Review article : Anesthesiologist role in achalasia patients

Abstract

Achalasia is a disorder of esophageal motility
characterized by an incomplete or absent
esophagogastric junction relaxation associated
with loss of peristalsis or uncoordinated contractions
of esophageal body in response to swallowing.
Various treatment modalities include pharmacotherapy,
injection of botulinum toxin, endoscopic
pneumatic dilatation, per-oral esophageal myotomy
and esophagectomy. However, these procedures need
some forms of anesthesia. Importantly, proper patient
selection and preparation, appropriate monitoring
and prevention of complications as well as anesthetic
management during and after the procedures are
needed.