Medical and Endoscopic Management of Achalasia

Han, Jae Pil; Hong, Su Jin

doi:2014.14.2.82

Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res > Volume 14(2); 2014 > Article

Review

The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2014;14(2):82-86.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7704/kjhugr.2014.14.2.82 Published online June 10, 2014.

Medical and Endoscopic Management of Achalasia

Jae Pil Han, Su Jin Hong

Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea. sjhong@schmc.ac.kr

식도이완불능증의 약물 및 내시경적 치료

한재필, 홍수진

순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실

Abstract

Achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder. Because its etiology is uncertain, treatment is focused on palliation of symptoms or for decreasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Treatment options include pharmacological, endoscopic and surgical methods. Various medications including nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and nitric oxide donors (sildenafil) are available, but their effectiveness is inconsistent. Endoscopic options include pneumatic balloon dilation, injection of botulinum toxin, temporary self-expandable metal stent placement, and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Laparoscopic or open myotomy can be a surgical option. We reviewed the treatment options focusing on medical and endoscopic management of achalasia.

Key Words: Esophageal achalasia; Endoscopic treatment; Medication