V F Eckardt1, I Gockel, G Bernhard. 1. Deutsche Klinik für Diagnostik, Wiesbaden, Germany. eckardt.gastro@dkd-wiesbaden.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: and aims: In this prospective study, we determined the long term clinical course of patients with achalasia who were treated by pneumatic dilation using the Browne-McHardy dilator, and determined whether previously described predictors of outcome remain significant after prolonged follow up. METHODS: Between 1981 and 1991, 54 consecutive patients were treated by pneumatic dilation and followed up at regular intervals for a median of 13.8 years. Remission was determined with the use of a structured interview and a previously described symptom score. Duration of remission was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to recurrence. Predictors of outcome were determined using the log rank test. RESULTS: Complete follow up until 2002 was obtained in 98% of all patients. Seven patients had died and were censored. A single pneumatic dilation resulted in a five year remission rate of 40% and a 10 year remission rate of 36%. Repeated dilations only mildly improved the clinical response. Patients who were older than 40 years had a significantly better outcome than younger patients (log rank test, p = 0.0014). However, the most significant predictive factor for a favourable long term outcome was a post-dilation lower oesophageal sphincter pressure of less than 10 mm Hg (log rank test, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Long term results of pneumatic dilation are less favourable than previously thought. Young patients and those not responding to a single pneumatic dilation should be offered alternative therapy. Patients who remain in remission for five years are likely to benefit from the longlasting treatment effect of pneumatic dilation.
BACKGROUND: and aims: In this prospective study, we determined the long term clinical course of patients with achalasia who were treated by pneumatic dilation using the Browne-McHardy dilator, and determined whether previously described predictors of outcome remain significant after prolonged follow up. METHODS: Between 1981 and 1991, 54 consecutive patients were treated by pneumatic dilation and followed up at regular intervals for a median of 13.8 years. Remission was determined with the use of a structured interview and a previously described symptom score. Duration of remission was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to recurrence. Predictors of outcome were determined using the log rank test. RESULTS: Complete follow up until 2002 was obtained in 98% of all patients. Seven patients had died and were censored. A single pneumatic dilation resulted in a five year remission rate of 40% and a 10 year remission rate of 36%. Repeated dilations only mildly improved the clinical response. Patients who were older than 40 years had a significantly better outcome than younger patients (log rank test, p = 0.0014). However, the most significant predictive factor for a favourable long term outcome was a post-dilation lower oesophageal sphincter pressure of less than 10 mm Hg (log rank test, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Long term results of pneumatic dilation are less favourable than previously thought. Young patients and those not responding to a single pneumatic dilation should be offered alternative therapy. Patients who remain in remission for five years are likely to benefit from the longlasting treatment effect of pneumatic dilation.
Authors: R L West; D P Hirsch; J F W M Bartelsman; J de Borst; G Ferwerda; G N J Tytgat; G E Boeckxstaens Journal: Am J Gastroenterol Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 10.864
Authors: Dimitrios Stefanidis; William Richardson; Timothy M Farrell; Geoffrey P Kohn; Vedra Augenstein; Robert D Fanelli Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2011-11-02 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Paul J Karanicolas; Shona E Smith; Richard I Inculet; Richard A Malthaner; Richard P Reynolds; Ron Goeree; Amiram Gafni Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2007-05-04 Impact factor: 4.584