Perendoscopic pneumatic dilatation in achalasia: short and mid-term results.

The experience with pneumatic dilatation of the cardia under endoscopic control in 10 patients with achalasia is reported. For dilatation a modified Witzel dilator on a fiberscope was used; progressive pressures from 100 to 300 mmHg were applied; the dilatations were repeated at increasing intervals of time for a period of 1 year. The clinical, radiological, endoscopic and manometric results were satisfactory. Dynamic scintigraphy was performed in 3 patients before treatment, and after the fourth dilatation. No important complications were observed.