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Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Achalasia.

Natasha Walzer1, Ikuo Hirano

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Achalasia, a disorder of the enteric nervous system, involves degeneration of myenteric neurons. Recent advances clarify its pathogenesis, diagnostic variants, and limited long-term treatment efficacy.

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Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia
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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
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Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

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Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia
09:46

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Published on: February 16, 2024

Use of the Scissor-Type Knife During the Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy Procedure for the Treatment of Achalasia
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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders

Background:

  • Achalasia is a well-characterized esophageal motility disorder.
  • It serves as a model for enteric nervous system disorders involving myenteric neuron degeneration.
  • Pathogenesis involves nitric oxide and potential autoimmune responses to viral triggers in susceptible individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of achalasia.
  • Incorporate recent developments in pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment.
  • Highlight implications of manometric variants for management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on achalasia pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of recent diagnostic advancements, including manometric variants.
  • Evaluation of treatment efficacy studies for botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy.

Main Results:

  • Identified key roles for nitric oxide and potential autoimmune mechanisms in achalasia.
  • Delineated manometric variants impacting clinical management.
  • Demonstrated limited long-term efficacy for current treatments like botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy.

Conclusions:

  • Achalasia pathogenesis involves enteric nervous system degeneration.
  • Diagnostic criteria have evolved, revealing manometric subtypes.
  • Current treatments offer limited long-term effectiveness, necessitating further research.