High Resolution Manometry - A Mandatory Examination in the Pre and Postoperative Assessment of Patients with Achalasia.

Abstract

High resolution manometry (HRM) is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of achalasia and other functional esophageal disorders. All patients accusing dysphagia should be endoscopically evaluated prior to manometric investigations in order to rule out pseudoachalasia. The Chicago HRM classification has led to a subclassification of three manometric types of achalasia that seem to have different results to treatment. None of the actual achalasia treatment options are curative. Type II achalasia patients respond best to all treatment options compared to those with types I and III. Pneumatic dilation (PD) or Heller miotomy (LHM) can be both chosen as initial therapy in type I and II as they have good outcome , while type III achalasia patients respond better to LHM as a first therapeutic option. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a promising new technique but long-term follow-up studies for its safety and efficacy must be performed. This article reviews the current therapeutic options in achalasia and other functional esophageal disorders, based on the differences in safety and efficacy between approaches, highlighting the impact of HRM to predict the outcome but also the role of the techinque in guiding antireflux surgery.