title: [Dilatation treatment of achalasia as initial therapy. Results of a prospective study].
abstract: From 1972 to 1991 primary dilatation therapy was investigated in a prospective study in 77 patients suffering from achalasia of the gastroesophageal sphincter. The patients were followed up continuously and the median follow-up period was ten years. 70% of patients were symptom-free after dilatation therapy at the time of the last follow-up examination, whereby 50% were cured of symptoms after a single dilatation. 27% required surgery after unsuccessful dilatation therapy. The probability of avoiding operation after dilatation therapy within 15 years of diagnosis of achalasia was 73%. The clinical symptomatology at diagnosis graded according to a scheme from I to IV, was significantly worse in patients requiring an operation (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.0005). The data of esophageal manometry were of no prognostic relevance.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Universitätsklinik, Wien.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pratschner
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schiessel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stacher
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Feil
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schemper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D004106:Dilatation; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004944:Esophagoplasty; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
vernacular_title: Dilatationsbehandlung der Achalasie als Initialtherapie. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie.