Esophageal Achalasia: An Overview of Current Therapies

Abstract

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus that affects the esophagogastric junction's peristalsis and relaxation. It has an incidence of approximately 1.6 per 100,000 individuals. Esophageal achalasia commonly presents with dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. Diagnosis is often challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach with a combination of clinical presentation, patient history, and diagnostic test findings. Among the most useful diagnostic tools for this condition are upper endoscopy, barium esophagograms, and manometry. Treatment options include medication, endoscopic interventions, and surgery. The most suitable management has to be determined on a case-by-case basis. While current treatments can help improve symptoms and quality of life for many patients with achalasia, further research is still needed to improve the success rates and outcomes for patients. This article provides a narrative review of the role of current therapeutic options for esophageal achalasia, focusing mainly on surgical options.