Balloon dilation for achalasia of the cardia: experience in 76 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with balloon dilation for achalasia of the cardia.


METHODS
Seventy-six patients (mean age, 51 years) underwent balloon dilation with radiologic guidance. A total of 110 procedures were performed from April 1994 to April 2000. Diagnosis of achalasia was established with clinical, radiologic, and manometric data. Dysphagia was a presenting symptom in most patients (90%), regurgitation was present in 39%, retrosternal pain in 22%, and weight loss in 12%. The dilations were performed in a progressive manner starting with a 15-mm-diameter balloon and progressing to 20-, 30-, and 40-mm balloons, as required. Follow-up data were collected retrospectively from patient notes and telephone interviews with the patients and/or their local doctors (mean follow-up, 26 months).


RESULTS
There were no cases of esophageal perforation; 89% (98 of 110) of dilations were considered to be successful, with the patients having restoration of normal or near-normal swallowing (excellent or good initial responses). Fifty-two patients required a single dilation; 22 patients, between two and four dilations; and two patients, five dilations.


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon dilation with fluoroscopic guidance is a safe and successful treatment for achalasia of the cardia.
Department of Interventional Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7EH London, England. tarun_sabharwal@yahoo.co.uk
Tarun
T
Sabharwal
Mark
M
Cowling
Jules
J
Dussek
William
W
Owen
Andreas
A
Adam
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002299:Cardia; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome