Primary Motility Disorder Research Articles

Comprehensive analysis of nutritional parameters in patients with idiopathic achalasia: A prospective study in India.

Achalasia cardia, a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, poses significant malnutrition risks. This study aims at comprehensively assessing the nutritional status in untreated achalasia patients, contrasting it with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) cases and impact of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on nutrition at one-year. We conducted a prospective study, including consecutive achalasia cases, from December 2021 to April 2022 at a tertiary care centre. Biochemical parameters, anthropometry, subjective global assessment (SGA) and malnutrition universal screening tool were used for nutritional assessment. Cases diagnosed with FGIDs served as controls. As many as118 cases (41.2 ± 13.9years, 61% males) with achalasia and 200 controls (43.4 ± 11.9years, 69% males) were included in the study. Sub-types of achalasia included type I (16.9%), II (76.3%) and III (6.8%). Overall, 38.1% and 6.8% cases were moderately and severely malnourished, respectively. As compared to controls, cases with achalasia had lower pre-albumin (19.4 vs. 25.2; p = 0.001), serum calcium (p = 0.012), vitamin D (p = 0.001), serum iron (p = 0.001), triceps fold thickness (p = 0.002) and hand-grip strength (p = 0.001). On univariate analysis, type-I achalasia, body mass index, % weight loss, lower esophageal sphincter pressures and Eckardt scores were predictors of malnourishment (SGA). On multivariate analysis, type of achalasia, mid arm circumference and low body mass index were significant predictors of malnourishment in cases with achalasia. There was significant improvement in the nutritional status after POEM at one-year follow-up. Achalasia patients demonstrate a notably higher risk of malnutrition compared to individuals with FGIDs. Nutritional status significantly improves after POEM. (NCT05161923).

Pediatric to adult transition care in neurogastroenterology and motility: A position paper from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Transition services-programs that support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as they move from a child-centered to a more autonomous, adult-orientated healthcare system-have been associated with improved short- and long-term healthcare outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence exploring transition services within the neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) field. The overall aim of this article, endorsed by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, is to promote a discussion about the role of transition services for patients with NGM disorders. The AYAs addressed herein are those who have: (a) a ROME positive disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), (b) a primary or secondary motility disorder (including those with motility disorders that have been surgically managed), or (c) an artificial feeding requirement (parenteral or enteral tube feeding) to manage malnutrition secondary to categories (a) or (b). The issues explored in this position paper include the specific physical and psychological healthcare needs of patients with NGM disorders; key healthcare professionals who should form part of a secondary care NGM transition service; the triadic relationship between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients; approaches to selecting patients who may benefit most from transition care; methods to assess transition readiness; and strategies with which to facilitate transfer of care between healthcare professionals. Key areas for future research are also addressed, including the construction of NGM-specific transition readiness questionnaires, tools to assess post-transfer healthcare outcomes, and educational programs to train healthcare professionals about transition care in NGM.

The Results of Pneumatic Balloon Dilatation Treatment in Children with Achalasia: A Single-Center Experience.

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by a relaxation disorder of the lower esophageal sphincter. In pneumatic balloon dilatation, which is one of the treatment methods, the muscle fibers are torn with an endoscopically inflated balloon in the lower esophageal sphincter. This study aimed to evaluate the results of long-term pneumatic balloon dilatation treatment in our clinic for children diagnosed with achalasia. Pediatric patients who underwent pneumatic balloon dilatation with a diagnosis of achalasia in our pediatric gastroenterology clinic between 2016 and 2021 were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients, clinical findings at diagnosis, and follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively. Ten patients who underwent 18 pneumatic balloon dilatation operations were included in the study. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 23.7 ± 14.1 months. It was observed that the procedure was performed once in 3 (30%) patients, twice in 2 (20%) patients, and 3 times in 3 (30%) patients. It is noteworthy that the diameter of the balloon used in the first procedure in patients who needed repeated operations was less than 30 mm. No complications were observed except for chest pain, which was detected in 1 patient. When the patients who needed recurrent dilatation were evaluated, it was noted that the diameter of the balloon in which the first procedure was performed in these patients was smaller. This study is an important contribution to the literature due to the scarcity of the pediatric achalasia data, in which long-term results related to pneumatic balloon dilatation are reported in Turkey.

Autoimmune Dysphagia Related to Rheumatologic Disorders: A Focused Review on Diagnosis and Treatment.

Autoimmune dysphagia is defined as dysphagia caused by autoimmune processes affecting various components of the swallowing processsuch as muscle, neuromuscular junction, nerves, roots, brainstem, or cortex. These autoimmune causes can be classified into gastroenterological, dermatological, rheumatologic, and neurologic. Rheumatological disorders, such as scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, or granulomatosis with polyangiitis, have been associated with dysphagia. Autoimmune dysphagia in the context of rheumatological disorders is particularly significant because it can occur as a sole manifestation or as part of a symptom complex associated with the underlying disorder and often responds to immunosuppressive therapies. However, diagnosing autoimmune dysphagia can be challenging as it requires the exclusion of structural and primary motility disorders through procedures such as endoscopy and manometry. Early diagnosis is important to improve the quality of life and prevent significant mortality and morbidity. Management focuses on treating the underlying disease activity, and a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialties may be necessary to achieve success. This article aims to review the autoimmune rheumatological conditions that can lead to dysphagia and discuss the associated pathophysiological mechanisms. We also outline the clinical clues and laboratory testing methods that facilitate early diagnosis, with the goal of improving patient outcomes through timely intervention and appropriate management.

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor Is a Persistently Effective Treatment for Achalasia Even in Pediatric Patients: A 25-Year Experience at a Single Tertiary Center.

Esophageal achalasia (EA) is a rare primary motility disorder in any age group, and particularly rare in the pediatric population, with a reported incidence of 0.18 per 100,000 children a year. EA in pediatric age is currently treated in the same way as in adults, but this approach is based on only a few studies on small case series. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the long-term outcome of the laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) procedure when performed in pediatric patients with EA at our university hospital. We considered children and adolescents younger than 16 years old diagnosed with EA and treated with LHD between 1996 and 2022. Clinical data were prospectively collected in an ongoing database. Symptoms were recorded and their severity was calculated using the Eckardt score. Barium swallow, esophageal manometry (conventional or high-resolution), and endoscopy were performed before and after the surgical procedure. During the study period, 40 children with a median age of 14 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-15) underwent LHD. At a median follow-up of 10.5 years (IQR: 4.5-13.9), a good outcome was achieved in 36/40 patients (90%). Two of the four patients whose surgical procedure failed underwent complementary pneumatic dilations successfully, thus increasing the overall success rate to 95%. A previous endoscopic treatment (in five patients) did not affect the final outcome (p = 0.49). An intraoperative mucosal lesion was detected in only one patient (2.5%) and was repaired at the time without further consequences. During the follow-up, 22 patients underwent endoscopy, and 17 had pH monitoring as well: only 2 of these patients showed reflux esophagitis at endoscopy (one of them with abnormal findings on pH monitoring), amounting to a 9.1% rate of instrumentally confirmed postoperative reflux. LHD is a safe and persistently effective treatment for EA in pediatric age, with a success rate comparable with what is usually obtained in adults, and better than what has been reported to date in the pediatric literature. Adding a fundoplication certainly helps ensure an optimal long-term control of any gastroesophageal reflux induced by the myotomy.

Opioid-Induced Esophageal Dysmotility (OIED) - A Case Report.

Recent studies have shown that chronic opioid use is associated with an increased risk of symptomatic esophageal motility disorders. Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) is most often identified in patients taking high doses of opioids. This condition is associated with poorer treatment outcomes than primary motility disorders and management of these cases is further complicated by the presence of chronic pain, opioid addiction, and physical and psychological comorbidity.We present the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian woman with OIED, induced by the chronic intake of low-dose Fentanyl and Tramadol prescribed to treat severe back pain. The clinical course highlights the sometimes difficult diagnosis and management of this recently recognized condition.

Prevalence of neurodegenerative/demyelinating disorders in patients with achalasia.

IntroductionEsophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder. Although the exact pathogenesis is unknown, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative processes seem to be involved similarly to neurodegenerative and/or demyelinating disorders (NDDs). We hypothesized that the prevalence of NDD may be higher among patients with achalasia and vice versa as the background pathogenetic mechanisms are similar.MethodsThis was a prospective, comparative questionnaire-based study. Patients with achalasia and patients with NDD were enrolled. Selected patients with achalasia were thoroughly examined by a neurologist and selected patients with NDD were examined by a gastroenterologist to confirm or rule out NDD or achalasia. We assessed the prevalence of both achalasia and NDD and compared them with their prevalence in general population.ResultsA total of 150 patients with achalasia and 112 patients with NDD were enrolled. We observed an increased prevalence of NDD among patients with achalasia (6.0% (9/150); 95% CI (confidence interval): 3.1–11.2%) as compared to the estimated 2.0% prevalence in general population (p = 0.003). Although 32 out of 112 patients (28.6%) with NDD reported dysphagia, we did not observe significantly increased prevalence of achalasia in these patients (1.8% (2/112) vs 0.8% in general population, p = 0.226).ConclusionThe prevalence of NDD was significantly higher among patients with achalasia (6.0%) compared to general population (2.0%), suggesting an association of these disorders. Large-volume studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Toupet Fundoplication.

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder of unknown origin. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the resistance caused by a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter, therefore allowing passage of foodand liquid from the esophagus into the stomach. A myotomy with a partial fundoplication (anterior Doror posteriorToupet) is considered the standard of care for patients with achalasia. In the following review, we describe the indications and technique for a posterior partial fundoplication (Toupet).

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and robotic Heller myotomy: when is it indicated?

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of unknown origin. Palliative treatment is often adopted to resolve its symptoms by eliminating the resistance due to a non-relaxing and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. There are three available effective treatment modalities: pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication, and peroral endoscopic myotomy. In choosing the proper treatment, it is important to remember that the esophagus lacks peristalsis in patients with achalasia. So once the lower esophageal sphincter is eliminated, reflux may occur with the potential of causing reflux symptoms, esophagitis, peptic strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and cancer. For this reason, we believe that laparoscopic myotomy offers the best chance in most patients of improving esophageal emptying while protecting them from abnormal reflux.

Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction and Hiatal Hernia: Is Hernia Repair Alone Sufficient?

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is attributed to primary/idiopathic causes or secondary/mechanical causes, including hiatal hernias (HH). While patients with HH and EGJOO (HH+EGJOO) may undergo HH repair without myotomy, it is unclear if an underlying motility disorder is missed by therapy which addresses only the secondary EGJOO cause. The goal of this study was to determine if HH repair alone is sufficient management for HH+EGJOO patients. A retrospective review of patients who underwent HH repair between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2020 was performed. Patients who underwent high-resolution esophageal manometry(HREM) within one year before HH repair were included. Patients with and without EGJOO on pre-operative HREM were compared. Sixty-three patients were identified. Pre-operative HREM findings included: 43 (68.3%) normal, 13 (20.6%) EGJOO, 4 (6.3%) minor disorder or peristalsis, 2 (3.2%) achalasia, and 1 (1.6%) major disorder of peristalsis. No differences between patients with EGJOO or normal findings on pre-operative manometry were found in pre-operative demographics/risk factors, pre-operative symptoms, and pre-operative HREM, except higher integrated relaxation pressure in EGJOO patients. No differences were noted in length of stay, 30-day complications, long-term persistent symptoms, or recurrence with mean follow-up of 26-months. Of the 3 (23.1%) EGJOO patients with persistent symptoms, 2 underwent HREM demonstrating persistent EGJOO and none required endoscopic/surgical myotomy. Most HH+EGJOO patients experienced symptom resolution following HH repair alone and none required additional intervention to address a missed primary motility disorder. Further study is required to determine optimal management of patients with persistent EGJOO following HH repair.

Bradycardia secondary to achalasia cardia: A case report

Achalasia cardia (AC) is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the absence of oesophageal peristalsis and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. AC is known to be associated with symptomatic bradycardia, dizziness and rarely swallow syncope.

Impaired Proximal Esophageal Contractility Predicts Pharyngeal Reflux in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES:The pathophysiology of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remains incompletely understood. Proximal esophageal motor dysfunction may impair bolus clearance, increasing the risk of pharyngeal refluxate exposure. We aimed to evaluate the association of proximal esophageal contractility with objective reflux metrics.METHODS:We evaluated adults with LPR symptoms undergoing high-resolution manometry (HRM) and combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing at a tertiary center between March 2018 and August 2019. Routine parameters per Chicago classification were obtained on HRM. Proximal esophageal contractility was evaluated using proximal contractile integral (PCI), which quantifies contractile pressure >20 mm Hg for the region spanning the distal margin of the upper esophageal sphincter and transition zone. Univariate (Kendall correlation and Student t test) and multivariable (general linear regression and logistic regression) analyses were performed.RESULTS:We enrolled 138 patients (66.7% women, mean age 57.1 years) in this study. Lower PCI was associated with an elevated risk of increased pharyngeal reflux (adjusted odds ratio 0.83 per 100 mm Hg-s-cm change in PCI, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.98), with a trend toward increased bolus exposure time and total reflux events, after multivariable adjustment. The relationship between PCI and pharyngeal reflux was strongest among participants without a primary motility disorder on HRM (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.85, P interaction = 0.04). Among continuously expressed reflux parameters, lower PCI was significantly associated with more distal acid reflux events (β = −0.0094, P = 0.03) and total reflux events (β = −0.0172, P = 0.05), after adjusting for confounders.DISCUSSION:Reduced proximal esophageal contractility as assessed by decreased PCI on HRM independently predicted increased pharyngeal reflux in patients with LPR symptoms, particularly among those without a coexisting motility disorder.

Optional Management of Achalasia in 2021: Dilatation or Myotomy

AbstractAchalasia cardia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, defined by lack of normal esophageal peristalsis along with inadequate relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter . The mainstay of management in achalasia includes pneumatic dilatation, Heller’s myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Pneumatic dilatation and Heller’s myotomy have gained maturity over several decades. The current best practice with regard to pneumatic dilatation is graded and on-demand dilatation in appropriately selected cases with type I and II achalasia. Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy plus partial fundoplication is minimally invasive with reduced postoperative reflux and has virtually replaced open Heller’s myotomy with or without fundoplication. The subtyping of achalasia using high-resolution manometry bears prognostic significance and may help in choosing appropriate therapeutic modality in these patients. Since all the three modalities are effective for type I and II achalasia, the choice among these depends on the availability, expertise, and patient’s preferences. On the other hand, POEM is more effective than pneumatic dilatation and Heller’s myotomy and, therefore, preferred in type III achalasia. Although POEM is effective across the spectrum of esophageal motility disorders, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux is high and needs to be considered while choosing among various options in these patients. In cases with failed POEM, redo POEM appears to be effective in alleviating symptoms.

Management of Ineffective Esophageal Hypomotility.

Esophageal hypomotility in general and especially ineffective esophageal motility according to the Chicago criteria of primary motility disorders of the esophagus, is one of the most frequently diagnosed motility disorders on high resolution manometry and results in a large number of patients visiting gastroenterologists. Most patients with esophageal hypomotility present with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms or dysphagia. The clinical relevance of the motility pattern, however, is not well established but seems to be correlated with disease severity in reflux patients. The correlation with dysphagia is less clear. Prokinetic agents are commonly prescribed as first line pharmacologic intervention to target esophageal smooth muscle contractility and improve esophageal motor functions. However, the beneficial effects of these medications are limited and only confined to some specific drugs. Serotonergic agents, including buspirone, mosapride and prucalopride have been shown to improve parameters of esophageal motility although the effect on symptoms is less clear. Understanding on the complex correlation between esophageal hypomotility and esophageal symptoms as well as the limited evidence of prokinetic agents is necessary for physicians to appropriately manage patients with Ineffective Esophageal Motility (IEM).

Cardiac achalasia in an infant

AbstractCardiac achalasia is one of the rarest illnesses of the esophagus. adults are more prone to cardiac achalasia. Occasionally it may occur in adolescence and late childhood but it is very rare in infancy. Cardiac achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus which is characterized by the absence of effective peristalsis in response to swallowing and a failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The diagnosis of early-onset cardiac achalasia depends mainly on symptoms which the patient complains. The main symptom is retrosternal discomfort or dysphagia. These symptoms can’t be informed by a nonverbal infant. Failure to thrive or gradual loss of weight and recurrent respiratory tract infection with cough during sleep are nonspecific manifestations for diagnosis of cardiac achalasia in infancy. No specific signs present during Physical examination. Barium swallow remains one of the most important tools for the diagnosis of achalasia. We report a case of achalasia in infants. We have described an 11-month-old boy with cardiac achalasia who presented with recurrent vomiting, failure to thrive, and recurrent chest infection. Our case was treated with Heller’s esophagocardiomyotomy and anti-reflux procedure.

Long-term outcomes of treatments for achalasia.

Idiopathic achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus that results in dysphagia, weight loss, and impaired quality of life. Several treatment options are available to gastroenterologists, and insights on the long-term outcome of these modalities are discussed. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) represents a novel endoscopic technique in the treatment of achalasia. Studies on long-term outcomes and comparison to other well-known treatment modalities such as laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and pneumodilation have recently been published. POEM and LHM both have excellent 2-year success rates for relieving achalasia symptoms, but reflux disease and erosive esophagitis are more prevalent following POEM. Several treatment modalities with excellent long-term outcomes are available for the treatment of achalasia. The different options should be discussed with patients and treatments should be tailored to their individual needs.

Prevalence and clinical significance of esophageal motility disorders in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms

Esophageal motor dysfunction may underlie impaired bolus/refluxate clearance in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). However, the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility and its correlation with reflux parameters and symptoms in LPR is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coexisting esophageal dysmotility among patients with suspected LPR. This was a retrospective cohort study of 194 consecutive patients with LPR symptoms referred for high-resolution manometry (HRM) and combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH testing at a tertiary center in March 2018 to August 2019. Validated symptom surveys were prospectively collected at time of testing, including Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, dominant symptom intensity, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. HRM findings were categorized using Chicago Classification v3.0. Abnormal findings on HRM were identified in 84 (43.3%) patients, with ineffective esophageal motility (n=60, 30.9%) as the most common diagnosis. A disorder of esophagogastric junction outflow or a major disorder of peristalsis was identified in 26 (13.4%) patients, including 2 (1%) with achalasia and 7 (3.6%) with jackhammer esophagus. Reflux burden (distal, proximal, or pharyngeal) on combined hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH testing did not differ across HRM findings. Patients reporting esophageal symptoms were more likely to have a primary motility disorder (odds ratio 2.34, P=0.04). However, no significant differences in Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, or 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey were noted across HRM diagnoses. Esophageal motility disorders are prevalent among patients with LPR symptoms, including up to one in seven with esophagogastric junction outflow or major peristaltic disorder. Patients with abnormal motility more likely report esophageal symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of these coexisting conditions, particularly in those with refractory symptoms.

CD8 T-Cell-Predominant Lymphocytic Esophagitis is One of the Major Patterns of Lymphocytic Inflammation in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Published reports have suggested an association of lymphocytic esophagitis (LyE) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and primary motility disorders and have also shown that GERD and motility disorders frequently overlap. These findings make it difficult to determine the true relationship between LyE and GERD, which may be confounded by the presence of motility disorders with LyE. To characterize patterns of lymphocytic inflammation in patients with GERD who have no motility abnormalities. We identified 161 patients seen at our institution from 1998 to 2014 who were diagnosed with GERD, had normal esophageal motility, and available esophageal biopsies. LyE was defined as peripapillary lymphocytosis with rare or absent granulocytes. CD4 and CD8 immunophenotype of lymphocytes was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. We found increased intraepithelial lymphocytes in 13.7% of patients with GERD. Two major patterns and 1 minor pattern of lymphocytic inflammation were observed as follows: (1) LyE (in 6.8% [11 of 161] of patients and typically focal), (2) dispersed lymphocytes in an area of reflux esophagitis (in 5.6% [9 of 161] and typically diffuse), and (3) peripapillary lymphocytes in an area of reflux esophagitis (in 1.2% [2 of 161]). CD8 T cells significantly outnumbered CD4 T cells in 91% of patients with lymphocytic esophagitis and 100% of patients with dispersed lymphocytes (9 of 9) or peripapillary lymphocytes (2 of 2) in the area of reflux esophagitis. These findings suggest that LyE is one of the major patterns of lymphocytic inflammation in GERD. CD8 T-cell-predominant immunophenotype may be useful as a marker of GERD in the differential diagnosis of LyE.

Achalasia: what to do in the face of failures of Heller myotomy.

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, and while there are several treatment options, there is no consensus regarding them. When therapeutic intervention for achalasia fails, a careful evaluation of the cause of the persistent or recurrent symptoms using upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and contrast radiologic studies is required to understand the cause of therapy failure and guide plans for subsequent treatment. Options for reintervention are the same as for primary intervention and include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injection, peroral endoscopic myotomy, or redo esophageal myotomy. When reintervention fails or if the esophagus is not amenable to intervention and the disease is considered end-stage, esophagectomy is the last option to manage recurrent achalasia.

2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines.

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder characterized by insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. Achalasia is a chronic disease that causes progressive irreversible loss of esophageal motor function. The recent development of high-resolution manometry has facilitated the diagnosis of achalasia, and determining the achalasia subtypes based on high-resolution manometry can be important when deciding on treatment methods. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is less invasive than surgery with comparable efficacy. The present guidelines (the “2019 Seoul Consensus on Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines”) were developed based on evidence-based medicine; the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility served as the operating and development committees, respectively. The development of the guidelines began in June 2018, and a draft consensus based on the Delphi process was achieved in April 2019. The guidelines consist of 18 recommendations: 2 pertaining to the definition and epidemiology of achalasia, 6 pertaining to diagnoses, and 10 pertaining to treatments. The endoscopic treatment section is based on the latest evidence from meta-analyses. Clinicians (including gastroenterologists, upper gastrointestinal tract surgeons, general physicians, nurses, and other hospital workers) and patients could use these guidelines to make an informed decision on the management of achalasia.