Pneumatic dilatation in achalasia under endoscopic guidance: correlation pre- and postdilatation by radionuclide scintiscan.

Pneumatic dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter was accomplished by endoscopic visualization and positioning of a modified polyurethane dilator (90 F diameter) without fluoroscopy in 17 consecutive patients with advanced symptomatic achalasia. All patients were monitored for completeness of dilation by pre- and postdilation radionuclide scintiscan. Despite advanced megaesophagus, prior dilatations, or complicating disease, all patients showed prompt relief of symptoms.