Pneumatic dilatation in achalasia.

Pneumatic dilatation of achalasia cardia was performed on 22 patients using Rider-Moeller bag under fluoroscopic control-during a three year period. The diagnosis was established at barium study and endoscopy. A total of 28 dilatations were performed on 22 patients. Sixteen patients required a single dilatation, five required another sitting while one patient had to be dilated thrice. Surgery was not required in any patient. There was a single complication in the form of an intramural leak which could be successfully managed conservatively. Our short term follow up results reiterate the consensus that pneumatic dilatation should be the initial form of management in these cases.