Pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia

Pneumatic dilatation is an accepted treatment for achalasia. However, in Australia, its use is limited, with oesophagomyotomy being the usual treatment. Since April, 1977, pneumatic dilatation has been used as the initial treatment for achalasia at The St George Hospital. Ten patients have been treated, with a successful result in seven. There were no complications. These results are in agreement with those published previously and compare favourably with those of oesophagomyotomy. They support the view that pneumatic dilatation is a safe, simple and effective means of treating achalasia.