Achalasia is a primary esophageal disorder involving the body of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter affecting equally both genders and all ages. While its etiology remains unclear, the pathophysiologic mechanism involves the destruction of the myenteric plexi responsible for esophageal peristalsis. Given the slow, initially oligosymptomatic progression and relative low prevalence of d...

Radiotelemetric ambulatory 24 hour oesophageal pH measurement was carried out in 17 patients with symptomatic manometrically proven achalasia before and after pneumatic dilatation. Before dilatation an abnormally high percentage acid exposure time was present but typical episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux occurred in only one patient. In nine patients who had a oesophageal food residue these...

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of pneumatic reduction of intussusception using equipment readily available in the hospital. Twenty-two children aged between four months and four years had pneumatic reduction of intussusception. The device used was assembled using (i) a hand-held pump attached to a pressure gauge, and (ii) a 3-way Foley's balloon catheter. There was...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the evidence for balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube using a transtympanic approach. METHODS A systematic search of several databases was conducted (using the search terms 'dilation' or 'dilatation', and 'balloon' and 'eustachian tube'). Only studies that used a transtympanic approach for the procedure were included. These studies were then assessed for risk of ...

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transtympanic balloon catheter dilatation of the Eustachian tube (ET) in a cadaver model. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS A cadaveric study of 10 cadaver heads, which underwent unilateral transtympanic dilatation of the ET with a 3 × 20 mm balloon catheter with full endoscopic guidance and visualization. RESULTS Procedural safety was d...

Tracheal invasion is an uncommon complication of thyroid cancer, but it can cause respiratory failure. A rigid bronchoscope may be used to help relieve airway obstruction, but general anesthesia is usually required. Tracheal balloon dilatation and stent insertion can be performed without general anesthesia, but complete airway obstruction during balloon inflation may be dangerous in some patien...

PURPOSE To verify the results of balloon-catheter dilatation for the treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. To the best of author's knowledge this procedure has not been previously used in Brazil and deserves scientific studies. METHODS Children between 2 and 5 years old, with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction, were treated with balloon-catheter dilatation (Lacricath). Catheter...