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Evaluating the Non-conventional Achalasia Treatment Modalities
1Department of Gastroenterology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Frontiers in Medicine
|July 11, 2022
Summary
This review explores non-conventional treatments for achalasia, a rare esophageal disorder. While options like injections and drugs exist, high-quality evidence is limited, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Disorders
- Medical Treatments
Background:
- Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder.
- Conventional treatments are well-studied, but non-conventional options are less understood.
- Non-conventional treatments include cardiectomy, cardioplasty, endoluminal injections, stents, and various drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review non-conventional therapeutic options for achalasia.
- To provide clinicians and patients with information on all management tools for achalasia.
Main Methods:
- A critical review was performed.
- Included endoscopic, surgical, and pharmacological treatments.
- A qualitative synthesis of findings was presented.
Main Results:
- Non-conventional treatments encompass medical, endoscopic, and surgical procedures.
- Various substances (ethanolamine oleate, polidocanol, botulinum toxin) and drugs (beta-agonists, nitrates, calcium channel blockers) were reviewed.
- Stents and surgical procedures like cardiectomy and cardioplasty were also considered.
Conclusions:
- Non-conventional therapies offer diverse options for achalasia management.
- Many studies on these treatments lack high-quality evidence.
- Future randomized trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of non-conventional achalasia treatments.
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