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Pandolfino JE, Fass R, Chan WW, Gyawali CP. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Benign Esophageal Disorders. Am J Gastroenterol 2025:00000434-990000000-01686. [PMID: 40192144 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are essential tools for assessing a patient's subjective experience related to disease and health. PROs measure symptom severity and evaluate treatment efficacy across a range of conditions at a particular point in time. Although PROs focusing on esophageal symptoms and esophageal hypervigilance exist, disease-specific PROs for commonly encountered benign esophageal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and achalasia are limited. Most GERD-specific PROs fail to address the complete spectrum of GERD presentations and those that provide daily assessment are more suited for research. Similarly, many EoE-specific PROs were designed for clinical trials. Comprehensive instruments incorporating EoE symptoms, as well as endoscopic and histologic features of active inflammation and fibrostenotic changes are needed. The psychometric properties of the Eckardt Score used for achalasia have significant limitations, stemming primarily from the dominance of dysphagia in scoring. Newer achalasia-specific PROs attempt to overcome this by capturing nuanced patient experiences. Broader symptom PROs are often used to assess esophageal symptoms across the spectrum of benign esophageal disorders, including a PRO that assesses esophageal hypervigilance and symptom-specific anxiety. Future efforts should focus on creating user-friendly PROs that comprehensively evaluate not just clinical presentation but also the disease state, which will enhance clinical symptom follow-up, quality of life assessment, and research applications. Assessments of hypervigilance and visceral anxiety will complement these applications as these measures are both a PRO and an important moderator of symptom severity and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Pandolfino
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ronnie Fass
- MetroHealth Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Walter W Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - C Prakash Gyawali
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Tustumi F. Evaluating the Non-conventional Achalasia Treatment Modalities. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:941464. [PMID: 35814742 PMCID: PMC9263126 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.941464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Achalasia is a primary esophageal dysmotility disorder. Despite the high volume of studies addressing the conventional treatments for achalasia, few are debated regarding the non-conventional treatments, such as cardiectomy, cardioplasty, endoluminal substances injection (ethanolamine oleate, polidocanol, botulinum toxin), stents, and certain drugs (beta-agonists, anticholinergic, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors). Methods A critical review was performed. Results Endoscopic, surgical, and pharmacological treatments were included. A qualitative synthesis was presented. Conclusion Non-conventional therapeutic options for treating achalasia encompass medical, endoscopic, and surgical procedures. Clinicians and patients need to know all the tools for the management of achalasia. However, several currently available studies of non-conventional treatments lack high-quality evidence, and future randomized trials are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Tustumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jameshorani M, Anushiravani A, Fazlollahi N, Hormati A, Amani M, Mikaeli J. Long-term Efficacy of Combined Treatment in Patients with Idiopathic Achalasia. Middle East J Dig Dis 2021; 13:21-26. [PMID: 34712434 PMCID: PMC8531942 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2021.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several treatment strategies are available to treat achalasia. Although combined therapy has been used for several years, there are limited data on long-term outcomes. We aimed to determine its long-term efficacy in patients who were resistant or those with rapid relapse. METHODS In this prospective study, we reviewed the records of 1100 patients with achalasia, who were candidates for pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) in our center from 1996 to 2018. We enrolled 197 patients resistant to initial treatment or with rapid relapse of symptoms after three sessions of PBD. Clinical evaluation and time barium esophagogram (TBE) were done before treatment, a month afterward, and when clinical symptoms increased in order to confirm relapse, and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS A total of 168 patients accepted combined therapy. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.04 years. Achalasia symptom score (ASS) dropped from 10.82 to 3.62 a month after treatment and was 3.09 at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.0001 and 0.001). TBE had a decrease in mean height of barium one month after treatment (9.23 vs. 5.10, p = 0.001), and this reduction persisted until the end of follow-up (3.39, p = 0.001). Vantrappen score at the end of the follow-up showed 56 patients in excellent, 51 in good, 33 in moderate, and 14 in poor condition (89% acceptable response rate). CONCLUSION Our results showed the long-term efficacy of combined treatment in patients with achalasia who otherwise had to undergo a high-risk and costly procedure, which makes it a safe and effective alternative for myotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jameshorani
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Valiasr-e-Asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Amir Anushiravani
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Fazlollahi
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hormati
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Disease Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amani
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mikaeli
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Disease Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom, Iran
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Tabaeian SP, Anushiravani A, Fazlollahi N, Asl Soleimani H, Mikaeli J. Comparison of Treatment Response in Different Types of Achalasia: A Long-Term Study. Middle East J Dig Dis 2021; 13:186-192. [PMID: 36606219 PMCID: PMC9489460 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2021.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three manometric patterns are seen in high-resolution manometry (HRM). Response to treatment has been reported to be different in these subtypes. We aimed to investigate the frequency and response to treatment in subtypes of achalasia. METHODS 306 patients between 15 to 60 years old, naïve to treatment with idiopathic achalasia (IA) were evaluated prospectively in a cohort study for 8 years. The patients were treated with pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD), and evaluated before and one month after PBD with Achalasia Symptom Score (ASS) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and then every 6 months with ASS. The primary study outcome was defined as a reduction in ASS (equal to or less than 4) and a reduction greater than 80% in the volume of barium in TBE at 1 month after PBD compared with baseline values. RESULTS According to HRM, 57 were classified as type I (18.62%), 223 as type II (72.9%), and 26 as type III (8.5%). The mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressures before treatment were 34.05 ± 31.55, 32.99 ± 17.90, and 37.47 ± 14.07 mmHg in types I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.18). The mean ASS values before treatment were 12.23, 11.50, and 11.50, for types I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.29). The ASS dropped to 2.50 in type I, 2.40 in type II, and 2.12 in type III at 1 month after treatment (p = 0.83). Eventually, at the end of follow-up, 24 patients with type I (83%), 82 patients with type II (67%), and five patients with type III (83%) showed sustained good responses (p = 0.528). CONCLUSION Manometric subtypes of achalasia did not have an important role in clinical success in the long term. Achalasia has no definite cure, but with current treatment modalities, palliation of symptoms is possible in over 90% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seidamir Pasha Tabaeian
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Anushiravani
- Assistant professor of medicine, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Fazlollahi
- Medical physician, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Asl Soleimani
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mikaeli
- Professor of Medicine, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital: Karegar Shomali Ave, Tehran, Iran
,Corresponding Author: Javad Mikaeli, MD Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital: Karegar Shomali Ave, Tehran, Iran, postal code: 14117- 13135 Tel: + 98 21 82415000 Fax: + 98 21 82415400
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5
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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: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [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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Zaninotto G, Bennett C, Boeckxstaens G, Costantini M, Ferguson MK, Pandolfino JE, Patti MG, Ribeiro U, Richter J, Swanstrom L, Tack J, Triadafilopoulos G, Markar SR, Salvador R, Faccio L, Andreollo NA, Cecconello I, Costamagna G, da Rocha JRM, Hungness ES, Fisichella PM, Fuchs KH, Gockel I, Gurski R, Gyawali CP, Herbella FAM, Holloway RH, Hongo M, Jobe BA, Kahrilas PJ, Katzka DA, Dua KS, Liu D, Moonen A, Nasi A, Pasricha PJ, Penagini R, Perretta S, Sallum RAA, Sarnelli G, Savarino E, Schlottmann F, Sifrim D, Soper N, Tatum RP, Vaezi MF, van Herwaarden-Lindeboom M, Vanuytsel T, Vela MF, Watson DI, Zerbib F, Gittens S, Pontillo C, Vermigli S, Inama D, Low DE. The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines. Dis Esophagus 2018; 31:5087687. [PMID: 30169645 DOI: 10.1093/dote/doy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zaninotto
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - C Bennett
- Office of Research and Innovation, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | - G Boeckxstaens
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (Chrometa), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Costantini
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterologica Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - M K Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - J E Pandolfino
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - M G Patti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - U Ribeiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J Richter
- Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - L Swanstrom
- Institute of Image-Guided Surgery, Strasbourg, France; Interventional Endoscopy and Foregut Surgery, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - J Tack
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (Chrometa), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Triadafilopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford Esophageal Multidisciplinary Program in Innovative Research Excellence (SEMPIRE), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - S R Markar
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - R Salvador
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterologica Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - L Faccio
- Division of Surgery, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - N A Andreollo
- Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - I Cecconello
- Digestive Surgery Division, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Costamagna
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - J R M da Rocha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E S Hungness
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - P M Fisichella
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K H Fuchs
- Department of Surgery, AGAPLESION-Markus-Krankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - I Gockel
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - R Gurski
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - C P Gyawali
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - F A M Herbella
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R H Holloway
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M Hongo
- Department of Medicine, Kurokawa Hospital, Taiwa, Kurokawa, Miyagi, Japan
| | - B A Jobe
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - P J Kahrilas
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - D A Katzka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - K S Dua
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - D Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - A Moonen
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (Chrometa), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Nasi
- Digestive Surgery Division, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P J Pasricha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R Penagini
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation; Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - S Perretta
- Institute for Image Guided Surgery IHU-Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - R A A Sallum
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - E Savarino
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterologica Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - F Schlottmann
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Alemán of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Sifrim
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - N Soper
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - R P Tatum
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - M F Vaezi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - M van Herwaarden-Lindeboom
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Vanuytsel
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (Chrometa), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M F Vela
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - D I Watson
- Department of Surgery, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - F Zerbib
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - S Gittens
- ECD Solutions, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - C Pontillo
- ALMA (Association of patients with achalasia, ONLUS), Naples, Italy
| | - S Vermigli
- ALMA (Association of patients with achalasia, ONLUS), Naples, Italy
| | - D Inama
- ALMA (Association of patients with achalasia, ONLUS), Naples, Italy
| | - D E Low
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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7
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van Lennep M, van Wijk MP, Omari TIM, Benninga MA, Singendonk MMJ. Clinical management of pediatric achalasia. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 12:391-404. [PMID: 29439587 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1441023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder. Much of the literature is based on the adult population. In adults, guidance of therapeutic approach by manometric findings has led to improvement in patient outcome. Promising results have been achieved with novel therapies such as PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of the novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for achalasia management and in what way they will relate to the future management of pediatric achalasia. We performed a PubMed and EMBASE search of English literature on achalasia using the keywords 'children', 'achalasia', 'pneumatic dilation', 'myotomy' and 'POEM'. Cohort studies < 10 cases and studies describing patients ≥ 20 years were excluded. Data regarding patient characteristics, treatment outcome and adverse events were extracted and presented descriptively, or pooled when possible. Expert commentary: Available data report that pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller's myotomy are effective in children, with certain studies suggesting lower success rates in pneumatic dilation. POEM is increasingly used in the pediatric setting with promising short-term results. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may occur post-achalasia intervention due to disruption of the LES and therefore requires diligent follow-up, especially in children treated with POEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinde van Lennep
- a Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition , Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Michiel P van Wijk
- b Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Taher I M Omari
- c College of Medicine and Public Health , Flinders University , Adelaide , Australia.,d Center for Neuroscience , Flinders University , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Marc A Benninga
- a Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition , Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Maartje M J Singendonk
- a Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition , Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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8
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Abstract
The last decade has seen growing insight into the pathophysiology of achalasia, and current treatments decreasing the resting pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter by endoscopic (botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy) or surgical means (Heller myotomy). Manometry is considered the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of achalasia. Pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy have similar effectiveness and are both more successful in patients with type II achalasia. Laparoscopic myotomy when combined with partial fundoplication is an effective surgical technique and has been considered the operative procedure of choice until recently. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is an emerging therapy with promising results since it offers a minimally invasive and efficacious option especially in type III achalasia. However, it remains to be determined if peroral endoscopic myotomy offers long-term efficacy.
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9
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Baniya R, Upadhaya S, Khan J, Subedi SK, Shaik Mohammed T, Ganatra BK, Bachuwa G. Laparoscopic esophageal myotomy versus pneumatic dilation in the treatment of idiopathic achalasia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2017; 10:241-248. [PMID: 29026325 PMCID: PMC5627730 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s130449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology associated with abnormalities in peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The disease is incurable; however, definitive treatment procedures like pneumatic dilation (PD)/balloon dilation and laparoscopic esophageal myotomy (LEM) are performed to relieve dysphagia and related symptoms. Currently, there is paucity of data comparing the outcomes of these procedures. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the short- and long-term success rates of PD and LEM. METHODS A thorough systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane library was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of PD versus LEM in the treatment of achalasia. The Mantel-Haenszel method and random effect model were used to analyze the data. RCTs with outcome data at 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year intervals were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 437,378 and 254 patients at 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year intervals were analyzed for outcome data. At 3 months and 1 year, PD was not as effective as LEM (odds ratio [OR]: 0.50; confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.82; P = 0.009 and OR: 0.47; CI 0.22-0.99; P = 0.21) but at 5 years, one procedure was non-inferior to the other (OR: 0.62; 0.33-1.19; P = 0.34). CONCLUSION PD was as effective as LEM in relieving symptoms of achalasia in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkaji Baniya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Sunil Upadhaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Jahangir Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar Subedi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Tabrez Shaik Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Balvant K Ganatra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Ghassan Bachuwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
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10
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Amani M, Fazlollahi N, Shirani S, Malekzadeh R, Mikaeli J. Assessment of Pneumatic Balloon Dilation in Patients with Symptomatic Relapse after Failed Heller Myotomy: A Single Center Experience. Middle East J Dig Dis 2016; 8:57-62. [PMID: 26933483 PMCID: PMC4773085 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2016.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Although Heller myotomy is one of the most effective treatments for achalasia, it may be associated with early or late symptom relapse in some patients. Therefore, additional treatment is required to achieve better control of symptoms.
Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD) in patients with symptom relapse after Heller myotomy.
METHODS
Thirty six post-myotomy patients were evaluated from 1993 to 2013. Six patients were excluded from the analysis because of comorbid diseases or epiphrenic diverticula. Thirty patients were treated with PBD. Primary outcome was defined as a decrease in symptom score to 4 or less and a reduction greater than 80% from the baseline in the volume of barium in timed barium esophagogram in 6 weeks. Achalasia symptom score (ASS) was assessed at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and then every six months in all patients and PBD was repeated in case of symptom relapse (ASS>4).
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 45.5±13.9 years (range: 21-73). Primary outcome was observed in 25 patients (83%). The mean ASS of the patients dropped from 7.8 before treatment to 1.3±2.0 at 1.5 months after treatment (p=0.0001). The mean volume and height of barium decreased from 43.1±33.4 and 7.1±4.7 to 6.0±17.1 and 1.1±2.2, respectively (p=0.003, p=0.003). The mean duration of follow-up was 11.8±6.3 years. At the end of the study, 21 patients (70%) reported sustained good response. No major complications such as perforation or gross bleeding were seen.
CONCLUSION
PBD is an effective and safe treatment option for achalasia in patients with symptom relapse after Heller myotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amani
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Fazlollahi
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shapour Shirani
- Department of Radiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mikaeli
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Nassri A, Ramzan Z. Pharmacotherapy for the management of achalasia: Current status, challenges and future directions. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2015; 6:145-55. [PMID: 26558149 PMCID: PMC4635155 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v6.i4.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews currently available pharmacological options available for the treatment of achalasia, with a special focus on the role of botulinum toxin (BT) injection due to its superior therapeutic effect and side effect profile. The discussion on BT includes the role of different BT serotypes, better pharmacological formulations, improved BT injection techniques, the use of sprouting inhibitors, designer recombinant BT formulations and alternative substances used in endoscopic injections. The large body of ongoing research into achalasia and BT may provide a stronger role for BT injection as a form of minimally invasive, cost effective and efficacious form of therapy for patients with achalasia. The article also explores current issues and future research avenues that may prove beneficial in improving the efficacy of pharmacological treatment approaches in patients with achalasia.
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12
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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: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [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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