[Choice of treatment in achalasia of the cardia].

Results of examination and treatment of 120 patients with cardiac achalasia (CA) are described. The investigation included 13 patients with the I stage of CA, 35 patients with the II stage, 50 patients with the III stage and 22 patients with the IV stage. Indications were established to cardiodilatation and operative treatment of CA. On the basis of an analysis of long-term results the most effective method of treatment was determined depending on functional impairments of the cardia and the motor function of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. The doses of cardiodilatation were designed giving an objective picture of the dilatation of the cardiac muscles obtained that resulted in better results of the treatment. The potentials of videoendoscopic operative interventions in patients with different stages of CA were studied which allowed to reduce the operative trauma, frequency of intra- and postoperative complications, to shorten the terms of hospitalization.