Treatment of achalasia in the era of high-resolution manometry

Abstract

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis leading to impaired bolus transit, manifested with symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, retrosternal pain, and weight loss. The standard diagnostic tool is esophageal manometry which demonstrates incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and impaired esophageal peristalsis. Recently, a new advanced technique, high-resolution manometry (HRM) with the addition of pressure topography plotting, using multiple sensors to capture the manometric data as a spatial continuum, allows a detailed pressure recording of the esophageal motility. This technique, currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of achalasia, has led to a subclassification of three manometric types that seem to have different responsiveness to treatment. Because its pathogenesis is as yet unknown, achalasia treatment options are not curative. Type II achalasia patients respond better to treatment compared to those with types I and III. Low-risk patients with type I or II achalasia have good outcome with both graded pneumatic dilatations and laparoscopic Heller myotomy, while type III achalasia patients respond better to laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Although, type III achalasia patients responds less in comparison to types I and II to laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a promising new technique but long-term follow-up studies for its safety and efficacy must be performed. This article reviews the current therapeutic options, highlighting the impact of HRM to predict the outcome and the new insights for the treatment of achalasia.

Keywords: Achalasia; botox; high-resolution manometry; laparoscopic Heller myotomy; peroral endoscopic myotomy; pneumatic dilatation.

Figure 1

Achalasia subtypes according to Chicago classification. (A) Type I (classic achalasia) refers to patients with absence of peristalsis, no pressurization within the esophageal body, high integrated relaxation pressure (IRP). (B) Type II (achalasia with compression) refers to patients with absence of peristalsis, and contractile activity, panesophageal pressurization >30 mmHg, and high IRP. (C) Type III patient (spastic achalasia), refers to patients with absence of peristalsis, and two or more spastic contractions with or without periods of compartmentalized pressurization and a high IRP

Figure 2

Therapeutic algorithm for achalasia patients