Pneumatic balloon dilatation versus laparoscopic Heller's myotomy in idiopathic achalasia
type: CreativeWork
description: Background Both laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) and pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) are widely used in the management of achalasia, but there is still no clarity as to which of these interventions is the best treatment for patients with the condition. Methods Newly diagnosed achalasia patients were randomised into PBD or LHM. The severity of achalasia symptoms in all participants was documented using the Eckardt score, a clinical symptom score whose components are dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss. The Eckardt score ranges from 0 in those with no symptoms to 12 in patients with pronounced symptoms. The primary outcome, therapeutic success, was defined as a drop in the Eckardt score to <3 or subsequent need for alternative intervention. The secondary outcome was the complication rate, including mortality, in the two treatment arms.
abstract: Background Both laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) and pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) are widely used in the management of achalasia, but there is still no clarity as to which of these interventions is the best treatment for patients with the condition. Methods Newly diagnosed achalasia patients were randomised into PBD or LHM. The severity of achalasia symptoms in all participants was documented using the Eckardt score, a clinical symptom score whose components are dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss. The Eckardt score ranges from 0 in those with no symptoms to 12 in patients with pronounced symptoms. The primary outcome, therapeutic success, was defined as a drop in the Eckardt score to <3 or subsequent need for alternative intervention. The secondary outcome was the complication rate, including mortality, in the two treatment arms.
author: Hlatshwayo, Sabelo Jabulani
language: eng
date published: 2015
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:23:19Z
provider: University of Cape Town
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Department of Public Health and Family Medicine

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/19905