Pneumatic dilatation in achalasia under endoscopic guidance: correlation pre- and postdilatation by radionuclide scintiscan.
Pneumatic dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter was accomplished by endoscopic visualization and positioning of a modified polyurethane dilator (90 F diameter) without fluoroscopy in 17 consecutive patients with advanced symptomatic achalasia. All patients were monitored for completeness of dilation by pre- and postdilation radionuclide scintiscan. Despite advanced megaesophagus, prior dilatations, or complicating disease, all patients showed prompt relief of symptoms.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging