Long-term results of Troidl's technique of endoscopic pneumatic dilatation for achalasia of the esophagus. A prospective clinical trial.

In a prospective clinical trial, 26 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic pneumatic dilatation over a 10-year period. Dilatation was achieved by means of a balloon attached to a normal gastrointestinal fiberscope. With the endoscope in an inverse position, the device was placed in the cardia and the dilatation process was monitored macroscopically. Before dilatation, patients suffered from dysphagia (92%), reduced speed of swallowing (100%), symptom aggravation under stress (73%), weight loss (50%), aspiration, pain, regurgitation, and vomiting. After dilatation and long-term follow-up (mean of 5 years), symptoms could be markedly reduced, especially the speed of eating and symptom aggravation under stress. Excellent and good results (Visick scale) were achieved in 76%. Fair results were achieved in 20%. To date, perforation and other complications have not occurred. Mortality was zero. Our series was an uncontrolled trial, so the results are hardly comparable to other studies. Furthermore, the small number of patients in our study represents a weak point with regard to complications. We conclude that the main advantages of the procedure are its simplicity and practicability. The simple procedure may be the method of choice in elderly patients. Of course, no final decision can be made until a well-designed controlled trial has been carried out.