Oesophageal achalasia

What is oesophageal achalasia and what causes it?

The oesophageal achalasia is a disorder that pertains to the organ’s motility. Its cause is so far unknown. The oesophagus cannot complete its peristaltic movements that are useful for the passage of food to the stomach. In addition, the lower oesophageal sphincter does not open sufficiently when the food passes, because it is in a state of constant spasm.

It mainly appears at 30-60 years of age, with the same effect on both sexes.

Achalasia is considered a pre-malignant condition because, after approximately 15-25 years, oesophageal cancer develops in 1%-10% of the patients.

Oesophageal achalasia symptoms

This classic triad of coexisting symptoms is observed:

1. Dysphagia. Patients have difficulty in swallowing their food, and they feel that it gets stuck somewhere in the oesophagus.

2. Regurgitation. Because food does not pass properly to the stomach, it accumulates in the oesophagus, resulting in regurgitation in the form of small amounts of vomit. When this occurs during sleep as well, then due to lung aspiration, conditions favouring pneumonia and pulmonary abscesses are created over time.

3. Weight loss, due to malnutrition.

Oesophageal achalasia symptoms

The above mentioned symptoms are so common of the disease, that lead the patients to asking for medical advice.

With the complete radiographic and fluoroscopic examination, in conjunction with endoscopy, the diagnosis is typically confirmed. A special test called manometry is used to fully confirm the existence of the disorder.

Oesophageal achalasia treatment

The oesophageal achalasia treatment is based on three pillars:

1. Pharmaceutical treatment with special medication, that usually fails.

2. Endoscopic intervention. Usually expansions are applied, with the purpose to expand the diameter of the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter. The duration of the symptoms relief is often not satisfying. Lastly, toxin infusions (botox) are used to paralyse the sphincter and improve swallowing. However, in this case also, the relief is temporary.

3. Surgery. This is the definitive treatment of the disease. The surgery is called “Heller laparoscopic myotomy” and in some cases it is accompanied by Dor or Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication. It is considered the standard surgical treatment, while the corresponding open surgery is no longer used today.

Through small, 5 mm incisions, the laparoscope and the special laparoscopic instruments are inserted into the abdomen. Then, an incision is made on the oesophageal muscle layer (a few centimetres), and, if necessary, the procedure is accompanied by a fundoplication of the stomach around the lower oesophagus.

The surgery lasts 1-2 hours. The next day, the patient can leave the hospital, and in a short period of time return to their usual habits, relieved from the disorder’s symptoms.

ABOUT

Anastasios G. Xiarchos

General Surgeon

  • Director of General and Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic of the Medical Center of Athens
  • President of the Scientific Association of Anorectal Surgery

Contact Info

Office:
Patriarchou Ioakeim 25, Kolonaki, 10675

Office Tel:
0030 210 7296584

Secretarey Tel: 0030 6938 340 082

24hr Emergency Phone Number: 0030 6983 340 082

info@axiarchos.gr

4 SHORT ANSWERS ABOUT DR. ANASTASIOS XIARCHOS

Learn More About the Doctor

Who is Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos?

Anastasios G. Xiarchos is a General Surgeon, the Director of General and Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic of the Medical Center of Athens – Peristeri Clinic and the President of the Scientific Association of Anorectal Surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos on the page with his
curriculum vitae.

What are the days and hours that I contact him?

To book an appointment call 0030 210 7296584 or his secretary directly at 0030 69 38340082.

Once you’ve booked your appointment you can visit the Doctor at his office in Kolonaki (Patriarchiou Ioakeim 25) or at the Medical Center of Athens.

In case of a medical emergency, please call the following number: • Office Tel.: 0030 210 7296584
• Secretary Tel.: 0030 69 38340082

24hr Emergency Phone Number:
0030 6938 340 082

Which funds and insurances are supported?

Affordable Packages & Contracts with:

• All funds

• All private insurance companies

Where does Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos operate?

Athens Medical Group