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Balloon dilation for achalasia of the cardia: experience in 76 patients

Tarun Sabharwal1, Mark Cowling, Jules Dussek

  • 1Department of Interventional Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7EH London, England. tarun_sabharwal@yahoo.co.uk

Radiology
|August 31, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia of the cardia, offering successful swallowing restoration in 89% of procedures. This minimally invasive approach provides significant relief for patients suffering from this esophageal motility disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Esophageal Disorders

Background:

  • Achalasia of the cardia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of peristalsis.
  • Symptoms include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon dilation as a treatment for achalasia of the cardia.
  • To report the clinical experience and outcomes of patients undergoing radiologically guided balloon dilation.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 76 patients diagnosed with achalasia who underwent 110 balloon dilation procedures between 1994 and 2000.
  • Procedures utilized progressive balloon sizes (15-40 mm) under fluoroscopic guidance.
  • Patient data and follow-up information were collected via medical records and telephone interviews (mean follow-up: 26 months).

Main Results:

  • Balloon dilation demonstrated a high success rate, with 89% (98/110) of procedures resulting in successful swallowing restoration.
  • No esophageal perforations were reported.
  • The majority of patients (52/76) required only one dilation, while others needed multiple sessions.

Conclusions:

  • Radiologically guided balloon dilation is a safe and effective therapeutic option for achalasia of the cardia.
  • The procedure offers a high success rate with minimal complications, leading to significant symptom improvement.
Abstract

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