Nitrates for achalasia

Effect of nitrates on LOS pressure in achalasia: a potential therapeutic aid.

The effect of a long-acting nitrate, isosorbide dinitrate (ID) 5 mg sublingually, on the lower oesophageal sphincter was tested in 24 patients with achalasia. The drug caused a reduction in LOS pressure in all cases. The mean LOS pressure fell from 46.32.7 mmHg to 15.31.8 mmHg (p less than 0.01). The pressure began to drop after several minutes, reaching its lowest levels after 15 minutes. This...

Robotic telesurgery for achalasia

The craft of surgery has always relied on the use of instruments. Innovations in surgery have paralleled innovations in instrumentation. Advances in surgical instrumentation continue today and have enabled huge strides in surgical procedures and outcomes during this generation. Computers and related technology are now changing the interface between the surgeon and the patient, and are poised to...

Surgical Therapy for Achalasia

Achalasia.

Achalasia is the best understood and most readily treatable esophageal motility disorder. It serves as a prototype for disorders of the enteric nervous system with degeneration of the myenteric neurons that innervate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and esophageal body. Investigations into the pathogenesis have highlighted the importance of nitric oxide and the possible role of an autoimmun...

Achalasia

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder characterized by lack of esophageal peristalsis and poor lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. Clinically, achalasia manifests as progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids and mild weight loss. Predisposition to esophageal cancer is not prevalent, but certain tumors may mimic achalasia. The diagnosis of achalasia is relatively easy to ma...