Abstract
The initial treatment of choice in patients with achalasia is balloon dilation. Heretofore, this procedure was performed on an in-hospital basis resulting in high patient cost. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of pneumatic dilation as an outpatient procedure. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 50 patients at two centers. An overall treatment success rate of 95% (47 of 50 patients) was achieved. Two patients had elective surgical treatment and a third underwent surgery for perforation secondary to dilation. A total of three patients complained of post-procedure chest pain within 4 hours and were hospitalized. Two had perforations; one required surgical repair. The third patient had resolution of symptoms. We conclude that performing balloon dilation as an outpatient procedure is safe, efficacious, and cost effective.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 123-126 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Gastrointestinal endoscopy |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1990 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Gastroenterology