Esophageal achalasia after maxillofacial surgery.

An unusual, characteristic case of etiopathic achalasia of the esophagus is reported and the literature is reviewed. This disease has not previously been reported in the dental literature, but is well-known in the medical field. The case report illustrates the salient features of previosuly described achalasia in adults: vague history of asthma with respiratory symptoms of wheezing, obstruction to swallowing, regurgitation, intermittent pain, and peripheral neuritis in a thin patient who claims to be a light eater. The primary concern of the oral surgeon is the management of nutrition. In the case reported, to ingest food. After mobilization of the jaws, the patient could not longer eat the small amounts she could preoperatively. Suspected achalasiactic symptoms should be investigated thoroughly through proper work-up to rule out this disorder before elective surgery is performed. In nonelective cases, the practitioner must be prepared to manage the problems and complications and obtain the proper consultations.