Achalasia at the Crossroads Between Specialties

Background: Achalasia is a condition that can be treated either by surgery, such as Heller myotomy associated with an antireflux procedure, or by pneumatic dilation, the choice of type of treatment being a widely debated topic nowadays. Methods: We selected patients with the diagnosis of achalasia, calculating the Eckardt score on admission and they were treated by pneumatic dilation, respectively by myotomy associated with fundoplication. Therapeutic success at the end of treatment was analyzed, as well as that in subsequent follow-ups. At the same time, other important aspects of the study were quality of life and complications. Results: Forty-eight patients were included, 20 in the group of those treated by pneumatic dilation, and 28 treated by surgery. The results of the therapeutic success were to the advantage of the surgery, both after the completion of the treatment, and in the follow-ups from one year to 2 years (96.4% vs 90%, respectively 92.9% vs. 85%). The quality of life was better in patients with pneumatic dilation throughout the period. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of achalasia has a higher success rate than pneumatic dilation, but the latter is associated with a better quality of life.