Retrospective analysis of paediatric achalasia in India: Single centre experience

Abstract

Developing countries at tertiary referral centre. The aim of this study was to share our experience of paediatric achalasia in Indian scenario. This was a retrospective analysis of children <16 years, operated for achalasia at our centre, from December 1998 to December 2011. Total 40 patients (mean age 39 ± 4.29 months), including 1 patient of megaesophagus were operated over 13 years of period; 17 patients (associated congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in one patient, non- responders/ lost follow-up for minimum of 3 years in 16 patients) were excluded from the study. The response rate of parents in follow-up was 60.0%. Mean symptoms duration was 27.88 ± 2 months. Most common symptoms were regurgitation and failure to thrive (78.2%). Mean symptom scoring in follow-up after 3 year was 1 ± 0.7 compared to 5 ± 0.51 at the time of admission (P < 0.012). One infant expired (mediastenitis), one developed adhesive intestinal obstruction and one needed posterior re-myotomy (for megaesophagus). There were no treatment failures in mean follow-up of 40.2 ± 5.07 months. Cardiomyotomy with partial fundoplication is the best modality of treatment for paediatric achalasia cardia, even from parents' perspective.