A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether Heller's myotomy provides superior results in comparison to botulinum toxin injection (BoTx) for treatment of achalasia. A total of 119 papers were retrieved using the reported searches of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results were tabulated. The highest level of evidence was one multicenter randomised controlled trial. We concluded that Heller's myotomy is superior to botulinum toxin injection for treatment of achalasia in terms of short and long term clinical outcome. Botulinum toxin injection may be considered in older patients and in patients for whom an operation or pneumatic dilation entails a higher risk, or as a bridge when these more effective modalities are not immediately available. It has an excellent safety profile and can be performed as a day case procedure.
A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. In [patients with primary oesophageal achalasia] is [laparoscopic Heller Myotomy] superior to [endoscopic dilatation] with respect to [clinical outcomes]. In total 49 papers were found using the reported search, and eight of these represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results are tabulated. Existing evidence shows that LHM is associated with improved post-operative symptoms and reduced clinical relapse rates compared to ED. Satisfactory clinical outcomes with ED often require repeat procedures performed over time and are associated with an increased risk of oesophageal perforation compared to LHM. One prospective randomized study showed no significant difference in post-operative outcomes between LHM and ED but this was limited by lack of standardization in the endoscopic dilatation procedure, limited reporting of complications and poor long-term follow up. Current evidence shows oesophageal perforation during LHM may be successfully managed intra-operatively but in ED usually requires further laparoscopic or open operative intervention. Fundoplication during LHM is associated with reduced incidence of post-operative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. There is an increased risk of clinical relapse regardless of the treatment in patients with a sigmoid-shaped oesophagus or reduced oesophageal sphincter pressure assessed during pre-treatment manometry. Current studies are limited by study design, variations in operative technique and dilatation regimens, and limited follow up times. Further higher power studies matching patients for disease severity and surgical technique with longer follow up may enable greater understanding of differences in outcomes and improved patient selection for different treatment regimens.
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