patient characteristics. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with treatment response.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through February 21, 2019, for randomized controlled trials and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that reported patient-specific outcomes of treatment (botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, or laparoscopic Heller myotomy). We assessed the methodologic quality of the included studies using the quality in prognosis studies tool. We planned qualitative and quantitative analyses.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 75 studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 27 prospective cohort studies, and 40 retrospective studies) on a total of 34 different factors associated with outcomes (3 demographic, 17 clinical, and 14 diagnostic factors). Qualitative assessment showed age, manometric subtype, and presence of a sigmoid-shaped esophagus as factors associated with outcomes of treatment for achalasia with a strong level of evidence. The cumulative evidence for the association with chest pain, symptom severity, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure was inconclusive. A meta-analysis confirmed that older age (mean difference, 7.9 y; 95% CI, 1.5-14.3 y) and manometric subtype 3 (odds ratio, 7.1; 95% CI, 4.1-12.4) were associated with clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found age and manometric subtype to be associated with outcomes of treatment for achalasia. This information should be used to guide treatment decisions.

A Thousand and One Laparoscopic Heller Myotomies for Esophageal Achalasia: a 25-Year Experience at a Single Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) myotomy to treat achalasia at a single high-volume institution in the past 25 years.

METHODS

Patients undergoing LHD from 1992 to 2017 were prospectively registered in a dedicated database. Those who had already undergone surgical or endoscopic myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium swallow, endoscopy, and manometry were performed before and after surgery; and 24-h pH monitoring was done 6 months after LHD.

RESULTS

One thousand one patients underwent LHD (M:F = 536:465), performed by six staff surgeons. The surgical procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but 8 patients (0.8%). At a median of follow-up of 62 months, the outcome was positive in 896 patients (89.5%), and the probability of being cured from symptoms at 20 years exceeded 80%. Among the patients who had previously received other treatments, there were 25/182 failures (13.7%), while the failures in the primary treatment group were 80/819 (9.8%) (p = 0.19). All 105 patients whose LHD failed subsequently underwent endoscopic pneumatic dilations with an overall success rate of 98.4%. At univariate analysis, the manometric pattern (p < 0.001), the presence of a sigmoid megaesophagus (p = 0.03), and chest pain (p < 0.001) were the factors that predicted a poor outcome. At multivariate analysis, all three factors were independently associated with a poor outcome. Post-operative 24-h pH monitoring was abnormal in 55/615 patients (9.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

LHD can durably relieve achalasia symptoms in more than 80% of patients. The pre-operative manometric pattern, the presence of a sigmoid esophagus, and chest pain represent the strongest predictors of outcome.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Fundoplication: What Is the Evidence?

There is no agreement about the best type of fundoplication to add in patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) for achalasia to reduce the risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. This article reviews the current evidence about the outcomes in achalasia patients undergoing LHM with a partial anterior, a partial posterior, or a total fundoplication. We performed a review of the literature in PubMed/Medline electronic databases, which was evaluated according to the GRADE system. The results of the published randomized controlled trials show with a high level of evidence that the addition of a fundoplication reduces the risk of postoperative abnormal reflux, without impairing the food emptying of the esophagus. LHM with partial fundoplication is considered in most centers worldwide the standard of care for the treatment of patients with achalasia. The current evidence fails to show any significant difference between partial anterior and posterior fundoplication. In the absence of further large randomized controlled trial, the decision of performing an anterior or a posterior wrap is based on the surgeon's experience and preference. The addition of a partial fundoplication to LHM leads to a significantly lower rate of postoperative pathological reflux without impairing the esophageal emptying.

Esophageal Resection for End-Stage Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disease characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation loss and of peristalsis in the esophageal body. Endoscopic balloon dilation and laparoscopic surgical myotomy have been established as initial treatment modalities. Indications and outcomes of esophagectomy in the management of end-stage achalasia are less defined. A literature search was conducted to identify all reports on esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia between 1987 and 2017. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted matching the terms “achalasia,” “end-stage achalasia,” “esophagectomy,” and “esophageal resection.” Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and 1422 patients were included in this narrative review. Most of the patients had previous multiple endoscopic and/or surgical treatments. Esophagectomy was performed through a transthoracic (74%) or a transhiatal (26%) approach. A thoracoscopic approach was used in a minority of patients and seemed to be safe and effective. In 95 per cent of patients, the stomach was used as an esophageal substitute. The mean postoperative morbidity rate was 27.1 per cent and the mortality rate 2.1 per cent. Symptom resolution was reported in 75 to 100 per cent of patients over a mean follow-up of 43 months. Only five series including 195 patients assessed the long-term follow-up (>5 years) after reconstruction with gastric or colon conduits, and the results seem similar. Esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia is safe and effective in tertiary referral centers. A thoracoscopic approach is a feasible and safe alternative to thoracotomy and may replace the transhiatal route in the future.

High-resolution manometry findings in patients with achalasia and massive dilated megaesophagus

Achalasia may present in a non-advanced or an advanced (end stage) stage based on the degree of esophageal dilatation. Manometric parameters and esophageal caliber may be prognostic for the outcome of treatment. The correlation between manometry and disease stage has not been yet fully studied. This study aims to describe high-resolution manometry findings in patients with achalasia and massive dilated megaesophagus. Eighteen patients (mean age 61 years, 55% females) with achalasia and massive dilated megaesophagus, as defined by a maximum esophageal dilatation >10 cm at the barium esophagram, were studied. Achalasia was considered secondary to Chagas' disease in 14 (78%) of the patients and idiopathic in the remaining. All patients underwent high-resolution manometry. Upper esophageal sphincter was hypotonic and had impaired relaxation in the majority of patients. Aperistalsis was seen in all patients with an equal distribution of Chicago type I and type II. No type III was noticed. Lower esophageal sphincter did not have a characteristic manometric pattern. In 50% of the cases, the manometry catheter was not able to reach the stomach. Our results did not show a manometric pattern in patients with achalasia and massive dilated esophagus.

Peroral endoscopic full-thickness myotomy for the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia: outcomes with a minimum follow-up of 12 months

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of peroral endoscopic full-thickness myotomy (fPOEM) for the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia.

METHODS

From August 2011 to June 2014, a total of 23 sigmoid-type achalasia patients received fPOEM at our hospital. Among these patients, 19 had sigmoid-type 1 achalasia and the other four had sigmoid-type 2 achalasia. Clinical data of general characteristics, procedure-related parameters and adverse events, symptom relief, and manometry outcomes before and during the periodic follow-up were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

All the patients successfully received fPOEM, with a mean procedure time of 67.6 min; six patients received a conventional fPOEM whereas the other 17 received a modified fPOEM. During a median follow-up of 18 months, the median Eckardt score decreased obviously (pre-POEM vs. post-POEM, 7.0 vs. 1.0, P<0.05), the mean lower esophageal sphincter pressures and 4s integrated relaxation pressure decreased (pre-POEM vs. post-POEM, 34.78±4.51 vs. 11.50±2.56 mmHg and 29.52±3.67 vs. 10.61±1.54 mmHg, P<0.01), and the esophageal diameter decreased (pre-POEM vs. post-POEM, 58.2±11.6 vs. 37.5±7.3 mm, P<0.05). Overall treatment success was achieved in 95.6% of the patients (22/23), and morphological improvement was observed in 95% (19/20) of the patients. In 10 patients (43.5%) complications were encountered, including gas-related complications, mucosal perforation, and reflux esophagitis. There was no significant difference in terms of efficacy between conventional fPOEM and modified fPOEM, but modified fPOEM may reduce the occurrence of gas-related complications.

CONCLUSION

fPOEM is feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia. A modified fPOEM may reduce the occurrence of gas-related complications. Yet, further experiences and long-term results are warranted.