1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Oesophageal Achalasia and Spasm

Achalasia - anything new?

Posted , 5 users are following.

donna15310
donna15310

Apart from: Heller Myotomy, POEM, Fundoplications, Balloon Dilations, Botox - is there anything 'new' on the horizon for those of us with Achalasia?  [I am type 1 - paralyzed esophagus].

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • JoyAsh
    JoyAsh donna15310

    Posted

    I'm praying there is because I was told there was nothing more I could have done to help me. I had the HM with dor fundoplication in 2012 and still have lots of problems. If there was another surgery I could have that would help, I'd definitely try it. No one wants to have surgery, but living like this is miserable. Have you had any of the above mentioned procedures done??? Have they helped??? 

    • donna15310
      donna15310 JoyAsh

      Posted

      Heller Myotomy & fundoplication [2016], 2 balloon dilations...minimal improvement; recent dilation was done a couple of months ago...lasted maybe a day; scheduled to have another motility test this week.

  • Greeka
    Greeka donna15310

    Posted

    2 years ago the specialist at the University of Iowa said that other than an esophagectomy the POEM surgery was my last option. I'll find out in april if theres anything new.

    • donna15310
      donna15310 Greeka

      Posted

      thank you, look forward to what you find out in April
  • neil32387
    neil32387 donna15310

    Posted

    Given advances in heart valve surgery etc, I am surprised nothing has emerged for LES replacement (at least nothing I have seen). Titanium Heart valves have a simple non-return function. Obviously, its much more complex than it may seem, but still an area that may see some development. Maybe one day even an acid resistant biomaterial lower O. All sounds a bit pie in the sky, but I do think if A was more common, there would be more advanced options available... Keep hoping... Warmest to all. N. 
  • DJ-RN
    DJ-RN donna15310

    Posted

    I heard about some implantable device they’re using to help stimulate the LES to open and contract, but don’t know much about it. They already have something similar. Good Luck!

    DJRN

    • neil32387
      neil32387 DJ-RN

      Posted

      Just inspired a quick google - thanks DJN. Might be a device called endostim. Designed for GERD but googled 'endostim achalasia' and some interesting stuff... N. 

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.