Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2011 Jun;42(6):341-348.

Endoscopic Treatment of Primary Esophageal Motility Disorders

• Lee JS

Abstract

Treatment of primary esophageal motility disorders, particularly achalasia, has developed enormously. The proven treatments for these patients include mostly endoscopic methods. Currently, pneumatic dilatation and laparoscopic myotomy with partial fundoplication are both useful for treating achalasia. A young man with high lower esophageal sphincter pressure might be best indicated for a laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication, whereas an older patient with a high risk for surgery or vigorous achalasia may for a candidate for an endoscopic botulinum toxin injection. Pneumatic balloon dilatation is the choice of treatment for other cases of achalasia. The best treatment option for a nonachalasia spastic motor disorder of the esophagus may be endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin. In the future, endoscopic injection of neuronal stem cells could be the best treatment option for achalasia.

Keyword

Esophageal motility disorder; Esophageal achalasia; Balloon dilatation

MeSH Terms

Botulinum Toxins
Dilatation
Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal Motility Disorders
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower
Esophagus
Fundoplication
Humans
Muscle Spasticity
Neurons
Stem Cells
Botulinum Toxins