title: Long-term results of pneumatic dilation for achalasia: a 15 years' experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although most patients with achalasia respond to pneumatic dilation, one-third experienced recurrence, and prolonged follow-up studies on parameters associated with various outcomes are scanty. In this retrospective study, we reported a 15-years' experience with pneumatic dilation treatment in patients with primary achalasia, and determined whether previously described predictors of outcome remain significant after endoscopic dilation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 1989 and September 2004, 39 consecutive patients with primary symptomatic achalasia (diagnosed by clinical presentation, esophagoscopy, barium esophagogram, and manometry) who received balloon dilation were followed up at regular intervals in person or by phone interview. Remission was assessed by a structured interview and a previous symptoms score. The median dysphagia-free duration was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Symptoms were dysphagia (n = 39, 100%), regurgitation (n = 23, 58.7%), chest pain (n = 4, 10.2%), and weight loss (n = 26, 66.6%). A total of 74 dilations were performed in 39 patients; 13 patients (28%) underwent a single dilation, 17 patients (48.7%) required a second procedure within a median of 26.7 mo (range 5-97 mo), and 9 patients (23.3%) underwent a third procedure within a median of 47.8 mo (range 37-120 mo). Post-dilation lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, assessed in 35 patients, has decreased from a baseline of 35.8+/-10.4 - 10.0+/-7.1 mmHg after the procedure. The median follow-up period was 9.3 years (range 0.5-15 years). The dysphagia-free duration by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 78%, 61% and 58.3% after 5, 10 and 15 years respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment for primary achalasia. Post-dilation LES pressure estimation may be useful in assessing response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endoscopy and Motility Unit, Central Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katsinelos
authors.forename: Jannis
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kountouras
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paroutoglou
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beltsis
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zavos
authors.forename: Basilios
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Papaziogas
authors.forename: Kostas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mimidis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome