ACHALASIA
AND DEGLUSION
Dr. Bello has years of experience in treating patients suffering from swallowing difficulty and achalasia. Our treatment methods have been developed over time through our own experience and with the help of progressive medical research and literature. We have the technology to evaluate your swallowing problems and can offer you the latest state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatment options to correct your problem.
What is achalasia and swallowing?
Achalasia is a rare, progressively degenerative disorder of the muscles of the lower esophagus. The severity of achalasia varies in each individual patient. In patients with achalasia, relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscles between the lower esophagus and the stomach, is absent. This means that food cannot pass into the stomach. The patient will experience severe difficulty swallowing food because the passage to the stomach is blocked.
What are the symptoms of achalasia and swallowing?
The most common symptom of achalasia is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphasia. Patients with achalasia often describe the sensation as if food "sticks" in the chest after swallowing. This is a constant condition: after every drink or meal, the patient will experience this "sticky" sensation. Additional symptoms of achalasia include chest and heart pain, regurgitation of food trapped inside the esophagus, and infections in the trachea. Achalasia is a very serious condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
What are the medical complications associated with achalasia?
The most commonly seen medical complications with achalasia are weight loss and aspiration pneumonia. Pneumonia occurs when inflammation of the esophagus is allowed to progress to an infection within the esophagus. In addition, esophageal ulcerations may begin to form and there is an increased incidence of esophageal cancer.
What causes achalasia?
Achalasia is caused by inflammation of the nerves and muscles within the esophagus. As achalasia progresses, the muscle cells of the esophagus begin to degenerate. The result is an esophageal sphincter that cannot relax or open.
How is achalasia diagnosed?
Achalasia is diagnosed by medical professionals based on the patient's history. Most patients with achalasia describe progressive degeneration of the throat and an increased number of occasions when they are unable to swallow. If a patient is suspected of having achalasia, a diagnosis will be made with esophageal manometry, a special test performed in the office to check the pressures in your esophagus, with the help of x-rays and endoscopic examinations.
What are the treatment options for achalasia?
Fortunately for patients with achalasia, there are a variety of treatment options. The surgical procedure used to treat achalasia is called an esophagomyotomy. The procedure is performed by cutting the esophageal sphincter muscle. The operation has an impressive success rate and usually gives patients permanent results. It can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
Are there other problems that can cause swallowing difficulty?
Yes, we are experts in identifying the cause of swallowing difficulty which may be related to a problem with esophageal function and other mechanical causes.
MIB Surgery, a leading medical institution, is passionately committed to offering state-of-the-art procedures aimed at promoting the maximum well-being of our esteemed patients.