The evaluation of the dilation-degree classification of esophageal achalasia patients from the viewpoint of esophageal clearance

• Published in: Surgery today (Tokyo, Japan) Japan), 2021-06, Vol.51 (6), p.962-970
• Main Authors: Tsuboi, Kazuto, Yano, Fumiaki, Omura, Nobuo, Hoshino, Masato, Akimoto, Shunsuke, Masuda, Takahiro, Sakashita, Yuki, Fukushima, Naoko, Ikegami, Toru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Surgery; Surgical Oncology
• ISSN: 0941-1291; 1436-2813
• DOI: 10.1007/s00595-020-02193-2

Purpose To examine whether or not we could propose a more appropriate dilation-degree classification suitable for the pathological condition of patients with esophageal achalasia. Methods In accordance with the current dilation-degree classification, the maximum dilated diameter was measured based on the esophageal barium swallow. The relationship between the pathophysiology and dilation-degree classification was examined. Furthermore, the current dilatation-degree classification from the viewpoint of esophageal clearance was evaluated to examine whether or not a more appropriate dilatation-degree classification could be proposed. Results Because the clearance ratio tended to decrease at a maximum expansion diameter of 80 mm, when the maximum dilated diameter was divided into units of 10 mm, they were classified into two groups, with 80 mm as the boundary. As a result, the illness period was significantly prolonged ( p  = 0.0045) and the frequency of sigmoid type was high ( p