Achalasia, according to UF Health Surgeon Michael Latzko, is a relatively rare esophageal disorder – one that makes it difficult for food to pass from the patient’s esophagus to their stomach. A laparoscopic surgery specialist, Dr. Latzko says that achalasia can manifest itself in a number of conditions, including regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain and sometimes even difficulty swallowing.
Dr. Michael Latzko further explains, there are several treatment options available to those with achalasia, including:
· Pneumatic dilation, which involves inflating the esophageal sphincter with a balloon.
· Medication, sometimes including such muscle relaxants as nifedipine or nitroglycerin.
· Botox, a muscle relaxant that may be injected directly into the esophageal sphincter using an endoscope.
· Surgery, including myotomy (a small incision at the lower end of the sphincter that makes it easier for food to pass) and fundoplication (involving the tightening of the sphincter muscle using the top part of the stomach).
