title: Achalasia 2016: Treatment Alternatives.
abstract: The treatment for achalasia changed dramatically after the introduction of minimally invasive surgery. Since 1991, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has replaced pneumatic dilatation (PD) as the primary form of treatment in many centers. Over time, PD became safer, and eventually endoscopic experts were able to perform an endoscopic myotomy via a per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Ultimately, the best outcomes are obtained by a multidisciplinary team that can tailor a specific treatment to each individual patient.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Surgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Fernando A M
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Herbella
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Eduardo G H
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Moura
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Marco G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Patti
mesh_terms: D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: achalasia; dysphagia; gastroesophageal reflux; laparoscopic Heller myotomy; per oral endoscopic myotomy; pneumatic dilatation