Treatment efficiency of achalasia with esophageal balloon dilation at Bach Mai Hospital and 108 Military Central Hospital

To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of achalasia with esophageal balloon dilation at Bach Mai Hospital and 108 Military Central Hospital. Subject and method: A longitudinal follow-up intervention study on 75 patients diagnosed Diagnosis of achalasia indicated esophageal dilation at Bach Mai Hospital and 108 Military Central Hospital from 1/2014 to 12/2019. Result: Symptom score and frequency of dysphagia and reflux after dilation decreased significantly compared to before the intervention. These scores dropped sharply after 1 month, then gradually increased again. Most patients gain weight after dilation, especially after 3 months. The mean Eckardt score after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively, 1.0 ± 1.2, 1.7 ± 1.3, 2.0 ± 1.2 and 2.5 ± 1.3 points; they were significantly lower than before performing balloon angioplasty (p<0.01). The rate of successful treatment after intervention 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 94.7% and 93.3%, 89.3% and 81.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Esophageal balloon dilation in patients with achalasia reduces the severity and frequency of clinical symptoms and the Eckardt score. However, symptoms tend to recur over time. The higher success rates compared to other studies suggest a recommendation for widespread adoption of this treatment.