Achalasia cardia: A five-year review in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar, Seremban

Achalasia cardia is an oesophageal motility disorder that affects various age groups. This study focused on the epidemiological features of achalasia, its risk factors, treatment modalities offered and the clinical outcomes in a tertiary hospital.

A retrospective search was carried out on all patients with a diagnosis of achalasia cardia in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar (HTJ), Seremban, Malaysia between 2014 and 2018. Demographic data, patient symptomatology, and definitive management options were determined from the records. Telephone interviews were conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction with the outcome of treatment.

There were 30 patients with a newly diagnosed achalasia cardia in that 5-year period, with an equal incidence among men and women. The mean age of presentation was 44.63 ± 18.21 years. Malays formed the largest group. The mean weight and body mass index were 46.8 ± 10.4 kg and 18.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2 respectively. There was a wide range of duration of symptoms at presentation with a mean of 30.11 ± 35.29 months. Almost all patients presented with dysphagia (96.7%) while 70% also noted loss of weight. All patients underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) and 26 patients (86.7%) had barium swallow as part of diagnostic workup. A total of 18 patients underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy with or without Dor Fundoplication and/or cruroplasty while two patients (6.7%) underwent pneumatic dilatation as first treatment. Iatrogenic mucosal perforations were detected in 8 patients who underwent myotomy and fundoplication and were repaired intraoperatively. Of the patients who underwent myotomy and fundoplication, the mean weight increase was 15.6kg, increasing from 43.0 ± 8.4 kg to 58.6 ± 13.7 kg. All the patients who underwent treatment were satisfied with their treatment outcomes.

Most patients with achalasia cardia deemed suitable for surgery and counselled accordingly accept surgery resulting in high levels of satisfaction and weight gain in almost all these patients. A small minority who opt for pneumatic dilatation may also achieve satisfactory outcomes comparable to surgery in the short term. Although rare, clinicians should be able to recognise this disease early as early intervention often leads to satisfactory longterm outcomes.