Efficacy of Rigiflex balloon dilatation in 12 children with achalasia: a 6-month prospective study showing weight gain and symptomatic improvement.

Achalasia cardia is a disease of adolescents and is rare in children. In total, 12 children with primary achalasia, with a mean age of 10.8 +/- 2 years, were prospectively evaluated for the efficacy of a 30-mm-diameter Rigiflex balloon for relief of symptoms and weight gain after 1 and 6 months of follow up. The 12 children were evaluated and treated for achalasia, with pneumatic balloon dilatation, from January 1998 to December 2000. They were studied for basal, 1-, and 6-month post-dilatation composite symptoms for dysphagia, regurgitation, night cough and heartburn. Basal and 5-min post-dilatation barium swallow were obtained to compare barium height and width for efficacy of dilatation and to evaluate for complications. There were no complications. Barium height, width, composite symptom score and weight improved significantly up to the 6-month follow up. Rigiflex balloon dilatation of 30-mm diameter is safe and effective in children with achalasia.