Achalasia of the cardia: experience of extramucosal cardiomyotomy during a ten-year period.

Twenty-three cases of achalasia of the cardia admitted to Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Abeba, during a ten-year period, 1976-85, were analyzed for clinical features, means of diagnosis, treatment and results. The common age groups were young adults and middle aged people. There is a definite preponderance of males. Clinical features and diagnosis are discussed in detail. Treatment was exclusively surgical using cardiomyotomy. Of the 23 operated cases, 20 had good or satisfactory results. Three cases developed recurrent dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux was seen postoperatively in three cases.