[Results of treatment of achalasia with special reference to gastroesophageal reflux].

Patients with achalasia, which had been treated in the Department of Surgery, University of Bonn, from 1953 to 1983 (n = 142), were examined by a detailed questionnaire (n = 90), endoscopy and biopsy (n = 47), esophagography (n = 53) and by gastric reflux scintigraphy (n = 12). The results of dilatation and surgical procedures are compared. Although the incidence of gastric reflux was very seldom, an esophagitis could be seen frequently. The dilatation of the esophagus is succeeded, if there is left any myogenic tone. Otherwise an esophagomyotomy by left thoracotomy should be performed without an antireflux operation.