Treatment of megaesophagus with forced dilatation of cardia through hydrostatic balloon attached to a fiberesophagoscope.

The treatment of megaesophagus through the forced dilatation of the cardia has been used in Brazilian medical centers for the treatment of megaesophagus in the initial stage. In patients with advanced megaesophagus without surgical conditions due to the involvement of various systems or those who present severe degrees of malnutrition it is necessary to perform the dilatation of the cardia even with an temporary effect for the improvement of the general condition. The dilatation balloon usually employed does not permit the device to be used safely due to the deviation of the axis of the distal third of the esophagus. A hydrostatic balloon attached to the fiberesophagoscope was adapted to allow the dilating apparatus to be introduced under direct vision for greater safety. Twenty-one patients were treated under the above mentioned conditions and the results justified the indication.