Achalasia
What Is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In patients with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach.
Over time, the normal muscle contractions of the esophagus may also weaken or stop functioning properly, leading to progressive swallowing difficulties and discomfort.
At Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center, we provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced minimally invasive treatment options for patients with achalasia throughout Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, and surrounding western suburban communities.
Symptoms of Achalasia
Symptoms of achalasia often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids
- Food "sticking" in the chest
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Chest pain or pressure
- Heartburn-like symptoms
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Unintended weight loss
- Choking episodes or aspiration
Because achalasia symptoms can resemble GERD or acid reflux, proper evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of Achalasia
The exact cause of achalasia is not fully understood. The condition is believed to result from damage to the nerves controlling the muscles of the esophagus. This prevents the esophagus from moving food normally and interferes with relaxation of the LES.
Achalasia is uncommon and may occur in adults of various ages.
Diagnosis of Achalasia
Achalasia is diagnosed using specialized testing to evaluate esophageal function and rule out other digestive conditions.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Esophageal manometry
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Barium swallow study
- Imaging studies when appropriate
Esophageal manometry is considered the gold standard test for diagnosing achalasia because it measures the muscle contractions and pressure within the esophagus.
Treatment Options for Achalasia
Treatment focuses on improving swallowing by reducing pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter and helping food pass more easily into the stomach.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical techniques may provide long-term symptom relief for many patients with achalasia.
Robotic Heller Myotomy
A robotic Heller myotomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the tight muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter are carefully divided to improve swallowing function.
Robotic-assisted surgery may offer:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Improved surgical precision
In some cases, a partial fundoplication may also be performed to help reduce reflux symptoms after surgery.
Other Treatment Options
Depending on the patient's condition and severity of symptoms, additional treatment options may include:
- Balloon dilation
- Endoscopic therapies
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections
- Medical management in selected patients
Benefits of Achalasia Treatment
Treatment may help patients:
- Swallow more comfortably
- Reduce regurgitation and choking episodes
- Improve nutrition and weight stability
- Decrease chest discomfort
- Improve quality of life and daily functioning
Early diagnosis and treatment may also help reduce long-term complications associated with untreated achalasia.
Personalized Foregut & Esophageal Care
At Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center, we provide individualized treatment plans using advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques for patients with esophageal and foregut disorders.
Our team focuses on compassionate care, accurate diagnosis, and long-term symptom relief for patients throughout Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, and nearby western suburban communities.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, regurgitation, or other symptoms of achalasia, contact Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about available treatment options.
For in-depth information please visit Dr. Kudsi's website: Achalasia
