title: Recent advances in the treatment of achalasia.
abstract: Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by aperistalsis and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. This article discusses traditional and new therapies directed against the sphincter muscle. Because limitations of these treatments do exist, alternatives to sphincter destruction are presented.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Pasricha
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kalloo
mesh_terms: D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization; D004724:Endoscopy; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins