Pneumatic Balloon Dilatation for Achalasia Cardia: Outcome, Complications, Success, and Long-term Follow-up

Abstract

Background: Achalasia is a chronic disease that can be managed with effective endoscopic modalities. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of single setting of pneumatic balloon dilatation for achalasia and assess the long-term success and outcomes. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of all achalasia patients who underwent pneumatic balloon dilatation at our institute. Patients who could be contacted were inquired regarding their symptoms and dysphagia-free interval after dilatation. Results: A total of 72 patients were enrolled. Out of this, 14 patients lost to follow-up. Mean age of 58 patients was 45.02 ± 16.51 years. Male:female ratio was 13:16. Mean predilatation Eckardt score was 7.16 ± 0.834. Type I achalasia was present in 10 (17.2%), type II in 44 (75.9%), type III in 4 (6.9%). Predilatation basal integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 28.14 ± 14.76 mm Hg. Postdilatation Eckardt score was 2.40 ± 1.67. Postdilatation dysphagia-free interval was 17.28 ± 6.70 months. A total of 9 patients (15.51%) failed to respond to first dilatation and 49 (84.48%) patients benefited from single setting of pneumatic dilatation. Esophageal perforation occurred in 2/58 (3.44%). We did not find any significant difference in gender distribution, age of presentation, duration of symptom, pre- and postdilatation Eckardt score, type of achalasia, and basal IRP on manometry between type of achalasia. Postdilatation dysphagia-free interval in type II achalasia (18.09 ± 5.976 months) was more than types I and III achalasia cardia (p = 0.066), which showed trend toward significance. Conclusion: Pneumatic balloon dilatation of achalasia cardia is a highly effective endoscopic procedure with minimal complications and mortality. Even the single setting of dilatation can have long-lasting dysphagia-free interval.