Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus pneumatic dilation for achalasia

Abstract

Although rare, achalasia is the most common oesophageal motility disorder. Achalasia is characterised by the absence of normal peristalsis and the failure of the gastro-oesophageal junction to relax. Pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy have been the mainstay of management of achalasia for several decades. More recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy has emerged as an effective endoscopic alternative to laparoscopic Heller myotomy and pneumatic dilation, with similar results to laparoscopic Heller myotomy at 2-year follow-up.