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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2013; 19(35): 5806-5812
Published online Sep 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i35.5806
Published online Sep 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i35.5806
Achalasia: A review of clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment and outcomes
Orla M O’Neill, Helen G Coleman, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom
Brian T Johnston, Department of Gastroenterology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Johnston BT and Coleman HG had the review concept; O’Neill OM drafted the first version of the manuscript; all authors contributed to the editing and approval of the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Helen G Coleman, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B, Royal Victoria Hospital Site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom. h.coleman@qub.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-28-90635049 Fax: +44-28-90235900
Received: May 25, 2013
Revised: June 30, 2013
Accepted: July 18, 2013
Published online: September 21, 2013
Revised: June 30, 2013
Accepted: July 18, 2013
Published online: September 21, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Achalasia remains a disease of unknown aetiology. Multicentre studies could help elucidate the cause, especially as it presents with a similar phenotype to Chagas disease which is much better understood. Improved understanding of aetiology could guide novel treatments. Current treat choice in fit patients lies between pneumatic dilatation and laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy. Botulinum toxin is appropriate and effective for those unfit for other intervention. Novel treatments such as metal stents and natural orifice surgery are being trialled.