Outcome Measures for Achalasia: Beyond the Eckardt Score

Abstract

Primary achalasia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The goal of therapy is to disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter to improve emptying while avoiding reflux. Patient reported outcomes continue to be the primary measure of success of myotomy but objective measures of myotomy adequacy, GERD development, and reinterventions are also critical outcomes post treatment. A simple, tabular broad based scoring card that captures each of these testing measures can better display the changes that arise after intervention and allow for comparison.

Pneumatic Dilation: Keep It in the Tool Box

“…In this issue of Foregut, a gastroenterologist and surgeon discuss the pros and cons of PD. 3,4 Dr. Shemmeri et al 5 address the importance of outcomes beyond the Eckardt score in evaluating treatment and 2 gastroenterologists with extensive experience, Drs Clarke and Boeckxstaens, 6 present their technique of PD in a “How I do it piece.” Dr. Clarke presents his preference for EsoFLIP and Dr Boeckxstaens describes a long-used technique, which while clearly successful, is not commonly performed in the US.…”