TWO CASES WITH ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA MARKEDLY IMPROVED BY BALLOON DILATATION

Abstract

The first subject was a 46-year-old male diagnosed as grade II spindle type esophageal achalasia. Direct endoscopic dilatation was performed using a Rigiflex TTS balloon dilator (Microvasive) for strictures of the upper digestive tract, and reduction of the esophageal maximum transverse diameter was confirmed by esophagogram. The second subject was a 51-year-old female diagnosed as grade II sigmoid type esophageal achalasia, and treated by endoscopic dilatation. Following treatment, maximum transverse diameter had been decreased, and food intake became possible. Direct endoscopic balloon dilatation is thought to be an extremely safe method which allows direct visual manipulation and observation of the mucus membrane.