title: [Long-term results of balloon dilatation in the treatment of esophageal achalasia].
abstract: 25 patients (aged from 32 to 58 years) with achalasia of the esophagus during 1985-1997 years underwent balloon dilatation of the esophagus. 18 patients had stage IV, 5--stage III and 2--stage II of the disease. Mean diameter of the stricture's area in the esophagus made up. 7.2 +/- 2.0 mm. Balloon dilatation was performed in 4 patients by 2-4 balloons d = 10 mm in one stage, and in the test patients by balloon "Rigiflex" d = 40 mm. 2-3 procedures were carried out with the interval 7-10 days. In all cases balloon dilatation was successful. Mean diameter of the esophageal lumen after dilatation has increased to 16.0 +/- 2.5 mm. In 2 patients with IV stage of the disease relapse was detected within 6-8 months. 5 year follow-up results were satisfactory in 4 patients, from 5 to 10 years--in 14 patients, and over 10 years--in 5 patients. Prolonged clinical follow-up (for 7.5 years) demonstrated complete absence of dysphagia and normal regime of nutrition. Balloon dilatation is safe, available and effective method of nonoperative treatment for achalasia of the esophagus.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kondrashin
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Yurtsev
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Chistov
authors.forename: Iu A
authors.initials: IuA
authors.lastname: Ablitsov
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors