title: Update on therapeutic interventions for the management of achalasia.
abstract: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder. It is the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which characterizes this rare condition. Its features typically include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. The ultimate goal in treating achalasia is to relieve the patient's symptoms, improve esophageal emptying, and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. Current treatment modalities targeted at achalasia include pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. This review focuses on the current therapeutic options and explores the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management armamentarium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Nishmi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gunasingam
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perczuk
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaffes
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Payal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saxena
mesh_terms: D004106:Dilatation; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents
keywords: POEM; achalasia; laparoscopic Heller myotomy; peroral endoscopic myotomy