title: [Manometric and radiologic aspects of Chagas' megaesophagus: the importance to its surgical treatment].
abstract: This study analyzed the radiologic and manometric findings of 43 patients suffering from chagasic megaesophagus with positive tests for Chagas' disease. There was a significant reduction in the high pressure levels of the body of the esophagus related to the stage of the disease: stage I/II--42.9 mmHg; stage III--23.6 mmHg; stage IV--15.6 mmHg. It was observed that 5 (35.7%) stage III patients had high pressure levels below 20 mmHg and presented advanced megaesophagus and these underwent a subtotal esophagectomy following esophagogastroplasty instead of cardiomyotomy with anti-reflux valve. The manometric study in stage III patients with chagasic megaesophagus was considered helpful to indicate which surgical procedure would be best for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Disciplina de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo da Faculdade de Medicina do Triângulo Mineiro, R. Getúlio Guaritá s/n, 38025-450 Uberaba, MG. cirurgiafmtm@bol.com.br
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crema
authors.forename: Luiz Augusto Flgueiredo
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cruvinel
authors.forename: Ana Marcia
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Werneck
authors.forename: Renata Monica
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Alex Augusto
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000150:complications*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index