Esophageal Dysphagia in the Elderly

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Dysphagia is a significant health issue in the aging global population.
• Increased prevalence of reflux disease contributes to dysphagia from peptic strictures and esophageal cancer.
• Dysphagia can lead to severe complications like malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of esophageal dysphagia.
• To highlight emerging challenges and therapeutic strategies for esophageal dysphagia in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on esophageal dysphagia.
• Evaluation of novel diagnostic techniques, including endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe.
• Assessment of emerging and established treatment modalities for esophageal dysphagia.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe offers complementary diagnostic value.
• Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) is an emerging condition mimicking achalasia.
• Advanced treatments include intralesional steroid injections, electrosurgical incision, esophageal stents, and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM).

Conclusions:

• A personalized treatment strategy, considering risks and benefits, is essential for managing esophageal dysphagia.
• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) shows promise for achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatments for OIED and other spastic esophageal conditions.