Desirability of roentgen esophageal examination immediately after pneumatic dilatation for achalasia.
Although infrequent, esophageal rupture is a serious complication of pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia. Because of an experience with delayed recognition of esophageal perforation in a patient with achalasia, we now examine the esophagus using a water-soluble contrast medium immediately following every pneumatic dilatation. This technique allows immediate detection of esophageal perforation.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D003287:Contrast Media; D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000628:therapy*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D011859:Radiography; D012421:Rupture; D012995:Solubility; D014867:Water
D003287:Contrast Media; D014867:Water