The effect of pneumatic balloon dilatation on gastric emptying in patients with achalasia.

Achalasia is a disease that characterized by relaxation hazard of lower esophageal sphincter. In patients with achalasia, it's known that gastric emptying time is delayed. In this study we aimed to evaluate the difference between the gastric emptying time before and after pneumatic balloon dilatation. Nine achalasia patients (7 female, mean age 51.5 +/- 13.1, range 36-71 year) that were diagnosed as clinically, radiologically and manometrically were enrolled into the study. In all patients, before and after pneumatic dilatation, gastric emptying time was measured with radionuclide method after eating a solid meal. In severely effected patients labeled egg was passed to stomach by a nasogastric tube. One hour after observing initial gastric activity, irradiation was detected dynamically. Radionuclide emptying time before (T1/2) dilatation was a mean of 301.9 +/- 64.7, and after dilatation 221.7 +/- 370.8 minute (p=0.018). As a result, elongation in gastric emptying time in patients with achalasia significantly decreases after effective pneumatic balloon dilatation.