Achalasia
Achalasia is a condition which affects the nerves and muscles of the oesophagus (foodpipe). The oesophagus muscles do not function properly. This can cause swallowing difficulty, with food and fluid finding it difficult to pass through into the stomach. Patients often describe a sensation of food getting stuck, or regurgitation of food (bringing food back up).
How is it diagnosed?
Oesophageal manometry – this test involves placing a small plastic tube into the oesophagus. Pressure sensors measure the function of the oesophagus while you swallow. The test takes approximately 30 minutes. It is the main test for diagnosing achalasia
Endoscopy – An endoscopy is essential to rule out any other serious causes of swallowing difficulties.
TREATMENT
Whilst there are no treatments that can make the oesophagus muscles work again, there are a number of different trataments which can help to improve symptoms. These all work by relaxing or cutting some of the muscle fibres of the oesophagus, so that food passes through more easily with gravity.
Mr Cockbain will discuss the different treatment options with you. He offers minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery to divide the muscles of the oesophagus. This is called Heller’s cardiomyotomy. One advantage of this operation over other treatments is that a fundoplication “wrap” is performed at the same time. This reduces the risk of acid reflux, which is more likely after the other treatment options.
