Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Esophageal achalasia: comparison of fluoroscopically-guided double vs. endoscopically-guided single balloon dilation
Ann Yi1, Ji Hoon Shin, Ho-Young Song
1Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 388-1 Pungnap-2dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 138-736, South Korea.
Purpose:
To compare the long-term clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided double and endoscopically guided single balloon dilations in esophageal achalasia.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-two fluoroscopically guided balloon dilations were performed in 21 patients (group A) and 48 endoscopically guided balloon dilations were performed in 37 patients (group B). The double balloon dilation technique (10 + 20-mm, 15 + 20-mm or 20 + 20-mm in diameter), with preceding single balloon dilation (10, 15, or 20-mm in diameter), was used in group A, whereas the single balloon dilation technique (30, 35, or 40-mm in diameter) with gradually increased internal pressure was used in group B. Technical success, clinical success, complications, and primary/secondary patency rates were compared between the two groups.
Results:
All procedures were technically successful without esophageal perforation. Clinical success was achieved in 97% (31/32) and 92% (44/48) of balloon dilations in groups A and B, respectively. The symptomatic improvement in dysphagia was significantly higher in group A than in group B. Incidence of complications was the same (18.8%) in both groups. Group A showed significantly longer primary and secondary patency periods than did group B (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Fluoroscopically guided double balloon dilation has greater long-term effectiveness than endoscopically guided single balloon dilation in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
Esophageal Achalasia
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...

